The Olive Top: A Heartfelt Knitting Journey

Despite being new to knitting freehand, my ambition keeps me busy! Instead of slowly creating accessories like many do, I dove straight into crafting a summer top.

This post offers a behind-the-scenes glimpse of:

• How The Olive Top came to life, from concept to completion

• The inspiration behind the design

• A peek into the process of creating the pattern

• Ready to knit it? Here’s the technical details!

  
  

How The Olive Top Came To Be

The top began as vague sketches on post-it notes. I scribbled these while working as an English Language Coach. Since those first notes in February 2025, it has transformed into something entirely unique.

Initially, I cast on with excitement. However, my attempts never looked as I envisioned. I frogged multiple times before I put the needles down. Honestly, I felt discouraged about knitting and sharing my journey online—a bit dramatic, I know. But then, life took a sharp turn.

One Tuesday morning, I received news about my brother's serious condition. It was shocking and something no one expects. Amidst the confusion, I booked a flight to be with my family in the UK.

In the midst of grief, I packed my neglected WIP (work in progress). I turned to knitting as a coping mechanism. During five days of quiet company with my parents, the stitches started to flow. My abstract idea crystallized into true focus. Frogging, a natural part of the process, became less daunting. The first version of The Olive Top flew off the needles. As I knit, I landed on the name—Olive—as a soft tribute to my brother, Oliver.

'Olive' traces back to the Latin name "olivarius," meaning "olive tree planter." Now, if you wonder why Olive, well, c’est ça.

Style Inspiration for The Olive Top

As a ’90s baby, I drew inspiration from popular silhouettes of the era—slightly cropped, fitted, and flattering necklines. True to my style, I couldn’t resist adding delicate cable details. I avoided a heavy aran-knit style, seeking a refined touch with just enough texture.

The Design Process

The first sketches did not resemble the final design. However, one feature remained consistent—the wide, boat-neck neckline. At first, I neglected to swatch and disregarded gauge (don't judge me! I’ve learned since then). I followed the yarn label guidelines and cast on with the vision of a cropped, tight summer knit.

Initially, I envisioned a top-down construction to work on fine detailing for the yoke. But after several failed attempts, I pivoted to a bottom-up approach, knitting in the round. After making that switch, things started to flow more smoothly.

Midway through knitting, I decided to add subtle cabling for visual interest without bulk. This led me to frog and re-knit, with cables climbing up the sides and transitioning onto the bust and shoulder edges. I completed the first version a week later.

When I measured it, I found I had created a piece with over 25 cm of negative ease for my size. I often wear a size S, but this version became a baseline for writing my pattern. I graded the initial work from a size XXS to a full 5XL through careful measuring and a lot of math (which isn’t my strongest suit!).

Then came my personal mini-test-knit phase!

Mini test 1: I cast on a size S and tweaked the pattern, addressing shoulder and bust fitting issues.

Mini test 2: I cast on an XS to check the updated fit and further adjusted the pattern for precision.

Release no.1 for testing: After releasing for testing, I reached out to early interested knitters. One pointed out critical sizing issues. I withdrew the test call, re-calibrated my calculations, and discovered my mini test sizes were off!

Release no.2 for testing: I re-launched the testing phase with incredible interest! I happily selected several testers. The test began in late May and was initially set to finish by June 26. However, due to needed mid-testing edits, it has since been extended!

This experience was a true baptism by fire! I faced challenges with negative ease, panel shaping, shoulder width, and several typos. At times, I felt like throwing in the towel but reminded myself why I knit—I love the process!

I owe immense gratitude to my amazing testers. This pattern would have been a chaotic mess without their support. They created beautiful Olive Tops that will soon be included in the final pattern available for purchase.

Want to Knit It? Here Are The Details!

The Olive Top is now available on Ravelry! It’s designed as a modern knit with clean lines and delicate details, perfect for adventurous beginners. Many testers mentioned it is an ideal piece to start your cable knitting journey.

Featuring subtle cables under the arms and along the front and back panel edges, along with a soft boat neckline, this piece is knit bottom-up in the round to the underarm. From there, it splits for the front and back, worked flat and seamed at the shoulders using the mattress stitch.

Highly customizable, the pattern allows you to adjust body and panel lengths for the perfect fit! My uniquely created, non-rolling edge serves as the neckline.

• Sizes: (XXS) XS (S) M (L) XL (2XL) 3XL (4XL) 5XL

- Intended to fit close to the body, aiming for 7-10 cm of negative ease across the bust.

- For a slightly-fitted look, select a size that is 7-10 cm smaller than your actual bust measurement.

- For a snug fit, go down a size from what you otherwise would choose.

- For a relaxed look, pick the size closest to your actual bust measurement.

Finished bust circumference of the top per size:

XXS	XS	S	M	L
59cm	69cm	77cm	86cm	96cm
XL	2XL	3XL	4XL	5XL
107cm	117cm	127cm	137cm	148cm

• Needles: Use 4mm/US 6 circular needles. Choose a cable length matching your bust circumference.

• Yarn: Lightweight DK Cotton.

- I used: Drops Cotton Light (50% Cotton, 50% Polyester; 50 g skein = approx 105 m).

- You'll need: (5) 5 (5) 6 (6) 7 (8) 8 (9) 9 skeins.

Note: Calculated based on an underarm to cast-on edge length of 37cm. Longer knitting requires more yarn.

• Gauge: 21 sts x 28 rows on 4mm needles.

  
  

This pattern is beginner-friendly and intuitive once you get started. You can customize it for a snug or relaxed fit, making it the perfect choice for summer. I promise, you'll want to wear this knit every day!

Final Thoughts

Creating The Olive Top reminded me of the joy that comes from slow, meaningful knitting. If you're seeking a satisfying project that’s also stylish, this top may be just what you need.

Happy knitting!