Zodiac Check Mate Top (Beginner)

The Garment

You asked, we made it ! We are so happy to release our yarn kits and pattern for our new Zodiac Checkmate Top. 

We want everyone to be able to enjoy this and know how colourwork can seem intimidating so we have especially designed the pattern to be beginner friendly. For those who are up for the challenge, we will be releasing a pattern using an instarsia method shortly.

The Zodiac Check Mate Top (Beginner Version) is constructed by knitting individual vertical columns and then sewing them together using mattress stitch. The German Short Row method is used to make the shoulder panels which are inserted between the front and back body pieces to help shape the garment. To keep on track with all the pieces we recommend sewing them together as you go. Each size has 5 different colour squares across the main body, and the squares become larger in accordance with each size.

Note, the sleeve squares are slightly different sizes to the body squares. The length can be made adjustable depending on your taste, however any adjustments will affect the stated yardage

 You can also buy this pattern on Ravelry here.

Find the kits for this pattern here!

Just add both your bundle and pattern to your basket and the pattern will automatically be deducted from your total amount.

Materials & Sizing

This sample in Size M (Size 3)  knitted using our Zodiac Check Mate Top Kit - Veranita & Wensleyhaze - Heather & Dark Forest

Sizes 1, 2, 3 (4, 5, 6) 7, 8, 9.
To fit bust measurement: 71-76, 81-86, 91-96 (101-106, 111-117, 122-127) 132-137, 142-147,152-158 cm. / 28-30, 32-34, 36-38 (40-42, 44-46, 48-50) 52-54, 56-58, 60-
62 inches.

(see full yardage in product image details if you are planning to use different yarn to the suggested kits.)

Yarn A

Qing Fibre Veranita - 79% cashmere, 21% silk, 25g - 300m / 328yrd.

Total 357, 376, 383, (411, 411, 439) 437, 472, 503 m / 390, 411, 419, (449, 449, 480) 478, 516, 550 yds. All sizes equal to 2 skeins.

Yarn B 

Qing Fibre Wensleyhaze - 80% Wensleydale, 20% Super Kid Mohair. 50g - 300m / 218yrd.

Total 587, 622, 645, (685, 708, 748) 767, 815, 859 m / 641, 680, 705, (749, 774, 818) 839, 891, 939 yds. Equal to 3, 4, 4 (4, 4, 4) 4, 5, 5 skeins.

Gauge

13 sts x 24.5 rows for 10 x 10cm / 4 x 4” Swatch in stockinette stitch with 6.0mm / 10US needle.

Needles

Main body: 6.0mm / 10US

Ribbing: 5.0mm / 8US Circular needle if working the hem in the round

Complimentary Yarn Kits

Have fun! We can't wait to see the colours you pick for this one. We recommend using one of our specially crafted kits. Choose from:

• Zodiac Checkmate Kit - Veranita & Wensleyhaze - Peach & Hero
• Zodiac Checkmate Kit - Veranita & Wensleyhaze - Heather & Dark Forest
• Zodiac Checkmate Kit - Veranita & Dashing Sassy - Pistachio & Lapine
• Zodiac Checkmate Kit - Veranita & Wensleyhaze - Candlelight & White
• Zodiac Checkmate Kit - Veranita & Wensleyhaze - Pthalo & Ninja Turtle
• Zodiac Checkmate Kit - Veranita & Dashing Sassy - Tea & Oceanid