Knitters in order: @renewal.collective, @yarn.peguin, @andrea.plants, @rains_yarn, @knit_brit_knit, @lestricotsdelene, @kniterryann, carriephernalia, @knitricot, @andrea.plants, @in.a,knitshell, @nicolepalmerdesignz, @sanitys_sweets, @solarhatcrochet, @lavendelleknits, @gigis.knits, @vi.accau, and @sarahallwarden.
This includes the Monarch Top AND The Monarch Skirt pattern!
Monarch Top:
Pattern notes:
This ruffle crop top is knitted from the top down in the round. Seed stitch is worked for the ruffle at the bottom. The straps are knitted separately in double stockinette, then stitches are picked up for the seed ruffle. The straps are then sewn on.
Yarn requirements:
Any DK weight yarn that meets gauge. Keep in mind that you may require additional yarn amounts if you knit the top longer or choose the option with the most stitches for the body, resulting in a looser fit.
If your bust is a D cup and above, I would suggest you have a generous amount of yarn on hand to ensure you have the coverage you are looking for. You may have to add a little bit of extra length to the body to suit your preference!
XXS- 300 meters
XS- 350 meters
S- 375 meters
M- 400 meters
L- 450 meters
XL- 500 meters
2XL- 550 meters
3XL- 600 meters
Gauge:
10 cm x 10 cm (4 inch X 4 inch)
23 stitches X 30 rows in stockinette on 4 mm needles in the round. I suggest blocking your gauge swatch before you begin.
Needles:
3.5 mm and 4 mm circular needles. Cord lengths can be 32, 60, 80 or 100 cm cord length (12, 24, 30 or 40 inches).
Other Materials:
Scissors, safety pins, darning needle, stitch markers, and a measuring tape.
Optional: Elastic for the band if desired.
Sizing:
If your upper-bust measurement is between....
XXS- between 68.5-73.5 cm (27-29 inches)
XS- between 73.5-79 cm (29-31 inches)
S- between 81-85 cm (32-34 inches)
M- between 89-94 cm (35-38 inches)
L- between 99-106 cm (39-42 inches)
XL- between 109-114 cm (42-45 inches)
2XL- between 116-124 cm (46-49 inches)
3XL- between 127-134 cm (50-53 inches)
The band has about 25 cm (10 inches) of negative ease built into it. It is advisable to size up if you are worried about band fit, or are on the cusp of 2 sizes.
The garment is designed to have roughly 10-20 cm (4-8 inches) of negative ease at the widest part of your bust, for a fitted fit. There are 2 different increase options for the body of the top. Option 1 provides the smallest amount of increases, and option 2 provides the most.
There is about 7.5-10 cm (3-4 inches) more ease built in the option 2 increases as opposed to option 1. If there is a drastic difference between the widest part of your bust compared to your upper-bust (20 cm/8 inches or more), then pick option 2 for increases, or even size up in the upper-bust band.
Monarch Skirt:
Pattern notes:
This ruffle skirt is knitted from the top down in the round. There are two options for the waistband: an i-cord tie or an elastic band. There are three increase options to ensure that the knitter can knit the body of the skirt to their liking. German short rows help shape the back of the skirt to ensure enough length in the back. Seed stitch is worked for the ruffle at the bottom.
Yarn:
Any DK weight yarn that meets gauge. Keep in mind that this is an approximate yarn amount. I recommend a wool blend for a nice drape and shape retention. You may require additional yarn if you prefer to make the skirt longer or choose the increase option with the most stitches for the body.
XXS- 450 meters
XS- 475 meters
S- 500 meters
M- 525 meters
L- 575 meters
XL- 650 meters
2XL- 750 meters
3XL- 875 meters
4XL- 950 meters
5XL- 1,000 meters
Note: Size 4XL has not been tested by test knitters. If you are interested in testing size 4XL, please reach out to me at renewalcollective1 [!at] gmail.com to receive a free copy of the pattern to test this size!
Gauge:
10 cm x 10 cm (4 inch X 4 inch)
22 stitches X 30 rows in stockinette on 4 mm needles in the round. I suggest blocking your gauge swatch before you begin.
Needles:
3.5 mm and 4 mm circular needles. Cord lengths can be 32, 60, 80 or 100 cm cord length (12, 24, 30 or 40 inches)
Other Materials:
Scissors, darning needle, stitch markers, safety pin, and a measuring tape.
Optional: For the elastic waistband option, you will need your choice of elastic that is about 5 cm (2 inches) longer than your waist circumference. I recommend 30 mm (3/4-1 inch) elastic for a thick band, sewing needle, and thread for the band if desired. A few elastic recommendations from testers are Supreme Lace brand and loops&threads 1” elastic.
Sizing:
If your waist measurement (where the waistband will sit on you) is between….
XXS- between 53.5-58 cm (21-23 inches)
XS- between 58-63.5 cm (23-25 inches)
S- between 63.5-68.5 cm (25-27 inches)
M- between 71-76 cm (28-30 inches)
L- between 81-86 cm (32-34 inches)
XL- between 91.5-96.5 cm (36-38 inches)
2XL- between 101.5-106.5 cm (40-42 inches)
3XL- between 112-114 cm (44-45 inches)
4XL- between 117-119 cm (46-47 inches)
5XL- between 124.5-129.5 cm (49-51 inches)
Choose Your Body Increase Option:
The garment is designed to have 10-18 cm (4-7 inches) of negative ease at the widest part of your hip/bum, for a fitted fit (as depicted in most photos). There are 3 different increase options for the body of the skirt. Option 1 provides the smallest amount of increases, and options 2 and 3 provide more increases, respectively. There is approximately 5-7.5 cm (2-3 inches) more ease in option 2 than option 1. There is approximately 7.5-15 cm (3-6 inches) more ease in option 3 than option 2.
The pattern will have more information about how to choose your increase option.
