Bar Harbor

Bar Harbor Knit Top by Alicia Plummer

What is Being Made

Bar Harbor is a knit top designed by Alicia Plummer, available in eight sizes ranging from 32 inches to 60 inches finished bust. This garment is a sophisticated linen knit sweater inspired by the dramatic coastal landscape of Bar Harbor, Maine, featuring a color-work design that evokes the misty, atmospheric quality of the region's rugged shoreline.

Craft and Construction Method

This is a knitting project worked using a hybrid construction technique. The sweater begins with flat knitting from the top down, starting at the neckline. After the initial flat sections are completed at the underarms and bodice, the piece transitions to working in the round at the neckline. The sides are then worked flat and seamed along the edges for a polished finish. Finally, stitches are picked up and knit at the hem to complete the color-work detail, a technique known as color tipping that adds visual interest to the garment's lower edge.

Stitches and Techniques Used

The primary stitch pattern is stockinette stitch, which creates a smooth, classic fabric ideal for showcasing color work. The pattern incorporates color-work knitting using both a main color (MC) and contrasting color (CC), allowing for the creation of the atmospheric, two-tone design. Construction techniques include:

• Top-down flat knitting for the upper body and bodice sections
• Transitioning from flat to in-the-round knitting at the neckline
• Stitch holding at underarms to manage shaping
• Picking up and knitting stitches at the hem for color tipping detail
• Seaming flat-worked side sections

Materials: Yarn, Needles, and Notions

Yarn: Quince & Co Kestrel, a 100% linen aran weight yarn with 76 yards per skein. Yardage requirements vary by size: 4 to 9 skeins of main color (MC) and 2 to 4 skeins of contrasting color (CC), depending on the finished bust measurement selected.

Needles: US 10.5 (6.5 mm) needles for the main fabric and US 9 (5.5 mm) needles for ribbing or other sections requiring a tighter gauge. A 32-inch or longer circular needle is required, with coordinating double-pointed needles (DPNs) recommended if not using the magic loop method for working in the round.

Gauge: 14 stitches and 20 rows in stockinette stitch over 4 inches (10 cm) using the larger needles.

Additional Notions: Four stitch markers for tracking pattern repeats and shaping, scrap yarn or a stitch holder for holding stitches at the underarms during construction, and a tapestry needle for seaming and weaving in ends.

Difficulty Level

Bar Harbor is rated as a beginner level knitting pattern, making it accessible to knitters new to garment construction while still offering the satisfaction of creating a beautifully designed, wearable piece.