MDK: Trellis Top

trellis top mdk refresh field guide

Trellis Top

So this top is all about the texture. It uses cables but in a very different way. Instead of a big dramatic cable statement these cables are small 1 by 1 cables that create a gentle, subtle, textured surface. This means that you can cover much more of your knitted fabric with cables without ever getting a stiff, heavy fabric. They are light enough to still allow for movement.

As top is all about the texture and fabric it creates the shaping and structure is kept to a minimum. I starts at the bottom with an all over cable that then moves into cable stripes. Each side is knit flat separately and you use an I-Cord edging all around afterwards to create a clean, finished look. This also allows you to put in the I-Cord Buttonholes at the very last minute right where you want them! If you want a more structured garment you can easily seam the sides to the armhole and then just add the applied I-Cord around the armhole opening.

This was the first swatch I did for this sweater using the Frog on the Wall colour. You can really see very clearly how those little cables move across the surface. However if you’re worried about doing so many small cable crossed I’ve got a cheat! This is one I learned from Barbara Walker. By using different combinations of k2tog you can create the illusion of a 2 stitch cable without every taking your stitches off the needle.

The finish of this top involved many variations of I-Cord; Applied all around the edge, turning corners smoothly and of course I-Cord buttonholes. I’ve done a little video for Mason-Dixon Knitting that details the I-Cord Edging for the sweater.

All new videos for this video series will be added to my MDK Youtube playlist here so that’s a great place to go to find the latest videos in this series.

If you want to see more images and details check out the Mason-Dixon Knitting blog here. They’re adding posts on the garments, with videos and extra photos all the time!

Where to Buy

You can find the digital version of the book on Ravelry here.

Print copies of the book are available through MDK here and you can also find their stockist list here.

Nua yarn is available from me directly here, from MDK or you can find Nua stockists here.

10 thoughts on “MDK: Trellis Top

  1. Hi Carol, I’m waiting for Figment to arrive; I ordered it specifically for Trellis. The lattice pattern is beautiful and I hope to make up Dorset buttons to go with it. I ordered a couple of kits a few weeks ago. Your baked goods sound yummy. I love to bake but quite frankly, all I feel like doing during this trying time is to knit and exercise. I find the two soothing. Our governor in NY has ordered all to wear masks and continue with social distancing until May 15th. Our world won’t be the same even after the restrictions are lifted. It’ll be interesting. I hope we’re able to continue with the Celtic Club projects; I look forward to the Guggen KAL. Thanks for keeping us informed. My best, Mel

  2. I ordered this booklet from MDK and Nua for my granddaughter. I can’t wait for the yarn to arrive and to get started. Thank you for the video’s, I am sure they will help when I get to the icord buttonhole, something new!

    Baking here, too. Made chicken pot pie yesterday and will make a pie with the left over crust today.

    Also, love the ramble through Ireland.

  3. Hi Carol,

    Just love this top and ordered my Nua from you only yesterday. Luckily living in Ireland too, I never have to wait too long even under the current circumstances. I got the book on Raverly and I have to say that although Trellis is my current favourite, I think there are other patterns in there which are just as beautiful. Will be working on this until the Guggen KAL and even went out of my colour zone ordering the same yarn as in the sample. Thanks for the great patterns.

  4. thanks Carol for the soda bread recipe.!!! I am anxious to make it as soon as I purchase buttermilk. Having visited Ireland I am very interested in Irish recipes and in the future I hope you will share more of them with us. Spending these quiet days knitting my Tabouli sweater hoping the world will be a better place as we pray for the end of the covid-19 virus. Elaine

  5. I am so glad to find your website. I have enjoyed and admired your designs for years. Your blog and emails have been so heartwarming during this difficult historical time. Blessings to you and your family.

  6. Hi Carol. I am knitting the Trellis top and I have a question. In the third paragraph under Shape Right Neck Edge, it says: Working on right shoulder sts only, BO 4 sts at neck edge once, then 3 sts once—37 (45 52, etc). How do I BO 4 sts once, then 3 sts once. This is all in same row.p? How is this different than BO 7 stitches? It repeats, of course, for left shoulder shaping. Thank you for your clarification. Love the pattern. It’s a beautiful pattern that gives so much depth for fairly easy stitches.

  7. These are done on different rows. The first RS row has 4 sts bound off, then you work a WS row and then you work the next RS row with 3 sts bound off at the beginning.

  8. Hi
    I have started the Trellis Top but my RC are not very pronounced. After k2tog are we Knitting in the front of the first knit stitch or the back loop?
    Thank you
    Kathy

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