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| Photos above © Sakura58 |
Tyra Top by Irina Poludnenko is an unusual textured layering piece originally published in S. Charles Collezione, Modern Living, Fall/Winter 2009.
Despite its name, Ravelry classifies Tyra Top in the shawl/wrap category. Its asymmetric shape, front fastening and textured seed-stitch fabric create a garment that sits somewhere between a vest, wrap and decorative layering piece.
This older design was previously presented on Amazing Knitting as a free pattern. However, the original publication is now out of print, and we could not verify a current authorized free download.
Pattern Availability Update
Tyra Top by Irina Poludnenko was published in the Fall/Winter 2009 issue of S. Charles Collezione, Modern Living. Ravelry currently marks that publication as out of print. We could not verify a current authorized free download, so Amazing Knitting does not link to unofficial copies of the pattern.
Tyra Top at a Glance
Pattern: Tyra Top
Designer: Irina Poludnenko
Published: August 2009
Publication: S. Charles Collezione, Modern Living, Fall/Winter 2009
Category: Shawl / Wrap / Layering Piece
Skill Level: Easy
Yarn Weight: DK, held double
Original Yarn: Stacy Charles Fine Yarns Ritratto
Needles: US 7 / 4.5 mm
Gauge: 14 stitches × 22 rows = 4 in / 10 cm in seed stitch with two strands held together
Yardage: Approx. 990–1,188 yd / 905–1,086 m
Sizes: XS, S/M, L/XL, 2X
Construction: Worked flat and seamed
Current Availability: Original publication out of print
About the Tyra Top
Tyra Top was designed by Irina Poludnenko and first published in August 2009.
It is an unconventional garment. Although the word “Top” appears in its name, Ravelry categorizes the design as a shawl or wrap.
The asymmetric shape and front fastening give it the appearance of a lightweight vest or decorative wrap that can be layered over another garment.
Published Sizes
The pattern includes four size groups:
- X-Small: 28–32 in / 71–81.5 cm bust
- Small/Medium: 34–38 in / 86.5–96.5 cm bust
- Large/XL: 40–44 in / 101.5–112 cm bust
- 2X: 46–50 in / 117–127 cm bust
Use these published body measurements as a starting point when identifying the intended size.
Original Yarn
Tyra Top was designed using Stacy Charles Fine Yarns Ritratto.
Ravelry lists Ritratto as a DK-weight yarn containing:
- 53% rayon
- 28% mohair
- 10% nylon
- 9% polyester
Each 50-gram ball is listed at approximately 198 yards.
This unusual fiber combination helps explain the airy, slightly glamorous appearance visible in finished Tyra projects.
Two Strands Held Together
An important detail in the published specifications is that the yarn is worked with two strands held together.
Holding two strands together changes the behavior of the yarn and the resulting fabric, so this detail matters if you are considering a substitute.
Do not assume that any single DK yarn will automatically reproduce the same fabric.
Gauge
The published gauge is:
14 stitches × 22 rows = 4 × 4 inches / 10 × 10 cm
This gauge is measured in seed stitch with two strands of yarn held together.
Because Tyra is worn on the body, making a proper swatch is much more important than it would be for a simple scarf or blanket.
Needles
The published needle size is:
US 7 / 4.5 mm
Treat the published needle size as a starting point. The correct needle is whichever size allows your chosen yarn combination to produce the required gauge and fabric.
Published Yardage
Ravelry lists approximately:
990–1,188 yards / 905–1,086 meters
Remember that this is based on the original yarn and the pattern's two-strands-held-together construction.
Seed Stitch Texture
Seed stitch provides much of the surface texture in Tyra.
The alternating knit-and-purl structure creates a pebbled fabric that works particularly well with a yarn containing mohair and rayon.
The stitch pattern adds visual interest without requiring elaborate lace or cable work.
Keep Seed Stitch Consistent
A common mistake in seed stitch is accidentally creating a column of ribbing.
Learn to read the stitches in the fabric rather than relying only on memory. Checking the texture regularly can help you identify a mistake before it continues for several rows.
Asymmetric Styling
Ravelry tags Tyra as asymmetric.
That asymmetry is an intentional part of the garment's appearance, giving it a more contemporary shape than a conventional rectangular vest.
It also means that understanding the finished schematic or construction is useful before you begin knitting.
Front Fastening
Another defining feature is the front-fastening construction.
This allows the piece to function as a wearable layer rather than a simple rectangular shawl.
When finishing, take care that the fastening sits naturally and does not distort the surrounding knitted fabric.
Worked Flat and Seamed
Ravelry classifies Tyra Top as both worked flat and seamed.
This is useful to know before beginning if you normally prefer seamless garment construction.
Careful finishing will help the unusual shape sit correctly when worn.
Choosing a Substitute Yarn
Yarn substitution deserves extra attention with this pattern because the original yarn combines several fibers and is held double.
Instead of matching only the printed yarn-weight label, consider:
- Gauge after washing
- Finished fabric weight
- Drape
- Softness against the skin
- Texture and halo
- Whether two strands will be held together
A large washed swatch is particularly useful for a garment like Tyra.
Blocking
Blocking can help the seed-stitch fabric settle and allow the finished pieces to reach their intended dimensions before assembly.
Use a blocking method appropriate for the fibers in your substitute yarn and avoid stretching the fabric beyond the measurements required by the pattern.
Skill Level
The original pattern is classified as:
Easy
The stitch pattern itself is approachable, although achieving a good result still depends on consistent gauge, careful shaping and neat finishing.
Skills Used in Tyra Top
- Knitting and purling
- Seed stitch
- Working with two strands held together
- Following garment shaping
- Working flat
- Seaming
- Finishing a front fastening
- Blocking garment pieces
Is Tyra Top Still a Free Pattern?
We could not verify a current authorized free download.
Amazing Knitting originally published this page under the title “Tyra Top - Free Pattern,” but the current Ravelry record identifies the original source, S. Charles Collezione, Modern Living, Fall/Winter 2009, as out of print.
Because availability can change over time, we prefer to clearly state the current verified situation rather than continue sending readers to an obsolete download.
Amazing Knitting does not host or direct readers to unauthorized copies of the copyrighted pattern.
View the Tyra Top Pattern Record
Ravelry maintains the historical pattern record with the designer, original publication, sizes, yarn information and project examples:
Looking for a Free Alternative?
If you are looking specifically for a free wearable knitting pattern, explore the verified free sweater and cardigan patterns already available in the Amazing Knitting archive.
Harvest by Tin Can Knits is one reliable option. It is a very different garment from Tyra, but the original Harvest pattern remains available for free and includes a wide range of sizes.
See the Free Harvest Cardigan →
You can also browse:
Before You Start
Tyra Top is an older design from an out-of-print 2009 publication. If you already own a legitimate copy of the original pattern, make a seed-stitch swatch with your chosen yarn combination before casting on.
Pay particular attention to the fact that the original Ritratto yarn is held double and that the published gauge is measured in the actual seed-stitch fabric.
If you do not own the original instructions, use the Ravelry record to identify the pattern and its publication rather than downloading unverified copies from unknown websites.
Pattern credit: Tyra Top was designed by Irina Poludnenko and published in S. Charles Collezione, Modern Living, Fall/Winter 2009. The existing project photographs on this Amazing Knitting page are credited to Sakura58. Amazing Knitting provides an independent historical pattern guide and does not reproduce the designer's copyrighted knitting instructions.
