If you’re looking for a light and airy knitting project that’s perfect for beach days, casual outings, or layering over a tank top, this light weight Beachy Diagonal Knit Top is the answer. With its striking diagonal stripes and relaxed fit, it’s both eye-catching and incredibly wearable. Even better? We’re offering the free pattern below so you can cast on today!
This top blends openwork mesh sections with solid color block stripes, creating a textured and breathable design. The v-neckline and dolman-style sleeves add to the laid-back coastal vibe, making it an ideal addition to your summer wardrobe. Whether you’re strolling along the shore or enjoying a sunny brunch, this piece makes a stylish statement.
Skill Level – intermediate
While the shaping and color changes may be a bit advanced for absolute beginners, seasoned knitters or adventurous intermediates will enjoy the rhythmic construction and stunning results.
Design Details
- Construction: Worked in panels (front and back) and seamed at the sides and shoulders.
- Fit: Oversized and slouchy with generous ease.
- Materials: Cotton or cotton-blend yarns in three contrasting colors work best to mimic the vibrant diagonal effect.
- Best for: Beach days, layering over summer outfits, boho style lovers.
Styling Tips
Pair this top with high-waisted shorts, a flowy skirt, or even layer it over a swimsuit. Add bold accessories—like the chunky chain necklace shown here—for an elevated yet effortless look. Neutral tones work beautifully for a minimalist feel, or go bold with summer brights!
Yarn Recommendations
Choose lightweight yarns with good drape and breathability. Here are a few great options:
- Lion Brand Cotton Bamboo
- Paintbox Yarns Cotton DK
- Katia Fair Cotton
Stick to DK or light worsted weight yarns to ensure the top remains light and breezy.
As this is a vintage pattern, some of the yarns suggested may no longer be available. Please check your gauge to ensure you get accurate results!
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To Fit Bust (cm/in)
- 76 cm (30 in)
- 81 cm (32 in)
- 86 cm (34 in)
- 91 cm (36 in)
- 97 cm (38 in)
Garment Measures Above Rib
- 81 cm (32 in)
- 85 cm (33½ in)
- 90 cm (35½ in)
- 96 cm (38 in)
- 102 cm (40 in)
Length from Top of Shoulders
- 54 cm (21½ in)
- 56 cm (22 in)
- 57 cm (22½ in)
- 58 cm (23 in)
- 58 cm (23 in)
Length from Cuff to Centre Back of Neck
- 53 cm (21 in)
- 55 cm (21½ in)
- 56 cm (22 in)
- 57 cm (22½ in)
- 58 cm (23 in)
Yarn
- Patons Cotton Top (Main Shade 6450): 50g balls – 5, 5, 5, 5, 6 balls (discontinued, but this yarn could be a suitable alternative)
- Patons Cotton Perlé (1st Contrast 6688): 50g balls – 3, 3, 4, 4, 4 balls
- Patons Linen Look (2nd Contrast 2169): 50g balls – 2 balls for all sizes
Alternative yarn: Patons Cotton Soft (in White and Ecru) can be used instead of Patons Cotton Perlé.
Needles
- Pair each of 3¾ mm and 4 mm knitting needles
Tension
- On No. 4 mm needles: 21 stitches and 29 rows = 10 cm in pattern
Caution
It is essential to work to the stated tension. We cannot accept responsibility for the finished product if you use yarns other than those specified.
Abbreviations
- K = knit
- P = purl
- st = stitch
- tog = together
- tbl = through back of loops
- inc = increase by working into front and back of stitch
- dec = decrease by working 2 stitches together
- beg = beginning
- alt = alternate
- rep = repeat
- cm = centimetres
- in = inches
- mm = millimetres
- sl = slip
- yfwd = yarn forward
- psso = pass slip stitch over
- patt = pattern
- 0 = no time
Notes
- Charts: Use separate balls for color changes. Do not carry yarns across the wrong side.
- Garter stitch: Work every row knit.
- Reading Charts:
- Front: Odd rows K right to left, even rows P left to right.
- Back: Odd rows K left to right, even rows P right to left.
- M1: Make a stitch by picking up the horizontal loop before the next stitch and knitting into the back of it.
Front
With 3¾ mm needles and Main Shade, cast on 71 [75, 81, 87, 93] sts.
Work in rib as follows:
1st row (Right side): K1, * P1, K1; rep from * to end.
2nd row: P1, * K1, P1; rep from * to end.
Rep these 2 rows until rib measures 10 cm, ending with a 1st row.
Next row:
Rib 3 [5, 8, 4, 7], M1, (rib 5 [5, 5, 6, 6], M1) 13 times, rib to end (85 [89, 95, 101, 107] sts).
Change to 4 mm needles.
Work 6 rows in patt from chart, starting with 13th [7th, 5th, 3rd, 1st] row.
Keeping continuity of chart, shape sides as follows:
2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th sizes only:
Inc 1 st at each end of next and every following 6th row until there are 93 [101, 105, 115] sts.
Work 3 rows.
All sizes:
Inc 1 st at each end of next and every 4th row until there are 93 [101, 109, 121, 127] sts, then on every alt row until there are 139 [139, 143, 147, 151] sts.
Work 1 row.
Inc 1 st at each end of next 13 [11, 11, 11, 11] rows (165 [161, 165, 169, 173] sts).
Work 1 row.
Cast on 4 sts at each end of next and following 1 [4, 1, 1, 1] alt rows (181 [201, 181, 185, 189] sts).
Work 1 row.
Keeping continuity of chart, continue to shape sides and divide for neck as follows:
Next row:
Cast on 4 sts, patt across these sts, patt 88 [98, 88, 90, 92], work 2tog, turn and leave remaining sts on spare needle.
Continue on these 93 [103, 93, 95, 97] sts for first side and work 1 row.
1st and 3rd sizes only: Next row—Cast on 4 sts, patt across these sts, patt to last 2 sts, work 2tog.
Work 1 row.
Rep last 2 rows 0 [2] times more (96 [102] sts).
All sizes: Next row—Cast on 6 sts, patt across these sts, patt to last 2 sts, work 2tog.
Work 1 row.
Rep last 2 rows 0 [0, 0, 2, 2] times more (101 [108, 107, 110, 112] sts).
Dec at neck edge only on next and every alt row, until 87 [92, 93, 93, 95] sts remain.
Work 1 row, ending with a 130th [132nd, 128th, 132nd, 132nd] row of chart.
Work 10 [8, 12, 8, 8] rows, ending with a 140th row of chart.
Cast off.
With RS facing, slip centre st on safety-pin, rejoin appropriate colour to remaining sts, work 2tog, patt to end then cast on 4 sts (93 [103, 93, 95, 97] sts).
Work to match first side reversing shapings.
Back
Work as for Front, omitting neck shapings.
Next row:
Cast off 87 [92, 93, 93, 95] sts, slip centre 35 [37, 39, 43, 43] sts on spare needle, cast off remaining sts.
Make Up, Neck Border and Cuffs
Do not press.
Join right shoulder and upper sleeve seam.
Neck Border:
With RS facing, using 3¾ mm needles and 1st Contrast, start at top of left shoulder:
- Knit up 42 [42, 44, 44, 44] sts down left side of neck
- K st from safety-pin
- Knit up 42 [42, 44, 44, 44] sts up right side of neck
- Then K35 [37, 39, 43, 43] from back dec 5 sts evenly (115 [117, 123, 127, 127] sts)
1st row (Wrong side):
- P1, K1; rep from * to within 2 sts of marked st, P2tog, P1, P2togtbl, ** K1, P1; rep from ** to end.
2nd row:
K1, * P1, K1; rep from * to within 2 sts of marked st, P2tog, K1, P2togtbl, K1, ** P1, K1; rep from ** to end.
Work 5 rows more in rib, dec as before on every row.
Using 4 mm needle, cast off evenly in rib.
Join upper left sleeve, shoulder seam and neck border.
Cuffs (Make 2):
With RS facing, using 3¾ mm needles and Main Shade, knit up 43 [45, 45, 47, 49] sts along sleeve edge.
Start and end with a 2nd row. Work in rib as on Front for 3 cm.
Cast off evenly in rib.
Join side and lower sleeve seams.
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