The Rive Gauche Striped Top: A Free Knitting Pattern for a Modern, Asymmetrical Summer Top

Introducing the Rive Gauche Striped Top

Get ready to knit a showstopper for your summer wardrobe! The Rive Gauche Striped Top is a free knitting pattern that combines effortless style with clever construction. This modern, asymmetrical top features a relaxed fit, a bold diagonal stripe, and a unique hem that’s longer on one side—all worked in a simple stockinette stitch. Inspired by Parisian chic, this top is perfect for beginners looking to try short rows and colorwork, while still offering a sophisticated, designer look. The pattern uses worsted weight cotton yarn, making it breathable and perfect for warm weather.

Materials Needed

Before you begin, gather the following supplies. All yarn amounts are based on worsted weight cotton or cotton-blend yarn (like Lion Brand 24/7 Cotton).

• Yarn: Two contrasting colors:
  • Color A (Main Color – e.g., Cream): 400 (450, 500) yards
  • Color B (Contrast Color – e.g., Navy): 150 (175, 200) yards
• Needles: US 7 (4.5 mm) knitting needles (straight or circular for flat knitting)
• Other: Stitch markers, tapestry needle for weaving ends, scissors
• Gauge: 20 stitches x 28 rows = 4 inches (10 cm) in stockinette stitch, after blocking. Always check your gauge for best fit.

Sizes: S (M, L) – Finished bust: 36 (40, 44) inches. Instructions are written for smallest size, with larger sizes in parentheses.

Step-by-Step Instructions

This top is worked flat in two pieces (front and back) from the bottom up. The asymmetrical hem is created with short rows, and the diagonal stripe uses simple decreases. Follow each step carefully for a flawless finish.

Abbreviations

• CO: Cast on
• K: Knit
• P: Purl
• St(s): Stitch(es)
• RS: Right side
• WS: Wrong side
• K2tog: Knit two together (right-leaning decrease)
• SSK: Slip, slip, knit (left-leaning decrease)
• W&T: Wrap and turn (short row technique)
• BO: Bind off

Front Piece

Step 1: Cast On and Begin Hem
With Color A, CO 90 (100, 110) sts.
Row 1 (RS): Knit all sts.
Row 2 (WS): Purl all sts.

Step 2: Create Asymmetrical Hem with Short Rows
Work short rows to make the hem longer on one side. Wrap and turn (W&T) as follows: On RS rows, knit to the specified number of stitches before the end, then wrap the next stitch and turn. On WS rows, purl to the specified number, wrap and turn. Later, you’ll pick up the wraps.

• Row 3 (RS): K to last 10 sts, W&T.
• Row 4 (WS): P to last 10 sts, W&T.
• Row 5 (RS): K to last 20 sts, W&T.
• Row 6 (WS): P to last 20 sts, W&T.
• Row 7 (RS): K to last 30 sts, W&T.
• Row 8 (WS): P to last 30 sts, W&T.
• Row 9 (RS): K to end, picking up each wrap and knitting it together with its wrapped stitch.
• Row 10 (WS): P to end, picking up each wrap and purling it together with its wrapped stitch.

Tip: After Row 10, your hem will have a gentle curve. Don’t worry if it looks uneven—blocking will fix it.

Step 3: Work the Diagonal Stripe
Now you’ll create the bold stripe by alternating colors and decreasing stitches at one edge. This shapes the diagonal.

• Row 11 (RS): With Color B, K 45 (50, 55) sts, K2tog, K to end. (89 (99, 109) sts)
• Row 12 (WS): With Color B, P to last 3 sts, P2tog, P1. (88 (98, 108) sts)
• Row 13 (RS): With Color A, K1, SSK, K to end. (87 (97, 107) sts)
• Row 14 (WS): With Color A, P to last 3 sts, P2tog, P1. (86 (96, 106) sts)
• Row 15 (RS): With Color B, K1, SSK, K to end. (85 (95, 105) sts)
• Row 16 (WS): With Color B, P to last 3 sts, P2tog, P1. (84 (94, 104) sts)
• Row 17 (RS): With Color A, K1, SSK, K to end. (83 (93, 103) sts)
• Row 18 (WS): With Color A, P to last 3 sts, P2tog, P1. (82 (92, 102) sts)
• Row 19 (RS): With Color B, K1, SSK, K to end. (81 (91, 101) sts)
• Row 20 (WS): With Color B, P to last 3 sts, P2tog, P1. (80 (90, 100) sts)
• Row 21 (RS): With Color A, K1, SSK, K to end. (79 (89, 99) sts)
• Row 22 (WS): With Color A, P to last 3 sts, P2tog, P1. (78 (88, 98) sts)
• Row 23 (RS): With Color B, K1, SSK, K to end. (77 (87, 97) sts)
• Row 24 (WS): With Color B, P to last 3 sts, P2tog, P1. (76 (86, 96) sts)
• Row 25 (RS): With Color A, K1, SSK, K to end. (75 (85, 95) sts)
• Row 26 (WS): With Color A, P to last 3 sts, P2tog, P1. (74 (84, 94) sts)
• Row 27 (RS): With Color B, K1, SSK, K to end. (73 (83, 93) sts)
• Row 28 (WS): With Color B, P to last 3 sts, P2tog, P1. (72 (82, 92) sts)
• Row 29 (RS): With Color A, K1, SSK, K to end. (71 (81, 91) sts)
• Row 30 (WS): With Color A, P to last 3 sts, P2tog, P1. (70 (80, 90) sts)

Note: After Row 30, you’ll have 70 (80, 90) sts. The stripe is complete. Cut Color B, leaving a 6-inch tail.

Step 4: Continue in Stockinette Stitch
Work even in stockinette stitch (K on RS, P on WS) with Color A only until piece measures 12 (13, 14) inches from the cast-on edge, ending with a WS row.

Step 5: Shape Armholes
Next Row (RS): BO 5 (6, 7) sts, K to end. (65 (74, 83) sts)
Next Row (WS): BO 5 (6, 7) sts, P to end. (60 (68, 76) sts)
Decrease 1 st at each armhole edge every RS row 3 (4, 5) times as follows: K1, SSK, K to last 3 sts, K2tog, K1. (54 (60, 66) sts)
Work even until armhole measures 7 (8, 9) inches from the bind-off, ending with a WS row.

Step 6: Shape Neck
Next Row (RS): K 18 (20, 22) sts, join a second ball of Color A and BO center 18 (20, 22) sts, K to end. You now have two sides. Work both sides simultaneously.
Decrease 1 st at each neck edge every RS row 3 times: On right side, K1, SSK, K to end; on left side, K to last 3 sts, K2tog, K1. (15 (17, 19) sts each shoulder)
Work even until armhole measures 8 (9, 10) inches. BO all sts loosely.

Back Piece

Work the back exactly like the front, but omit the stripe section. Use Color A only throughout.

• CO 90 (100, 110) sts with Color A.
• Work Rows 1-10 (short rows) as for front.
• Continue in stockinette stitch until piece measures same as front to armhole (12 (13, 14) inches).
• Shape armholes as for front: BO 5 (6, 7) sts each side, then decrease 3 (4, 5) times each side. (54 (60, 66) sts)
• Work even until armhole measures 7 (8, 9) inches.
• Shape neck: BO center 18 (20, 22) sts, then decrease 1 st each side every RS row 3 times. (15 (17, 19) sts each shoulder)
• Work even until armhole measures 8 (9, 10) inches. BO all sts.

Finishing

Step 1: Seams
Sew shoulder seams using a tapestry needle and matching yarn. Sew side seams, but leave a 6-inch slit open at the bottom on one side to emphasize the asymmetrical hem.

Step 2: Weave in Ends
Weave in all yarn tails securely on the wrong side.

Step 3: Blocking
Block the top to the specified measurements. Lay flat, pin to shape, and steam or wet block as per yarn instructions. This evens out stitches and sets the hem curve.

Step 4: Neckband
With RS facing and Color A, pick up and knit approximately 80 (88, 96) sts evenly around the neckline. Knit 3 rows (garter stitch). BO loosely.

Step 5: Armhole Bands
With RS facing and Color A, pick up and knit approximately 60 (66, 72) sts around each armhole. Knit 3 rows. BO loosely.

Your Rive Gauche Striped Top is complete! The clean lines, bold stripe, and asymmetrical hem create a modern, flattering silhouette. Enjoy wearing your handmade Parisian-inspired piece all summer long.