Polo Tops - Could this be your next WIP?

Polo tops of the knitted and crocheted variety have caught our eye lately. Is it just us, or have you seen them popping up in high street shops too? After reading this you will definitely spot one or two out there in the wild. It’s always the way, someone mentions a particular colour being fashionable and it is everywhere you go. Polo top, there it is!

We aren’t here to talk about high street polo tops to shop. We wanted to share our top picks of the knitted and crocheted patterns to make ourselves. Enjoying the whole process from choosing a shade, to making the garment and getting to wear it, knowing we made it. 

A polo top is a versatile piece to add to your wardrobe. It can be casual, but at the same time dressy. I guess sometimes the pattern style can dictate this but ultimately it is how you wear and style it. Whether you go for oversized, slouchy or a more fitted style. The collar adds a nice detail to what could have been a basic v neck top. It also gives a little warmth (teeny bit) around your neck compared to no collar at all. If you a fairly new to knitting garments, perhaps you joined in with our tank along earlier this year, a polo top could be just the right project to tackle new knitting challenges. Picking up stitches for a collar will definitely be another string to your bow. 

After searching high and low through our pattern collection to find a mix of polo top styles to share. This is what we have found. A good mix of designs, do you go long sleeve, or short, textured stitch, stocking stitch, sleeveless, cardigan style? There are plenty of options to go around.

Sara has recently fallen for this design knitted in King Cole Cottonsoft Crystal DK - 6301. She has opted for a plain jade green. The pattern caught her eye initially and then the sample garment arrived to go on display in the shop, she was sold. This had to be her next cast on. Perfect for summer to wear with jeans, cropped trousers and shorts. There is the option of knitting this without sleeves if you prefer.

Here is Sara's plain version on the needles right now.

A lace stitch design 'Daisy' from West Yorkshire Spinners by Chloe Elizabeth Birch in the beautiful Exquisite 4ply. Another one that caught Sara's eye and has been added to a future wish list.

'Bridget' is one for the cotton lovers. If crisp stitch definition is your thing then you must knit this polo top in the suggested Mode at Rowan Cotton DK yarn. That waffle stitch will be a delight gliding across your needles.

Crochet anyone? This striped polo top in Rowan Summerlite 4ply is fun way to add a mix of colours to your garment. It would also look stunning one colour. This is the 'Filey' top from Rowan. 

Onto a sleeveless number from Rowan - 'Padron'. This is a cropped, waist length design. However, you could add a couple more inches for a longer length. Choose your favourite shade of Summerlite DK for this one.

Although this is a crocheted cardigan and not technically a polo top, buttoned up with a couple of top buttons undone it is almost a polo top, maybe? Get creative with colours, there's over 40 shades to choose from in Sirdar Stories DK.

Sara enjoyed trying the sample garment of the 'Milo' sweater on at Rowan HQ a couple of years back. She styled it perfectly as a day to night outfit with her bright orange handbag. If you prefer longer sleeves then this could be the one for you.

If you like textured stitches in your knitting then take a look at this diamond polo pattern from Rowan. Elderberry is knitted in Rowan Handknit Cotton which is the perfect yarn for showing off stitch definition. A relaxed design that would look great styled in a similar way to Sara's outfit above, what do you think? Find this pattern amongst many more summer treats in Rowan Magazine 77.

If you have made a polo top lately please do share your projects in our Facebook make along group or email us. We love to see what everyone is making with their purchases.