Best Summer Knitting Top Pattern: Top Sol by MochiKnits

I had my eye on the Top Sol by MochiKnits since last winter. I saved it on my wish list, planning ahead to knit it as a summer project. The design looked simple, breezy, and perfect for warm weather, and I wanted something that would give me both comfort and style. This review is about my finished object (FO), sharing my entire knitting journey, from yarn choice to blocking and final wear. I worked with a budget-friendly yarn from Temu, which made the project even more exciting. Along the way, I faced challenges with gauge, adjusted the stitch counts, and discovered how versatile this summer knitting top pattern can be.

If you’re considering knitting the Top Sol or looking for a linen-style summer knitting project without breaking the bank, I hope this review helps you see what to expect.

Yarn Choice and First Impressions

For this project, I wanted something lightweight and airy. Since I was aiming for a casual summer top, I didn’t want to splurge on expensive linen blends right away. Instead, I picked up a set of yarn from Temu—four balls for only $9. The color was not pure ivory but had subtle mixed tones running through it, which gave the fabric a more luxurious look than I expected for such a low cost.

The yarn itself felt soft in my hands, light on the needles, and easy to work with. I was pleasantly surprised that a cheap yarn could knit up so nicely. This alone convinced me that the project would be worth finishing even if I had to make adjustments along the way.

I had already used this same yarn in another colorway for two of my previous projects: My Favorite Things: Camisole No.4 — Simple Camisole Knitting FO, and Balaclava Knitting Pattern: My Cozy FORMI Balaclava Project. Since I enjoyed working with it before, I decided to try a new shade for the Top Sol, and it turned out to be just as satisfying.

Gauge Challenges and Adjustments

One of the most important parts of the Top Sol by MochiKnits pattern is gauge. The designer emphasizes how crucial it is to get it right. However, I ran into trouble from the very beginning. When I knit the swatch with a single strand, my stitch count was a bit lower, and the row gauge didn’t match at all. Using two strands together could have solved the issue, but I wanted the final fabric to stay thin, airy, and flowy for summer wear. Doubling the yarn would have made it too heavy for the look I had in mind.

That left me with one option: adjust as I knit. I decided to keep track of my progress by measuring length constantly and writing down notes every time I made changes. A tape measure quickly became my best friend during this project. Rather than blindly following the row counts in the pattern, I focused on knitting to the right measurements.

This approach gave me flexibility but also required extra attention. It added a layer of work because I had to stop more often, check lengths, and compare with the pattern. Still, I enjoyed this part of the process. To me, knitting isn’t just about following instructions—it’s about adapting and making a piece work with my own materials.

Knitting Process and Experience

The pattern itself is built mostly in stockinette stitch, which means it moves quickly once you get into the rhythm. With my lightweight yarn and CarryC interchangeable needles, the knitting felt effortless. The needles themselves are worth a mention—they’re light, smooth, and perfect for summer projects. I’ve written a separate review about these needles, and I’ll be linking to that in this post for anyone curious.

The trickiest section was knitting from the shoulders down to the armholes. For some reason, the back panel matched the pattern instructions perfectly in terms of row count and length, but the front panel came out differently. I had to shorten it slightly to match the intended measurements. The change wasn’t overly complicated, but it reminded me again why careful checking is important when your gauge doesn’t match the original pattern.

I won’t deny that frequent measuring felt like an extra step. However, this process is something I personally enjoy in knitting. Adjustments make the project feel unique and personal, and I love seeing how small changes in rows or stitches transform the final garment.

Blocking and Finishing

One thing about this pattern is the curling edges. The inside of the fabric tends to roll quite a bit, so blocking is essential. After washing and blocking, the fabric opened up beautifully and lay flat the way it should.

Here’s the unexpected part: I knit the small size, but after washing, the top stretched out closer to a medium. At first, I thought this was a problem. But once I tried it on, I realized it worked out in my favor. The looser fit gave it an even breezier, casual summer look. It still felt lightweight and flowy, which was exactly what I wanted. Sometimes knitting surprises you like that, and this was a pleasant surprise.

Pattern Review

The Top Sol by MochiKnits pattern is well-written and beginner-friendly despite emphasizing gauge. The instructions are detailed, with video links included for specific techniques. This was a nice touch for knitters who might need extra guidance.

Part of the front panel is written out in chart form, which initially intimidated me. Charts are not something I use often. To my relief, the chart was straightforward and easy to follow. In fact, I would recommend this pattern to any beginner who wants to practice reading charts for the first time. It provides a gentle introduction without being overwhelming.

The fact that I had to adjust rows and measure constantly wasn’t the fault of the pattern—it was a result of my yarn choice. With yarn that matches gauge properly, the knitting would go much faster and more smoothly. That said, I don’t regret my choice because the airy fabric I got was exactly what I wanted for summer wear.

Styling and Final Thoughts

After blocking and trying on my finished object, I can confidently say that this project turned out to be a success. The slightly oversized fit gave me the casual summer vibe I wanted, and the fabric feels soft and breathable. It pairs easily with jeans, skirts, or shorts, making it a versatile addition to my summer wardrobe.

This FO reminded me that you don’t need expensive yarn to knit something stylish. For only $9, I created a top that looks far more polished than its price tag would suggest. It reinforced why knitting is so rewarding—you can experiment, make adjustments, and still end up with something wearable and beautiful.

I highly recommend the Top Sol to anyone looking for a summer knitting top pattern. Whether you use budget yarn like I did or splurge on linen blends, the design will shine through. It’s a great summer knitting project to pick up if you want something simple but satisfying.

Video Vlog of My Knitting Process

I filmed the entire process as a vlog, from yarn swatching to blocking and the final try-on. If you want to see the progress visually, I’ve uploaded the video to YouTube. You can watch it below.

Conclusion

Knitting the Top Sol by MochiKnits taught me the importance of flexibility when dealing with gauge issues. By measuring as I went, blocking carefully, and embracing adjustments, I ended up with a summer top I truly enjoy wearing. The combination of a well-written pattern, light yarn, and personal tweaks resulted in a piece that feels both practical and stylish.

If you’re searching for a summer knitting pattern or just want a breezy FO to add to your wardrobe, this project is worth trying. For me, it wasn’t just about finishing another knit—it was about enjoying the process, experimenting with yarn, and creating something I’ll wear often in the summer months.