In the beautiful picture book by Alice McLerran and Barbara Cooney, children create the imaginary world of Roxaboxen in the desert with rocks, pebbles, sticks and cacti. It’s a wonderful reminder to look at things differently and use your inspiration to unlock something magical.

Knitting is a lot like that – turning a length of string into something unlike itself. Into a hat, scarf, sweater, or something else entirely.

This top takes the inventive side of knitting a little further. Turning that string into a rectangle. Adding some ties and turning that rectangle into a useable, beautiful top. This top is perfect for warmer days or a great layering piece as the weather turns colder. It’s ready for all the adventures on which your imagination will take you. And it will always fit you the way you like, since you can adjust the fit with the ties every time you wear it.

With a drapey, plant-based yarn like the hemp used in the pattern, Roxaboxen’s shape is easy knitting with a satisfying end result!

SIZE
Women’s XS(S, M, L, XL, 2X, 3X, 4X, 5X)
shown in size M on a 29-inch waist

FINISHED MEASUREMENTS
Total Width: 18(20, 24, 28, 32, 36, 39, 41, 44) inches/ 45.5(51, 61, 71, 81.5, 91.5, 99, 104, 112) cm

Length from shoulder: 16.5(17, 17.25, 17.5, 17.75, 18, 18, 18.5, 18.5) inches/ 42(43, 44, 44.5, 45, 46, 46, 47, 47) cm – adjustable to preference

Choose a width that is 4-8 inches (10-20cm) smaller than the circumference of your natural waist.

MATERIALS
Yarn
spacer Lanaknits allhemp6 (100% Hemp; 165yd/150m per 100g skein); color: Brick, 3(3, 4, 4, 5, 6, 6, 6, 7) skeins

Yarn Characteristics
spacer The sample shown uses a DK-weight hemp yarn. It is a plant-based, strong yarn with high drape and little to no stretch.



Suggested Yarn Substitutions:

The best substitutes would be plant-based fibers with little to no stretch, such as cotton, linen, or hemp yarns or blends. Some synthetic fibers may work as well.

Recommended needle size
always use a needle size that gives you the gauge listed below - every knitter’s gauge is unique
spacer US #6/4mm circular needle, 32-48 inches/80-120 cm long – note that piece is worked flat but a circular needle is recommended to handle the larger stitch count.

spacer A pair of US #6/4mm double point needles OR a short circular for i-cord (optional)

Notions
spacer yarn needle
spacer non-stretchy, durable ribbon or string for ties, 80 inches/203 cm (if not using i-cord).

GAUGE
20 sts/26 rows = 4 inches/10cm in stockinette st

PATTERN NOTES

Construction method: This top is worked in one piece side to side with a neck hole shaped in the middle with decreases and increases. I-cord edges are worked at the same time as the body. Ties are attached and worked last.

Note on length: The lower edge of the top is designed to sit at the natural waist. To determine that length, drape a measuring tape over one shoulder from the front of the waist to the back. If different than the length measurement for your size, or if you prefer a longer or shorter top, add or subtract 5 sts for each inch from your CO edge. Adjust st counts throughout accordingly.

Note on fit: Because of the rectangular nature of the garment, larger sizes will have more of a flutter sleeve appearance than smaller sizes. The sample shown in the photos is a size M.

Styling: This garment may require the use of an undergarment such as a tank or sports bra underneath, because – depending on fit – the sides are quite open well below the arm.