CONSTRUCTION This summer top is worked from the top-down, beginning with the front straps, which are worked flat and shaped to make a scoop neck. They are joined to make the front, then the armholes are shaped. The back straps are then cast on and worked, then joined to make a deeper scoop in the back. The back and armholes are shaped, then the front and back are joined to work in the round. Simple lace travels down the sides of the top, and the body is increased at these points to create an A-line shape. The pattern provides three length options; the knitter can choose to work the garment to cropped, waist-length, or hip-length. Finally, a lace hem finishes the garment.

All edges are simply worked simultaneously using knit and purl stitches (meaning no stitches are picked up), and an i-cord cast-on is utilized to join the front and the back straps. Helpful Links for intermediate techniques are provided on the last page.

HOW TO CHOOSE YOUR SIZE
This pattern is available in 1 (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9) size options and three length options, for a total of 27 garment sizes to choose from (full schematics provided in pattern).

Finished garment bust: 23 (25, 27, 29, 32, 35, 38, 41, 44) inches / 57.5 (61.5, 68, 72, 79.5, 87, 94, 101.5, 110) cm.

Using your full bust measurement, choose a size that will give you with 7-12 inches (18 - 30.5 cm) of negative ease; that is, the difference between your larger measurement and the garments smaller measurement at this point. You may prefer a tighter fitting cropped version, but a looser fitting hip-length option. For the hip-length option, compare your waist measurement to the final garment’s hem; you don’t want negative ease here. Larger sizes can have more negative ease than smaller sizes. Sample shown in Size 3 with 11 inches (28 cm) of negative ease. Blue sample is waist-length, and white sample is cropped.

The most fool-proof method is to measure a similar fitting top in your wardrobe and choose a garment size that matches.

YARN
Light fingering weight held double: Holst Garn Coast, 55% lamb’s wool and 45% cotton, 50g/350 m. Samples shown in “Porcelain” and “Ecru.”
To substitute with a thicker yarn held single (while still obtaining gauge), you can half the metres required.

• Cropped: 2 (2, 2, 2, 3, 3, 3, 3, 3) hanks, OR 530 (570, 630, 660, 740, 810, 870, 950, 1034) m
• Waist-length: 2 (2, 3, 3, 3, 3, 3, 4, 4) hanks, OR 630 (670, 735, 780, 860, 940, 1010, 1100, 1200) m
• Hip-length: 3 (3, 3, 3, 3, 3, 4, 4, 4) hanks, OR 720 (770, 840, 890, 990, 1050, 1160, 1260, 1360) m

NEEDLES
4.5 mm (US 7) circular needles, or sizes needed to obtain gauge.
If gauge alters working in the round compared to flat, adjust accordingly.

CORDS change as required to accommodate st counts
Short: 14-16 inches (35-40 cm) for working smaller st count flat.
Long: 30 inches (75 cm) for working large st count in the round, or choose your preferred methods.

NOTIONS
scissors, scrap yarn, removable stitch markers or safety pins (8), tapestry needle, regular stitch markers (6).

GAUGE in 4 in/10 cm after blocking
STOCKINETTE flat and in the round • 19 sts by 30 rows/rounds.
SEED STAR LACE in the round • 17 sts by 28 rounds.