The Topanga Top is a celebration of Summer in Topanga Canyon, a hidden gem tucked away in the mountains between Malibu and the San Fernando Valley in California. Topanga Canyon is known for it’s natural beauty, winding roads, and the bohemian spirit of the resident artists and musicians. This design pays homage to that spirit with it’s dropped stitches, oversized fit and cropped length. The Topanga Top is a versatile top that can be layered over dresses and tank tops, worn under overalls, draped over beachwear, however you want to sport your free-spirit!

This top is knit in two matching pieces - Front and Back - that are seamed together at the sides, shoulders, and underarms. The design features a repetitive lace pattern that is as fun to knit as it is addictive. With the dropped stitches and cropped length, you’ll finish the Topanga Top in no time! The pattern is also easily customizable for a longer body length and/or a wider/smaller neckline. The design looks it’s best when knit in a heavier fiber like cotton or linen to create a beautiful drape in the dropped sts, but don’t let that stop you from using your favorite fingering weight yarn for your project.

SIZES:
1 (2, 3, 4, 5, 6)(7, 8, 9, 10, 11) = 30 (34, 38, 42, 46, 50)(54, 58, 62, 66, 70)” / 76 (86.5, 96.5, 106.5, 117, 127)(137, 147.5, 157.5, 167.5, 178) cm finished chest.
This top is designed to be worn with positive ease. Choose the size that is 4-8” larger than the wearer’s full chest size.
Green Sample: Size 5 on 38”/96.5 cm chest model (8” + ease)
Coral Sample: Size 4 on 38”/96.5 cm chest model (4” + ease)

GAUGE:
20 sts x 24 rows = 4”/10 cm in lace pattern after blocking.
Take time to save time: Swatch to guarantee correct gauge.

YARN:
3 (3, 3, 4, 4, 4)(5, 5, 5, 5, 5) balls of KnitPicks Lindy Chain (180 yards / 164 meters, 50 g / 1.76 oz, 70% Linen, 30% Pima Cotton) or any fingering weight yarn that obtains gauge.
Sample 1 Colorway (Green): “Sagebrush”
Sample 2 Colorway (Coral): “Conch”
NOTE: Garments made with yarn of heavier plant fibers like linen and cotton have a tendency
to grow 10% with wear. Consider this when knitting the body to preferred length.

Estimated Yardage/Meters:
460 (500, 529, 562, 601, 636)(731, 773, 814, 850, 887) yds / 421 (458, 484, 514, 550, 582)(669, 707, 745, 778, 812) m

NEEDLES:
US size #4 (3.5 mm) 32-60” circular needles.
Use any size needle or hook necessary to obtain gauge.

OTHER MATERIALS: Darning needle, scissors, blocking mats and pins.

Please come ask questions, share in-progress or FO photos, or participate in my test knits in the Juliana Lustenader Designs group!