An elegant colorwork top with an enchanting floral motif and thoughtful, feminine details. Set-in sleeves and gathers at the neckline and upper back provide structure at the upper body and shoulders while allowing for a floaty, flowy bodice.

Trellis is an homage to my very first published pattern, Burgeoning: a sweet tank with the same motif and ruched neckline. I created the floral pattern to represent growth, newness, becoming – a harbinger for the journey that has unfolded; one of passion, creation, evolution, and transformation, both as a designer and a human.

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Download the pattern preview and full schematic here.

SIZING

1, 2, 3, (4, 5, 6), ((7, 8, 9)), (((10, 11)))
Plus optional bust shaping in 5 cup sizes

Upper chest measurement:
27.75, 31.75, 35.75, (39.25, 42.25, 44.5), ((47.5, 50.5, 53.5)), (((56.5, 59.25)))”/ 69.5, 79.5, 89.5, (98, 105.5, 111.5), ((119, 126.5, 134)), (((141.5, 148))) cm

Finished garment bust circumference:
32.75, 37.25, 42, (46.75, 51.25, 56), ((60.75, 65.25, 70)), (((74.75, 79.25)))”/ 82, 93, 105, (117, 128, 140), ((152, 163, 175)), (((187, 198))) cm

It is recommended that you choose the size that corresponds with your upper chest measurement, which is the circumference of your body just under the armpits. If your measurement falls between sizes, choose the size closest to your measurement (e.g. if your upper torso measures 45”/112.5cm, you will choose size 6).

For more explanation and a visual reference of where to measure, read this article from One Wild Designs.

Suggested fit is 15-30% positive ease at bust. Sample is modeled on 40”/100cm bust with 6.75”/16.5cm positive ease.

For more detailed measurements, see schematic in photos.

MATERIALS

Yarn:
DK weight yarn in a soft fiber such as alpaca, yak, or angora, with a loose ply. Plant fibers such as silk should be blended with an animal fiber to prevent too much stretching.

Sample uses Amano Eco Puna, 100% undyed baby alpaca, 273 yds/100g, and Amano Eco Puna Black, 100% undyed baby alpaca, 68 yds/ 25g

MC: Nevado White
CC: Black

Yardage:

MC*: 820, 867, 1005, (1047, 1188, 1218), ((1344, 1396, 1523)), (((1576, 1680))) yds/ 750, 793, 919, (958, 1086, 1114), ((1229, 1277, 1393)), (((1441, 1536))) m
If adding bust shaping, an additional 5-75 yds/ 5-69m is needed*

CC: 146, 146, 182, (182, 219, 219), ((255, 255, 292)), (((292, 328)))
yds/ 134, 134, 167, (167, 201, 201), ((234, 234, 267)), (((267, 300))) m

These numbers are estimates based on the pattern measurements as written. Your actual yardage may vary based on the weight of yarn used and/or any modifications you choose to make.

Needle size:

US 6/4.0mm, or size needed to obtain gauge, 32-60”/80-150cm circular for body, 16”/40cm circular or DPNs for shoulders, 16-24”/40-60cm circular for sleeves

US 5/3.75mm, or one size smaller than main needle, 32-60”/80-150cm and 16-24”/40-60cm circular for hem, faux back seams, sleeve edges, and collar ribbing

US4/3.5mm, or two sizes smaller than main needle, 32-60”/80-150cm for tubular cast on

Depending on the yarn used, your needle size may vary to obtain gauge.

Tools: Scrap yarn/spare cables, stitch markers, cable needle, tapestry needle, blocking combs (particularly recommended for this project)

Gauge:
24 sts x 28 rows = 4” x 4” (10cm x 10cm) in stockinette, flat, after washing and blocking

24 sts x 28 rows = 4” x 4” (10cm x 10cm) in stranded colorwork in the round, after washing and blocking

It is highly recommended that you swatch in both stockinette and stranded colorwork, as some knitters’ gauge may vary between the two.

SKILLS

Tubular cast on and bind off, stranded colorwork, intarsia in the round*, duplicate stitch†, German short rows, Latvian braid, increases and decreases, kitchener stitch

*Optional but highly recommended
†Optional but slightly less but nevertheless highly recommended