This is the perfect top for summer, knit in cool mercerized cotton yarn and a simple stitch pattern, combined with stylish color-blocking and fun I-cord details. This fun contoured top is a snap to stitch and to wear, but the details keep things interesting both on the needles and out on the town. Do you need a quick refresher on the basic cast-on method? Check out our video tutorial below!
Skill Level: Easy
Size: Finished Bust Size 36.25 (40, 43.25 , 47.25, 51)” to fit bust 34 (38, 41, 45, 49)”
Gauge: 22 sts and 28 rows = 4″ in St st after wet blocking
Materials
Yarn: Tahki Yarns Cotton Classic Lite (100% mercerized cotton; 146 yards [135 meters]/50 grams): #4222 Rose Beige (MC, 4 (4, 5, 5, 6) hanks), #4336 Bittersweet Chocolate (CC, 2 (2, 3, 3, 3) hanks)
Needles: US size 5 (3.75 mm) straight needles and 2 double pointed needles
Notions: 2 large stitch holders, tapestry needle
Pattern Notes
Garment has a rolled hem that uses the natural curl of st st. Unroll the hem with your fingers to get proper measurements.
Approximately 2” positive ease recommended.
Shown in size 36.25”
Pattern
Front
With MC, CO 100 (110, 120, 130, 140) onto straight needles.
Work in st st until work measures 13 (13.5, 14, 14.5, 15)” or 33 [34, 35.5, 37, 38]cm from cast-on edge, unrolled, ending with a RS row.
Underarm Edging
Row 1 (WS): K5, p across until 5 sts remain, k5.
Row 2 (RS): K across.
Rep Rows 1-2 until work measures 4 (4, 4.5, 4.5, 5)” or 10 [10, 11.5, 11.5, 12.5]cm from start of edging, ending with a WS row.
Place all stitches on first stitch holder.
I-Cords
Move 5 sts from stitch holder onto DPN. With CC, make 15 rows of I-cord. Cut yarn leaving a long enough tail to weave in later but do not bind off; place these live sts on second stitch holder.
Continue across last MC row, moving 5 sts from first stitch holder onto DPN, knitting 15 rows of I-cord with B, cutting yarn but not ending off I-cord, then moving those sts to second stitch holder. (20 (22, 24, 26, 28) I-cords)
Upper Edge
With B and straight needles, knit across all stitches at top of I-cords.
Work in garter stitch for 2.75 (3, 3, 3.5, 3.5)” or 7 [7.5, 7.5, 9, 9]cm ending with a WS row.
Bind off.
Back
Rep all instructions for Front.
Finishing
Wet block to measurements.
Sew Front to Back from hem to start of garter stitch under-arm edging with MC, remember that the bottom 1.5”/4cm will roll up and be visible, so make the RS/WS of your seam accordingly.
Sew Front to Back at shoulder seams, 5 (5, 6, 6, 6)” or 12.5 [12.5, 15, 15, 15]cm in from each outer edge.
Weave in all ends.