Knit a perfect summer top with crossover neckline
This pretty top features a crossover neckline and is worked in a 4-ply cotton for comfort.
MEASUREMENTS
To fit sizes: 81/86 cm (32/34 ins), 91/97 (36/38), 102/107 (40/42), 112/117 (44/46), 122/127 (48/50), 132/137 (52/54), 142/147 (56/58).
Actual size: 91 cm (36 ins), 102 (40), 112 (44), 122 (48), 132 (52), 142 (56), 152 (60). Length (approx.): 54 cm (21½ ins), 55 (21¾), 56 (22), 57 (22½), 58 (23), 59 (23¼), 60 (23¾).
MATERIALS
6 (7,7, 7,8, 8, 8) 50-gram balls of King Cole Giza Cotton Sorbet 4 Ply (shade Strawberryade 2470). One pair each 2.75 mm (No. 12) and 3.25 mm (No. 10) knitting needles, one set of 2.75 mm (No.12) doublepointed needles. 2 buttons from: Duttons for Buttons telephone 01423 502092 e-mail michelle@duttonsforbuttons.co.uk.
For stockists write, enclosing an SAE, to King Cole, Merrie Mills, Snaygill Ind. Estate, Keighley Rd, Skipton BD23 2QR. Tel: 01756 703670. Website: www.kingcole.com.
TENSION
28 sts and 36 rows to 10 cm measured over pattern using 3.25 mm needles.
ABBREVIATIONS
Alt – alternate; beg – beginning; dec – decrease; inc – increase; K– knit; P– purl; rem – remain; st(s) – stitch(es); tbl –through back of loop; tog – together.
Important Note
Directions are given for seven sizes. Figures in brackets refer to the six larger sizes. Figures in square brackets [ ] refer to all sizes and are worked the number of times stated. When writing to us with your queries, you must enclose a stamped, addressed envelope if you would like a reply.
FRONT
With 2.75 mm needles and thumb method, cast on 125 (139, 153, 167, 181, 195, 209) sts.
1st (right-side) row – ★ K2, [P1, K1] to last st, K1.
2nd rib row – K1, [P1, K1] to end.
Rep these 2 rows six times more, inc 1 st at end of last row – 126 (140, 154, 168, 182, 196, 210) sts. Change to 3.25 mm needles and pattern as below.
1st - 4th rows – Beg with a knit (right side) row, work 4 rows in st-st.
5th row – K2, [P10, K4] until 12 sts rem, P10, K2.
6th row – P2, [K10, P4] until 12 sts rem, K10, P2.
7th - 10th rows – As 1st to 4th rows.
11th row – P5, [K4, P10] until 9 sts rem, K4, P5.
12th row – K5, [P4, K10] until 9 sts rem, P4, K5. These 12 rows set the pattern. Continue in pattern until work measures 35 cm from beginning (not stretched), ending after a wrong-side row. Shape sleeves – Working extra sts into pattern, inc 1 st at each end of next row and the two following alt rows – 132 (146, 160, 174, 188, 202, 216) sts.
Now inc 1 st at each end of next 3 rows – 138 (152, 166, 180, 194, 208, 222) sts ★★ . Shape V neck – Work across 69 (76, 83, 90, 97, 104, 111) sts, turn. Continue on this group of sts for left half of neck. Place a marker at centre of last row. Next row – P1, P2tog, work to end.
Next row – Work until 3 sts rem, K2tog, K1.
★★★ Rep the last 2 rows until 54 (63, 70, 79, 89, 97, 104) sts remain.
Now dec 1 st at neck edge on every following alt row until 39 (45, 51, 57, 63, 69, 75) sts remain.
Work a few rows straight until work measures 14 (15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20) cm from marker, ending at sleeve edge. Shape shoulder – Cast off 4 (5,5,6, 7, 8,8) sts loosely at beg of next and the following 7 alt rows – 7 (5, 11, 9, 7,5, 11) sts. Work 1 row. Cast off. With right side facing, neatly rejoin yarn to remaining 69 (76, 83, 90, 97, 104, 111) sts and work to end of row.
Next row – Work until 3 sts rem, P2tog tbl, P1.
Next row – K1, K2tog tbl, work to end. Complete to match left half working from ★★★ to end.
BACK
Work as front to ★★ . Work straight until back measures same as front to shoulder shaping, ending after a wrong-side row.
Shape shoulders – Cast off 4 (5,5,6, 7,8, 8) sts loosely at beg of next 16 rows, then 7 (5, 11, 9, 7,5, 11) sts at beg of next 2 rows – 60 (62, 64, 66, 68, 70, 72) sts. Slip rem sts on a st-holder and leave.
TO COMPLETE
Join shoulders.
Neckband – With set of 2.75 mm needles and right side facing, rejoin yarn to centre front and pick up and knit into the back of the horizontal strand lying between the 2 centre sts, pick up and knit 69 (72, 74, 77, 80, 84, 85) sts evenly up edge of right front neck, knit across 60 (62, 64, 66, 68, 70, 72) sts of back neck, finally pick up and knit 69 (72, 74, 77, 80, 84, 85) sts evenly down edge of left front neck – 199 (207, 213, 221, 229, 239, 243) sts.
Beg with a 2nd row, work backwards and forwards in rows working in rib as on back for 3.5 cm, ending after a 1st rib row. Cast off evenly in rib. Sleeve borders – With 2.75 mm needles and right side facing, pick up and knit 85 (91, 93, 101, 111, 117, 121) sts evenly along sleeve edge. Beg with a 2nd row, work in rib as on back for 3.5 cm, ending after a 1st rib row. Cast off evenly in rib. To Make Up – Omitting rib, press work very lightly on wrong side following pressing instructions on ball-band. Join side seams and sleeve borders. Stitch left side edge of neckband to base of neck pick-up row of right edge of neckband, leaving right neckband edge free. Use the 2 buttons to stitch right edge of neckband in place as in photograph. Press seams. n