Linen Top by Samantha Stadter

Linen Top

Knitting
March 2018
Fingering (14 wpi) ?
20 stitches and 32 rows = 4 inches
in stockinette stitch
US 5 - 3.75 mm
590 yards (539 m)
small/medium
English
This pattern is available for free.

The top is worked seamlessly, top down. First, the upper back is worked flat, using short rows to shape the shoulders. Then, stitches are picked up at the shoulders to form the front pieces. The front pieces are joined and worked back and forth, before being joined with the back to begin working in the round.

The lace panel is 49 stitches wide and worked over 6 rows. The feather and fan style of the lace curves naturally, creating the swooped neckline that continues down to the lower edge. Keep in mind that the instructions for the lace panel change slightly when you begin working in the round.

The top measures about 43” at the bust. I designed it for myself to wear with 8″ of positive ease. However, it could fit anywhere from a 34-42” bust, depending on how much ease you want. If you’d like to make the top smaller or larger, I’d recommend knitting at a slightly smaller or larger gauge. Be aware that if you do this, you may want to adjust the armhole length to suit your needs.