Sheer Summer Fun

 Sheer Summer Fun

This is a light, sheer summer top, with a slight cowl front drape, and a back with slits and buttons for an interesting detail. I like simple things that look a bit more difficult.  This pattern is just a bit more than beginner, and the trickiest part is working with very fine yarn.  The effort is worth it, for a light top that can be worn year round, with a tank in the summer, and a cardigan or jacket added in the winter.

Sizes:  x-small[small, med, large, x-large}  finished measurements: 34”[36”, 38”, 40”, 43”]  Suggestion, best worn a bit loose, to allow the back to drape at the cut-outs.

Yarn: Americo Abrazos, (45% Pima Cotton,55%  Bamboo) 100 grams skein (940 mts)… 1[1,1,2,2] skeins.  Shown in J239, dark teal.

Needles: 3mm or other to achieve correct gauge

Buttons for back detailing. ( or beads , ribbons, decorative yarn… your choice)

2 Stitch markers.

Gauge: 30 sts = 4 “ on 3mm needles*  intentionally knit on larger than suggested needle to make a bit more of a lace effect. Only knitting a swatch and checking the gauge will assure a proper fit.  Please take the time to do this.

BACK:

Cast on 128[136, 144, 150, 162]. Work in stocking stitch for 6 inches. 

Back detail Row 1:    With right side facing,  knit 20, cast off  88[96, 104, 110, 122] .  Knit last 20 sts.

Row 2: Purl 20.  Turn and cast on 88[96, 104, 110, 122].  Purl last 20 sts.

Work in stocking stitch for 5 more inches (total measurement is 11 inches.).

Repeat Back detail rows 1 and 2.

Continue to work even until total measurement is 15”[16, 16, 17, 18]” .

Armhole shaping: Cast off 7 sts at the start of next 2 rows.

Work even in stocking stitch until total length is 16 inches.

Upper Back Detail Row 1:  Right side: Knit 15, cast off 84[92, 100, 106, 118] , knit 15.

Row 2: purl 15, cast on 84[92, 100, 106, 118], purl 15.

Continue to work in stocking stitch until total length is 25”[26, 26, 27, 28]”.  Cast off all stitches.

FRONT:

Work same as back until armhole shaping is done. 114[122, 130, 136, 148] stitches on your needle.

Next row:  Knit 56[60, 64, 67, 73], place marker, knit2, place marker, knit 56[60, 64, 67, 73]

Wrong side rows for rest of front: purl all stitches.

Increase row (right side):   knit to first marker, slip marker, increase in next stitch (I knit in the front and back to increase), work to stitch BEFORE next marker, increase in this stitch.  Slip marker and knit to end of row.

Work this increase row every right side, until you have 38 stitches between the markers.  Then work even until your total length of the front is the same as the back.  Cast off all stitches.

Your extra front stitches will create a bit of a cowl neckline.

Finish by carefully sewing two shoulder seams about 5 inches starting at the shoulder.  Sew side seams.  Allow the arm edges , neck edges and bottom edge to curl organically.

Back opening details:  I joined the slits at three spots with Abrazos yarn and buttons.  You could use beads, or decorative yarn or thread.  You could close more or less,

OR you could ignore the slits completely and knit the back without the cast off rows and make a lovely simple shell.  (I won’t be offended!)

Spring is finally here in Canada.  Enjoy!