Fine yarn knits up quickly in a fascinating stitch pattern on large needles. Just straight knitting with a little shaping for the front makes this simple little top. Sew on sequins and beads for extra sparkle.
ESTIMATED TIME TO COMPLETE
The 2nd size vest took 14 hours to make.
SIZE
Stretches to fit: bust 32[34:36:38] in. (81[86:91:97] cm).
Actual measurements: bust 30¼[31½:33¼:34½] in. (77[80:84.5:88] cm); length to center front 14¼[15:16:16¾] in. (36[38:40.5:42.5] cm). Figures in square brackets refer to larger sizes; where there is one figure, it refers to all sizes.
YOU WILL NEED
• 4(4:5:5) x 25 g balls (approx 3½[3½:4½:4½ oz.]) of Rowan Lurex Shimmer in Minty, shade 337
• pair each of size US 3 (3¼ mm) and size US 10 (6 mm) knitting needles
• assorted sequins and beads
• matching sewing thread and a fine, sharp needle
GAUGE
22 sts and 20 rows to 4 in. (10 cm) over daisy patt on size US 10 (6 mm) needles. Change needle size, if necessary, to obtain this gauge.
ABBREVIATIONS
beg = beginning; cont = continue; dec = decrease; k = knit; patt = pattern; p = purl; p3yo3 = p3tog but leave sts on left needle, yarn around needle, p same 3 sts tog and slip sts off left needle; RS = right side; s2kpo = slip next 2 sts as if to k2tog, k1, pass 2 slipped sts over; st(s) = stitch(es); st-st = stockinette stitch; WS = wrong side; [ ] = work instructions in square brackets as directed.
NOTES
• The daisy-stitch pattern starts in a different place on the back and the front so the pattern matches at the side seams.
• Work the yo of the p3yo3 quite loosely, so it’s easy to knit into it on the next row.
• Working double decreases for the armhole shaping takes off 2 sts at each end and keeps the pattern correct.
• The openwork stitch pattern is very stretchy, so the top will shape itself to the body.
• Although Lurex Shimmer can be pressed, do not press the completed top as this will flatten the stitch pattern.
Using size US 3 (3¼ mm) needles, cast on 85(89:93:97) sts.
Row 1 (RS) K.
Row 2 P1, [yo, p2tog] to end.
Row 3 K.
Row 4 K.
These 4 rows form the edging **.
Change to size US 10 (6 mm) needles.
Row 1 (RS) K.
Row 2 K1, p1, k1, [p3yo3, k1] to last 2 sts, p1, k1.
Row 3 K.
Row 4 K1, [p3yo3, k1] to end.
These 4 rows form daisy patt.
Work 54(58:62:66) more rows, ending with a 2nd patt row.
Using US 3 (3¼ mm) needles, bind off knitwise.
FRONT
Work as given for back to **.
Change to US 10 (6 mm) needles.
Row 1 (RS) K.
Row 2 K1, [p3yo3, k1] to end.
Row 3 K.
Row 4 K1, p1, k1, [p3yo3, k1] to last 2 sts, p1, k1.
These 4 rows form daisy patt. Work 54(58:62:66) more rows, ending with a 2nd patt row.
Shape armholes. Row 1 (RS) Bind off 2 sts, k to end. 83(87:91:95) sts.
Row 2 Bind off 2 sts, 1 st on right needle, [p3yo3, k1] to end. 81(85:89:93) sts.
Row 3 (RS) S2kpo, k to last 3 sts, s2kpo. 77(81:85:89) sts.
Row 4 K1, [p3yo3, k1] to end.
Cont in patt, dec in same way as Row 3 at each end of next 5 RS rows. 57(61:65:69) sts.
Using size US 3 (3¼ mm) needles, bind off knitwise.
TO FINISH
Join side seams.
Straps. Using size US 3 (3¼ mm) needles and with RS facing, pick up and k 4 sts from first 4 bound-off sts of front top edge. Beg p row, st-st until strap measures 10[10½:11½:12] in. (25 [27:29:30.5] cm). Bind off. Picking up sts from last 4 bound-off sts of front top edge, work 2nd strap to match.
Using matching thread, sew on sequins by bringing needle up to RS through the center hole, threading on a small bead and taking needle back to WS. Tie the straps around back of your neck for a halter top or, if you prefer, sew the straps to the back of the top.
ABOUT THIS YARN
Lurex Shimmer is a fine, smooth chainette-construction yarn with a metallic look. It’s a mix of 80% viscose and 20% polyester with approximately 104 yds. (95 m) to a 25 g (approx. 1 oz.) ball.
TIPS
• The pattern row for this pretty openwork stitch is easier to work if you tuck the end of the right needle under your arm, leaving your right hand free to wrap the yarn for the p3yo3.
• Because you’re making 3 stitches each time you take 3 stitches together, the stitch count is the same on every row. Once you’ve completed a few repeats, it becomes easy to see how the grouped stitches alternate, making it easy to work the stitch pattern without constantly referring to the instructions.
• Before binding off the first strap, try the top on and, if necessary, adjust the length of the strap.
• Sewing on antique beads or beads from a broken necklace would add to the vintage effect.
• Never press sequins; they will curl.
If you prefer, sew the straps to the bound-off edge of the back.