This deceptively simple top is cleverly knit from the center out to each side, rather than from top to bottom or vice versa. A modern pivot to a familiar style! A tapered shape allows for plenty of ease at the bust, while providing a relaxed and flattering bottom edge at hip length.

For a lightweight, versatile version, pick the ethically-sourced Madelinetosh Tosh Merino Light. For a warmer woolly version, use Rowan Felted Tweed. makes a warm, cozy, more structured layer.

There is a free adaptation for adding sleeves on the Churchmouse website here.

This eight-page pattern includes:

• Color photography by Laura Gehring
• Special Techniques: Swatching for Gauge - ‘Clip & Turn’ Short-Row Shaping - Adding Body Length
• Comprehensive sizing schematic
• Instructions for seaming, blocking, and finishing your piece

FINISHED SIZES
Sizes: S (M, L, XL).

Finished bust (at armholes): 49½ (57½, 65½, 73)“/126 (146, 166, 185)cm.

To fit bust: 28–32 (34–38, 40–44, 46–50)“/71–81 (86–97, 102–112, 117–127)cm.

With approx. ease: 17½-21½ (19½-23½, 21½-25½, 23-27)“/45-55 (49.5-59.5, 54-64, 58-68)cm.

Finished length: Measured from high shoulder (where shoulder meets neck) to bottom edge. 20½ (22¾, 25½, 28)“/52 (58, 65, 71)cm.

YARN
Approx. 815 (1045, 1300, 1580) yds/745 (956, 1189, 1445)m of two fingering-weight yarns, or one DK-weight yarn.

For custom lengths: To lengthen body, add approx. 35 (40, 45, 50) yds/32 (37, 41, 46)m of yarn for each 1”/2.5cm of knitted body length.

Shown in Madeline Tosh Merino Light (420 yds/384m per skein), Color Oscura (with optional sleeves) and Color Tart. Model is wearing size S with 17½“/45cm bust ease.

Shown in brick red in Rowan Felted Tweed (191 yds/175m per skein), Color 196, held single throughout. Model is wearing size M with 22½“/57cm bust ease.

NEEDLES & NOTIONS
US 7 (4.5mm) 24”/60cm circular needle, or size to get gauge.
US 6 (4mm) 16”/40cm and 32”/80cm circular needles, or one size smaller than gauge needle.
US D/3 (3.25mm) crochet hook for provisional cast-on.
5 yds/m smooth fingering-weight yarn for provisional cast-on.
30 locking markers.
8 spare circular needles (gauge size or smaller), so you can knit off of needle from either end; or you can use waste yarn.
Darning needle to finish.

GAUGE
20 sts/30 rows = 4”/10cm in stockinette stitch, after blocking.