The pattern is very straightforward and well written. The elastic casing, short rows, and i-cord edging make it interesting. I rated this medium difficulty because those elements would probably make this pattern a little too complicated for a beginner, in my opinion. But someone with experience knitting garments would have a lot of fun knitting this top.

This was a pretty quick knit. Not including the bottom band and i-cord edging, the bodice took me about 3 hours to knit up.

I had to go down three needle sizes to get gauge because I am apparently the loosest knitter ever.

I used 26.5” of elastic for a 28” underbust. I used 1.25” wide sport elastic instead of 1.5” wide elastic because all of the 1.5” elastic I found was really stiff and I thought it would be uncomfortable.

For the placket I used 1/2” buttons I bought online from Deramores.

Finished Measurements:

• Underbust: 28”
• Vertical Bust: 5.5” (includes +0.5” height)
• Horizontal Bust: 15”
• Upperbust: 27.5” (includes -3.5” ease)
• Back Height: 3.5”
• Strap Length: 19.5”

I originally knitted this up with a 28” upperbust, but it was a little loose so I took it in at the sides to 27.5”. For reference, my bust circumference is 34” and I wear a 34B/32C. I may have needed extra negative ease because the yarn I used doesn’t have as much elasticity as wool yarn.

I was originally going to have a vertical bust of 6” and a back height of 4”, but when I tried it on I liked 5.5” and 3.5”. I did two less short rows than my original pattern called for and omitted a couple of rows at the end.

I tacked the i-cord edging to the halter straps and button placket so it wouldn’t flip down.

Total Cost: $16.36

• Pink Yarn: $5.98
• White Yarn: $2.99
• Bow Buttons: $5.50 (including shipping)
• Neck Button: $0.52
• Elastic: $1.36