This sleeveless top features beginner-friendly one-colour brioche in the centre panels, with breezy stockinette side sections. This top is actually knit flat throughout, but circular needles are the best choice for the side sections, since you’ll need a flexible cable to manage the 3-needle bind-off at the seams.

This is an easy to intermediate pattern, perfect for knitters who would like try brioche knitting on a smaller scale than a shawl.

This top is named for a character in David Brin’s Uplift series. Athaclena is a highly empathic alien with a rebellious streak and a wicked sense of humour.

Swatching: For an accurate fit, you will need to swatch both in single-colour brioche using both yarns, and stockinette using only Yarn A.



Choosing a size: This top is designed to be worn with 3-5” of positive ease in the bust, meaning you should choose a size slightly larger than your actual measurements.

MATERIALS:

• YARN A: (430/450/525) (570/625/700) (750/800) yrds laceweight mohair blend yarn - sample shown Tanis Fiber Arts Mohair (72% mohair, 28% silk; 50g; 420 m/459 yrds) in colourway Crystal

• YARN B: (190/200/225) (240/260/275) (290/300) yards fingering weight yarn - sample shown in Urso Yarn Company Nue (100% BFL wool; 115g; 350 m/384 yrds) in colourway Poney

• 3.5 mm (US 4) straight or circular needles for brioche centre panels

• 4.5 mm (US 7) 32” or 40” circular needles for stockinette side sections and edgings

• Additional needles for 3-needle bind off

• Darning needle

• Stitch holders

• 1 locking stitch marker, if desired

GAUGES:

• 17 sts/18 rows over 4”/10cm square in brioche after blocking, using 3.5 mm needles and Yarns A & B held together

• 16 sts/21 rows over 4”/10cm square in stockinette, after blocking, using 4.5 mm needles and Yarn A