Garda is a timeless short-sleeve top knit from the top down. It features garter sleeves that gently taper down to the underarm where the garter stitch is continued until it joins the decorative hem stitch. This top is slightly cropped (but the length is easily customizable) with a fitted round neck design. Construction: You’ll start with one shoulder, gradually increasing until you reach the neck depth, then mirror the process for the other shoulder. Once both shoulders are complete, join them to form the front panel and knit until you reach the armhole depth. Repeat this for the back panel. After that, join to work in the round and continue until you finish the bottom hem. To complete your top, simply pick up and knit the neckline.

YARN
DK (#3) Yarn:
700 (780, 875, 1000, 1145) yards, {640 (713, 800, 914, 1047) meters}.
Note: The sample yarn is on the thin side of DK weight, you may be able to match gauge with sport weight.

Sample uses: Drops Belle (53% Cotton / 33% Viscose / 14% Linen - 131 yards {120 m}/ 50g) in the colorway Almond Rose (21).

NEEDLES
Gauge: US 6 (4 mm) circular needles up to 24” {60 cm} in length.
Or size to match gauge.
Neckband: 2 sizes (0.5-1mm) smaller than gauge needles.

GAUGE
Stockinette (worked in the round)
20 sts / 32 rows = 4” {10 cm}

SIZING
5 Sizes: 1 (2, 3, 4, 5)
I recommend choosing a size with 4-6” {10-15 cm} of positive ease at the bust. Sample is worn with 4” {10 cm} of positive ease.

• Bust Circumference: 37.5 (42.5, 46.5, 50.5, 55.25) inches, {95.5 (108, 118, 128.5, 140.5) cm}.
• Armhole Depth: 7.75 (8.25, 8.25, 8.75, 9.25) inches, {19.5 (21, 21, 22, 23.5) cm}.
• Total Length: 19.75 (20.25, 20.75, 22, 23.25) inches, {50 (51.5, 52.5, 56, 59) cm}.

TECHNIQUES INVOLVED

• Long Tail Cast On (or similar)

• Increasing: (LLI, RLI, kfb)

• Decreasing (k2tog, ssk)

• German Short Rows

• Backwards Loop Cast On

• Bind Off (suggested icelandic version)