This pattern is for a tunic length girls top which looks great worn with leggings or jeans. Inspired by the origami star shaped boxes I made as a child, this top is called ‘Hoshiko’, a Japanese name meaning ‘starchild’. The top is worked in the round from the bottom up. The front and back are then worked flat and the shoulders joined with a 3 needle bind off. Stitches are then picked up and worked for the neck and arm edgings. The length of the tunic can be altered as indicated in the instructions. If you wish to lengthen the tunic you will need extra yarn.

This pattern is also available in an e-book with a matching hat and headband to keep little ears warm.

Size
2 years (4 years, 6 years), to fit chest size 53.5 (58.5, 63.5)cm (21 (23, 25)in). The finished chest measurements, including positive ease, are 54.5 (60, 65.5)cm (21.75 (24, 26.25)in).

Materials
DK weight yarn in 2 colours. Wool, acrylic or a wool/acrylic blend is preferable.
MC 330 (390, 450)m (361 (427, 492)yds)
CC 200 (220, 240)m (219 (241, 262)yds)
The top pictured used Wendy Mode Double Knitting (50% merino wool, 50% acrylic, 142m (155 yds) in 50g (1.76 oz)) in 213 Blue Sapphire and 202 Vanilla.

Equipment
40cm (16in) 4mm (US6) circular needle
80cm (32in) 4mm (US6) circular needle
Set of four 4mm (US6) dpns
5 stitch markers, 1 different to mark the end of the rounds
2 stitch holders
Yarn needle to weave in ends

Skills needed.
Stranded colourwork from a chart
Work in the round on circular and dpns
k2tog
skp
Knit and purl
3 needle bind off.