Leto Top by Nina Holubcova

Leto Top

Knitting
June 2023
DK (11 wpi) ?
24 stitches and 32 rows = 4 inches
in Stockinette stitch
US 4 - 3.5 mm
US 2½ - 3.0 mm
550 - 1100 yards (503 - 1006 m)
1(2, 3, 4)[5, 6, 7, 8] to fit up to 32(36, 40, 44) [48, 52, 56, 60]”/81.5(91.5, 101.5, 112) [122, 132, 142, 152] cm wearer’s chest
English
This pattern is available for $7.00 USD buy it now

Featuring vintage-inspired halter neckline and low back, this wrap top is knit on a bias to create flattering diagonal stripes.

The wrap style makes it adjustable, and bias-knit fabric creates a bit of extra stretch and flattering diagonal lines when worked in self-striping yarn.
The cropped-fit wrap top is worked flat, sideways on a bias, in 2 symmetrical pieces. Starting with provisional
cast on at the front bottom corners, increasing for the chest, then working towards center back. A slip stitch bottom band and I-cord edges are worked at the same time for a neat finish, with an option to insert elastics for a closer, more secure fit.
After joining the center back seam using Kitchener and mattress stitch, stitches from the provisional CO at the start are picked up to make the bottom band tie. The I-cord ties finish the neck.

Materials: 2(2, 2, 3)3, 3, 4, 4 skeins of Urth Uneek Cotton or Monokrom Cotton

Note there is only one stripe color sequence repeat in Uneek Cotton. if you wish the stripe colors to be matched symmetrically on both sides, it’s necessary to have an even number of skeins available, consider getting extra if needed.
The pictured sample (size 1) was knit using 1 skein of Uneek (98g), starting each piece from opposite ends of the skein to ‘meet’ in the center back with similar color stripes.
Getting an extra skein from the same dyelot might be needed in case you wish to do some adjustments to the fit, since it will affect final yardage.

Sizes: 1(2, 3, 4)5, 6, 7, 8 to fit up to 32(36, 40, 44) 48, 52, 56, 60”/81.5(91.5, 101.5, 112)122, 132, 142, 152 cm wearer’s chest

Needles: US 4/3.50 mm circular needles, min. 24”/60 cm, US 2 or 3/3.00 mm DPNs/short circulars for I-cord; or sizes needed to obtain gauge

Notions: Tapestry needle, stitch markers, scrap yarn for provisional CO and/or stitch holders,
optional 1-1.25”/2.5-3 cm wide flat elastic, thin round elastic, small safety pins, sewing needle and matching thread

Skill level: Intermediate

Techniques: Italian provisional CO, increases and decreases,
I-cord bind off, grafting, mattress stitch