Magnolia Crop Top by Catherine A. Watson

Magnolia Crop Top

Knitting
September 2020
DK (11 wpi) ?
14 stitches and 35 rows = 4 inches
in diamond pattern
US 5 - 3.75 mm
210 - 520 yards (192 - 475 m)
Size adjustable (calculated)
English
This pattern is available for $4.00 USD
buy it now or visit pattern website

Meet the Magnolia Crop Top! This pattern is designed to be completely size adjustable and has no upper or lower measurement limits. Instead of relying on size grading based on average measurements, the pattern guides you through a series of calculations based on your unique gauge, measurements, and desired length to make a top that is completely customized to you. A sizing chart is also included as a guideline with average measurements and yardage estimates for women’s sizes XS-5XL.

The top is knit in the round using a diamond pattern that requires a simple repeat of knit and purl stitches, and the straps are worked flat in seed stitch. Instructions are given in both written form and in a chart for the diamond repeat.

I designed the Magnolia Crop Top to be made on size US 5 (3.75 mm) needles using Category 3 DK yarn. However, the top can easily be adjusted for different size needles or yarn weight as long as you gauge swatch accurately to calculate for this change.

Materials:
XS 260 yd/235 m, S 285 yd/260 m, M 345 yd/315 m, L 375 yd/340 m, XL 475 yd/435 m, 2X 500 yd/455 m, 3X 530 yd/485 m, 4X 590 yd/540 m, 5X 625 yd/570 m DK weight yarn
Size US 5 (3.75 mm) circular needles
Darning needle
Stitch marker
Tape measure (for calculations)

Skills required:
Knitting, purling, working both flat and in the round, stretchy bind-off

If you are unfamiliar with struggling with the stretchy bind-off, I strongly recommend using this tutorial for a helpful visual. Instructions are also given to replace the stretchy bind-off with a more loosely tensioned traditional bind-off for a more beginner-friendly method.