Ophelia Blouse by Tamara Jordan

Ophelia Blouse

Knitting
December 2023
Fingering (14 wpi) ?
24 stitches and 36 rows = 4 inches
in stockinette
US 2 - 2.75 mm
2.25 mm (B)
740 - 1560 yards (677 - 1426 m)
30" - 60" bust (76cm - 152cm)
English
This pattern is available for $8.00 USD buy it now

ABOUT & CONSTRUCTION
A romantic, feminine blouse that skims your curves. It’s knitted seamlessly from the top-down, with short-row shoulder shaping as well as waist and hip shaping along vertical darts on the front and back. The pattern includes suggestions on where and how to customize the fit for your specific measurements. The cap sleeves are shaped with German short rows, and a lace hem and crocheted picot border finish off all edges.

GAUGE: 24 st, 36 rows = 4” (10.16 cm) on US 2 (2.75) mm needles in stockinette, after blocking

YARN: 1 strand of Knitting for Olive Pure Silk (fingering weight 100% silk, 250m per 50g) - see sizing chart photo for yarn estimates. If substituting, choose a yarn with a fiber that has drape, like silk, bamboo, alpaca, linen, mohair, or superwash merino.

FIT: This top is meant to be worn with 0-1.25” of positive ease at the bust and waist, and 2.75” of positive ease at the hips. It includes tips on how to customize to add more bust increases/shaping or adjust the waist and hip shaping.

DIFFICULTY LEVEL
This pattern is best for intermediate knitters. It uses several shaping techniques, and at times requires you to keep track of multiple things at once.

TECHNIQUES:

  • german short rows
  • right- and left-leaning increases and decreases
  • picking up stitches
  • english lace mesh stitch (includes written instructions and a chart)
  • crochet picot border (includes video tutorial)

TOOLS:

  • US 2 (2.75mm) needles, or whichever size meets gauge, either flat or with a cable long enough for your body circumference (the body is knit flat)
  • same size needle in DPNs or cable long enough for magic loop (the sleeves are knit in the round)
  • 2.25-2.75mm crochet hook, for picot edge
  • 6 stitch markers (4 must be locking)
  • 4-8 buttons in a size of your choosing (the sample uses 13mm shank buttons)
  • tapestry needle, sewing needle & thread for buttons