Summer Dreams top is a quick and enjoyable project, easily completed in just a few days. It features a playful detail on the back with optional buttons along the center back line and offers a choice of neckline finishing: delicate ruffles or a clean, simple edge.

Yarn: 5 options (see below).

The top is worked seamlessly from top to bottom. It begins with shaping the upper back, where increases on each side create a diagonal shoulder seam. Armholes are formed by strategically placed increases leading up to the armpit. Stitches are then cast on along the diagonal shoulder seam of the back piece, and the sides of the neck are worked separately before the front is shaped and joined. Once the front and back pieces are connected under the armholes, the body is knitted in the round and finished with a non-curled bind-off.

The neck edge is completed by picking up stitches and working in your chosen style: ruffles for a decorative touch or stockinette for a minimalist finish.

SIZES XS (S) M (L) XL (2XL) 3XL to fit chest circumference 78-85 (86-93) 94-100 (101-109) 110-118 (119-128) 129-138 cm / 30.75-33.5 (34-36.5) 37-39.5 (39.75-43) 43.25-46.5 (47-50.5) 50.75-54.5 inches.

The top is designed to have approximately 0.5 to 8.5 cm / 0.25 to 3.5 inches negative ease at the bust.

Finished chest circumference: 78 (85,5) 93 (101) 110,5 (120) 129,5 cm / 30.75 (33.5) 36.5 (39.75) 43.5
(47.25) 51 inches.

Yarn
Light fingering or fingering weight yarn.

Option 1: Sample on page 1 is worked with two yarns held together: 1 strand Cariaggi (70% cashmere 30% silk + paillettes) on cone 25g/155m and 1 strand Drops Kid-Silk (75% mohair super kid and 25% mulberry silk), 25g/210m.
For sizes XS (S) M (L) XL (2XL) 3XL, you will need approx. 60 (65) 70 (77) 90 (100) 115 grams Cariaggi and 55 (60) 65 (70) 80 (90) 100 grams Drops Kid-Silk.

Option 2: Sample on page 8 is worked in Søstrene Grene (100% Flat cotton), 50g/185m.
For sizes XS (S) M (L) XL (2XL) 3XL, you will need approx 75 (80) 88 (95) 105 (115) 125 grams.

Option 3: BG yarn (100% lino), 50g/150m.
For sizes XS (S) M (L) XL (2XL) 3XL, you will need approx 75 (80) 88 (95) 105 (115) 125 grams.

Option 4: Katia Brisa of Katia Yarn (60% cotton and 40% viscose), 50g/125m.
For sizes XS (S) M (L) XL (2XL) 3XL, you will need approx 80 (90) 100 (110) 120 (130) 140 grams.

Option 5: Baby Cotton Organic of Hobbii yarn (100% cotton), 50g/170m.
For sizes XS (S) M (L) XL (2XL) 3XL, you will need approx 70 (78) 85 (90) 100 (110) 120 grams.

Needles and Notions
3.5 mm / US 4 circular needles, lengths 40 cm and 60 cm for the body,
3 mm / US 2.5 circular needles for neckline.
8 to 10 small buttons (12 mm / 0.5 inches) for finishing the back of the top (optional).

GAUGE
21 stitches and 28 rows = 10 x 10 cm / 4 x 4 inches using 3.5 mm / US 4 needles.
Gauge was measured over the stockinette stitch after washing and blocking.