This timeless shirt with lovely details is a beautiful addition to your knitting repertoire and wardrobe.
The shirt is worked seamlessly from the top down using the contiguous set-in sleeve method developed by Susie Myers to shape the shoulders and sleeve caps, incorporating additional short-rows to raise the back neck.
The body features a charming eyelet lace pattern. Delicate short sleeves are worked top down in the round.
Finally, the edges of the body and the sleeves are finished with a band of double knit and a decorative picot bind off.

There is also an option for a ruffle on the sleeves (as pictured).
The neckline is finished with a band of double knit, using a double stockinette stitch.

Since it is knit from the top down, it can be tried on as you go, making it easy to adjust the fit.

This pattern has been tech edited and test knitted.

SIZES

XS (S) M (L) XL (2XL) 3XL are designed to fit a bust circumference of 71-76 (81-86) 91.5-96.5
(101.5-106.5) 111.5-117 (122-127) 132-137 cm / 28-30 (32-34) 36-38 (40-42) 44-46 (48-50) 52-54 inches.
Finished measurements after washing/blocking, and worked at gauge:
Chest circumference: 91 (95.5) 104.5 (113.5) 123 (132) 140 cm / 35.75 (37.5) 41.25 (44.75) 48.5 (52) 55 inches.
Body length from centre back neck to hem: 51 (53) 55 (56) 57 (58) 59 cm / 20 (20.75) 21.5 (22) 22.5 (22.75) 23.25 inches.
The shirt is designed to have approximately 13-20 cm / 5-7.75 inches of positive ease in the smaller sizes, gradually decreasing in the larger sizes.

GAUGE

22 stitches and 33 rows = 10 x 10 cm / 4 x 4 on 4 mm (US 6) needles, worked in rows or rounds in stockinette stitch, measured after blocking.
22 stitches and 31.5 rows = 10 x 10 cm / 4 x 4 on 4 mm (US 6) needles, worked in rows or rounds in eyelet pattern, measured after blocking.
For best results take the time to work a swatch. The needle sizes given are for guidance only: if necessary, please adjust your needle size to obtain the correct gauge.
If you get more stitches per 10 cm/4 inches, change to a larger needle.
If you get fewer stitches per 10 cm/4 inches, change to a smaller needle.

MATERIALS

Fine fingering or laceweight yarn.
Sample is worked with two yarns held together: 1 strand 100% superfine lamb’s wool of Filati Italiani 100g/1400m color green and 1 strand Drops Kid-Silk (75% mohair super kid and 25% mulberry silk) 25 g/210 m, color 48 ‘parrot green’.

For sizes XS (S) M (L) XL (2XL) 3XL, you will need approx. 60 (64) 70 (78) 84 (96) 110 grams superfine lamb’s wool of Filati Italiani and 80 (85) 110 (130) 145 (160) 180 grams Drops Kid-Silk,
or any other yarn or yarn combination that achieves the gauge given below.

Option 2: 1 strand Findley lace weight (50% Extrafine Merino Wool/50% Mulberry Silk) 100g/730m and 1 strand or silk mohair
(75% mohair and 25% silk) 25g/210m.
For sizes XS (S) M (L) XL (2XL) 3XL, you will need approx. 70 (80) 90 (105) 120 (130) 150 grams Findley lace weight and 80 (85) 110 (130) 145 (160) 180 grams silk mohair, held together.

Option 3: hold together 2 strands Drops Kid-Silk (75% mohair super kid and 25% mulberry silk) 25g/210m or another comparable silk mohair. For sizes XS (S) M (L) XL (2XL) 3XL, you will need approx. 160 (170) 220 (260) 290 (320) 360 grams.
The yardage includes extra to allow for making a swatch.
Needles and Notions
4.0 mm/US 6 circular needles for the body.
3.25 mm/US 3 circular needles for the neckline, hem and cuffs.
Stitch markers, stitch holders and any other tools you normally use when knitting.

Special thanks to Kate Hamilton for tech editing.