A modern take on Christian Dior’s “New Look” of the late 1940’s. Keep it classic by using one color throughout, or use a contrasting yarn to up the wow-factor of your twisted back panel!

Tropicana Twist is slightly cropped and has a form-hugging silhouette with a nipped waist, and coordinates perfectly with a sailor inspired trouser, a full dirndl skirt, or with your favorite pair of comfy leggings.

This is a great pattern for you if:

• You love a modern-vintage look.
• You like garments with out-of-the-box construction.
• You want to knit a summery top for your handmade wardrobe.

TECHNIQUES
Old Norwegian cast-on, long-tail cast-on, 2x1 rib, simple increases and decreases, bust darts using German short rows, picking up and knitting stitches, seaming/grafting, and applying trim. Video tutorials are included for all advanced techniques and transitions.

Video tutorials are included for advanced techniques and transitions.

Unsure of what size to choose? I got you! Included with your pattern purchase is the Tropicana Twist Lookbook! This Lookbook showcases what Topicana Twist looks like on different bodies and includes the wearers body measurements, what mods they made, what yarn they used, and a quick review from the wearer.

MATERIALS
Any wool base DK weight yarn, preferably 75% SW Merino/25% Nylon, or similar fiber content. I have made samples in:

• Brujeria Lana - Boline DK
• Knit Picks Swish DK
• Rowan - Kid Classic
• 2 strands of fingering weight held together.
  Fabric qualities: DK Weight: Makes for the thickest fabric, provides the most support, stretches out the least during wear. Fingering Weight Held Double: Slightly thinner fabric with slightly less support and slightly more stretch. Sport Weight: Makes for a thinner fabric with less support and more stretching during wear. Fiber content other than 75% SW Merino/25% Nylon: Fibers might stretch out unexpectedly. This is especially true for plant-based fibers and those animal-based fibers that typically have more drape: mohair/alpaca/cashmere/etc. If you choose to deviate from the suggested fiber content, proceed with immense curiosity and a willingness to frog if it doesn’t turn out the way you want it to.

YARDAGE/METERAGE
300, (360, 410, 460, 505), (585, 625, 685, 760) yards
280, (335, 380, 425, 460), (535, 575, 630, 695) meters
Here are the amounts broken down in case you want to use a 2nd contrasting yarn:
Waistband: About 26% of your total yardage.
Front Panel: About 36% of your total yardage.
Back Panel: About 29% of your total yardage.
Straps/Neckline Trim: About 9% of your total yardage.

NOTIONS
Scrap yarn, 4 removable stitch markers, soft tape measure for taking body measurements, darning needle for seaming, elastic thread, and crochet hook.

NEEDLES
Main Body: Size 4 (3.5 mm) - circular needle*
Waistband: Size 3 (3.25 mm) - circular needle*
Additional Size 4 (3.5 mm) needle for grafting.
Or size needed to obtain Gauge. Don’t forget to swatch!

GAUGE
Stockinette: 21.5 sts & 34 rows in 4”/10 cm - knit flat.
2x1 Ribbing: 18 sts & 42 rows in 4”/10 cm - knit in the round, when stretched horizontally as far as fabric will allow!
Garter Stitch: 12 sts & 24 rows in 4”/10 cm - knit flat, when stretched horizontally as far as fabric will allow!
Note: working out of gauge may alter yardage and finished measurements.