This form fitting shell is made with a 2x2 Twisted Cable from the bottom to the waist and straight 2x2 rib from the waist to the shoulder. To give it a unique accent I designed the back to have a cute little Peek-a-Boo with a button closer. The bottom half is worked in the round on a circular needle, the top/sleeve front and back are worked separately on straight needles.
Being a Rib it makes a very stretchy fabric, so it will fit 2 to 3 sizes, ie. the 30/32 can stretch from a 28” bust up to a 33” very easily. The same with the other 2 sizes.
The Berroco Maya shows it was a worsted weight, but when I used a size 8 needle the stitches were to open and didn’t look right. When I went down to a 7 everything started coming together. So I figured a DK weight will be the best to give this top the right look and structure. I used Maya that is a Cotton/Alpaca Blend, But a blend of wool, llama, or acrylic should do the same.
Besides a 29” or 32” circular needle, a straight needle works best for the top portion because of the limited amount of stitches being worked. But, if you prefer to use the circular, they will work just as well. A Cable Stitch Needle will be needed to make the cables, however there is a way to do them without a needle. I have a video on YouTube that show how to do it without the needle. Its called “Cable Right Twist, Cable Left Twist & 2x2 Cable Twist w/no needle”.
The Berroco takes between 5 and 7 hanks with it being 137 yds. It would be less or more depending on the put up of the other yarns.. I used a 1.25” button because I didn’t have a 1” in my stash. That is why it looks a little big for the band.