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Venlo Top is a quintessential summer-to-fall piece, mirroring the changing weather throughout a summer day or shifting seasons. Its airy design is perfect for sun-soaked afternoons, allowing a cool breeze to dance against the skin. As daylight gently fades, this versatile top layered under a jacket seamlessly transitions to cooler nights. Its lightweight elegance offers just the right amount of coverage, keeping you comfortable while stargazing or sharing stories around a bonfire.

Delicate V-neck gracefully frames the neckline, adding a touch of allure to its summer charm. The pattern adds another layer of versatility by offering two shaping options: straight and A-line.

SIZES
10 sizes - Finished garment bust circumference of 34 (38, 42, 46) 50, 54, 58 {62, 66, 70} / 86 (97, 107, 117) 127, 137, 147 {157, 168, 178} cm, recommended to be worn with 2-4 of positive ease.

See detailed schematics and measurements in Photos.

CONSTRUCTION
The top is worked bottom-up flat. You first work Front, Back and the two Side Panels separately, then seam them all together.
Front and Back (fully in MC) start with 1x1 half-twisted rib, then continue straight in plain stockinette to armhole and neck shaping. Left and Right sides are finished separately.

Neckband and armholes are trimmed with 1x1 half-twisted rib as you go.

Side Panels are worked in tuck stitch (using MC+CC), starting and finishing with 1x1 half-twisted rib.

This pattern includes some options:

• Straight or A-line shaping (created by working Side Panels straight or tapered);
• Optional high-low Hem effect (created by longer Hem on Back).

When all pieces are knit and blocked to intended measurements, simply seam them together with mattress stitch.

YARN
Fingering-weight silk (~435-545 yd / 400-500 m per 3.5 oz / 100 g) in two colors.

Contrasting color (CC) is only used in the side panels. You can choose to knit your Hem in CC as well, but required yardages will differ.

Sample was knit in size 2 out of Knitting for Olive Pure Silk’ (100% Silk, 273 yd / 250 m per 1.8 oz / 50 g) in colorways MC Linen Gray, CC Deep Petroleum.

See yardages per size per color in Photos

NEEDLES
You will need four sets of needles: two types and two sizes.
Body: either 24-32 / 60-80 cm circulars (depending on the size), or long straights

• Needle A (stockinette)Suggested Size: US 4 / 3.5 mm
• Needle B (rib and tuck stitch)Suggested Size: US 2.5 / 3 mm or 1 US size / 0.5 mm smaller than Needle A

GAUGE
Per 4 / 10 cm, after wet-blocking

• Stockinette: 27 sts x 32 rows on Needle A
• Tuck-stitch: 24 sts x 44 rows on Needle B

NOTIONS

• Stitch markers
• Waste yarn / spare needle
• Row counter (optional)
• Tapestry needle
• Scissors

PATTERN TECHNIQUES

• Old Norwegian/ German Twisted Cast On
• 1x1 half-twisted rib
• Knitting in stockinette flat
• Reading charted instructions (optional)
• Traditional Bind Off (for the shoulders)
• Jeny’s Surprisingly Stretchy Bind Off (or elastic bind off of your choice)
• Mattress stitch

I would love to see your versions of this top! Feel free to tag me on Instagram (@saltandstoneknits) in your photos and add these hashtags to your posts on Instagram! #venlotop #saltandstoneknits

If you have any questions about the pattern, please contact me by email at mieka@saltandstoneknits.com.

Pattern tech edited and graded by Olga Barshai
Ravelry: GingerHandcrafts
IG: @Ginger_handcrafts
Email: olga.barshai@gmail.com

Sample Knit by Yoff Kau
Ravelry: WonderWitch
IG: @yoffkau
Email: yoffkau@gmail.com

Photos by Dennis Heeringa
IG: @dutchie