Vilonia is a racerback camisole with icord straps and side vents. Worked in dreamy 100% mulberry silk, it’s soft, smooth, and airy— perfect for summer wear! This pattern is seamless and worked top down. First the front piece is worked flat. Stitches are picked up at the edges to create i-cord straps, which are then joined together to form the back. The triangle shape of the back is created using shawl-style increases. This had the added benefit of creating a natural pleat right down the center of the back, adding natural shape and depth to the piece. Once the front and back are knitted, they are joined together to be worked in the round. Finally, they are split towards the hem to create side vents.

The actual measurement of the top is about 34” inches wide. If you wanted the make the piece larger (or smaller), I’d recommend adding more (or using less) increase rows on the front and back and perhaps casting on a few more (or less) stitches at the underarm. Just make sure you end up with the same number of stitches on both sides. Depending on your bust size, you may want to knit your straps a little longer than recommended, but be careful! Remember that silk and knitting are both naturally stretchy, and the straps may stretch up to 50% as you wear the top.

If you’re worried about making straps that are too long (or short), here’s an easy work around: After you finish the front, don’t pick up stitches for the i-cord yet. Cast on 6 stitches for the back, and work as indicated in the pattern all the way to the end. Then you can measure your armhole, and figure out exactly how long you want your straps to be before picking up stitches to knit the icord straps. Pick up stitches as indicated in the pattern, work your I-cord, finish off the stitches, and sew the straps to the back.