Nelumbo top (english)

Difficulty level: 3–4 out of 5

-Read more about difficulty levels here.

This is the English version of the pattern. You can find the Danish version here.

The Nelumbo Top is a beautiful design that fits perfectly into a summer wardrobe, but it also works well for transitional seasons. Worn with a cardigan or blazer, it’s suitable even for cooler days. It features an elegant cable pattern on the front, while the rib pattern on the back adds both drape and flexibility for adjusting the fit. The top is worked from the top down, beginning with a provisional cast-on. It includes approximately 5–6 cm (2″) of positive ease around the bust. The cable pattern is charted and worked across the entire front. The back is worked in a rib pattern. The neckline is finished with a simple rib edge and a delicate i-cord bind-off for a refined finish.

The top is knitted using fingering weight yarn from A Knitter’s World, approximately 400 m / 100 g.

Techniques used (all techniques are explained in the pattern):

• Provisional cast-on
• Cable knitting from chart
• Right and left lifted increases
• Long-tail cast-on
• Ribbing
• Optional: Italian bind-off and double knitting

You should choose your size based on your bust circumference. The top is designed with approximately 5–6 cm (2″) of positive ease. The pattern includes guidance for adjusting the fit if your measurements fall at the upper or lower range of a size.

Sizes:
2XS (XS) S (M) L [XL (2XL) 3XL (4XL) 5XL]

Your bust circumference:
74–78 (79–84) 85–91 (92–96) 97–101 [102–111 (112–119) 120–129 (130–140) 141–150] cm

Finished bust measurement of the top:
83.5 (86.5) 93 (98) 103.5 [111.5 (122) 129 (141) 149.5] cm

Gauge:
Suggested gauge on 3.5 mm needles in stockinette stitch:
26 sts x 36 rnds = 10 x 10 cm / 4 x 4″

Yarn & yardage:
Merino/Silk from A Knitter’s World:
200 (200) 200 (200) 200 [300 (300) 300 (300) 400] g

Notions:
Circular needle 3.5 mm, length 60–150 cm
DPNs, small circular needle, or long circular needle (3 mm, 40 cm or at least 80 cm for magic loop)
Stitch markers
Stitch holder wire or scrap yarn
Tapestry needle