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.surf & turf.brisa.twins. eyelet . white trash . easybreezy
..lacecap.vintage . broadripple . jane . childHood
.daisy .tasha .aline.puppers . fairway.sigma.cleo



Flirty for hot summer days, this backless halter top features back ribbing and straps that tie at the neck for the best fit. The daring will knit Cleo as a bikini top; the more modest among us can cover up in style by knitting the full-length version.

Cleo features 5 easy stitch patterns and a picot edging to challenge beginners and keep even the most restless knitters satisfied.

Since the top is knit in two separate pieces, the knitting and assembly allows for custom fitting. If this is intended for someone else, it might be handy to have the person available to ensure a proper fit. Additionally, the elastic chest band ensures a snug fit!

model: Amy Swenson

SIZE
S-M [L-XL]
 
FINISHED MEASUREMENTS

Ribcage: 26-30[32-36] inches
Cup size: A-B [C-D, DD+]
Note:
Three sizes are provided for cups only -- choose the appropriate size when making your triangles.
Length [cropped]: 11 inches
Length [long]: 18.5 inches

 

MATERIALS

[MC] Cantata Cotton Crepe DK [100% Mercerized Cotton; 115 yd per 50g skein];
color: 7195; 2 skeins [short version], 3 skeins [long version]
[CC] Cantata Cotton Crepe DK [100% Mercerized Cotton; 115 yd per 50g skein];
color: 448; 2 skeins [short version], 3 skeins [long version]

1 US #9/5.5mm 24" circular needle
1 set US #9/5.5mm dpns
Tapestry needle
Approximately 60" 10mm elastic
Sewing needle and thread

 
GAUGE

16 sts/20 rows = 4" in stockinette stitch

NOTE: Yarn is held doubled throughout.

 
DIRECTIONS
Note:
SKP = Slip one stitch knitwise. Knit next stitch. Pull slipped stitch over knit stitch as if to bind off.

Eyelet Seed Stitch Pattern

[RS]: K2, yo, k2tog, work in seed st to last 4 sts, k2tog, yo, k2.
[WS]: P3, work in seed st to last 3 sts, p3.

Decrease Row [2 sts decreased]

[RS]: K2, yo, k3tog, work in seed st to last 5 sts, k3tog, yo, k2.

Triangle [make two]

Knit two of these to fit your desired cup size or modesty level as noted above in the chest measurement. Knitting a larger size and overlapping triangles more when assembling provides for more coverage.

With one strand of MC and one strand of CC and circular needles, CO 30[40, 50] sts. Work 2 rows in St st.
Work 4 rows in Eyelet Seed Stitch Pattern.

Beginning on next RS row, work Decrease Row every fourth row 3[5, 7] times. 24[30, 36] sts remain.
Continue to work Eyelet Seed Stitch Pattern on WS rows.
Work Decrease Row every RS row 10[12,16] times. 4 sts remain.

Dec 1 st, and switching to dpns, work a 3 st I-cord for 12 inches.
Cut yarn and pull through.

Lace / Ribbing band

With one strand of MC and one strand of CC, cast on 99 [110] sts.
Place marker, join, and work 3 rows seed st.
K 1 row even.
Work Chevron Eyelet pattern over next 8 rows.
K 1 row even.
Work 3 rows in seed st.

Chevron Eyelet Pattern

Worked over 11 sts

Row 1: K6, yo, skp, k3.
Row 2 and every even row: K2, p1, k7, p1.
Row 3: K4, k2tog, yo, k1, yo, skp, k2.
Row 5: K3, k2tog, yo, k3, yo, skp, k1.
Row 7: K2, k2tog, yo, k5, yo, skp.

Cropped Version

On next row, BO all sts knitwise.

Long Version

Knit first 60 [68] sts, BO next 39 [42] sts.
On next row, [k2, m1] across to last 2 sts, k1, m1, k1. 90 [102] sts.

Work in Eyelet Pattern for 7 inches from end of lace band.
On next RS row, k2, *yo, k2tog* to last 2 sts, k2.
Work 1 RS row of Eyelet Pattern.
Work 2 rows in St st, maintaining garter stitch selvedge.
Work 1 row of seed stitch.
On next row, BO all sts knitwise.

Eyelet Pattern

[RS]: K2, yo, k2tog, k to last 4 sts, k2tog, yo, k2.
[WS]: k2, p to last 2 sts, k2.

 

Long Version - w/full back NEW!

Knit 1 round, inc 1[2] st. 100 [112] sts.
On next row, [k4, m1] across to last 4 sts, k3, m1, k1. 125 [140] sts.
Work even for 7 inches from end of lace band.
On next round, k2, *yo, k2tog* to last 2 sts, k2.
Work 1 RS round of Eyelet Pattern.
Work 2 rounds in St st.
Work 1 round of seed stitch.
On next round, BO all sts knitwise.

 
FINISHING

Position triangles in place to fit, or with an overlap of approximately 2.5[3, ??] inches. Sew overlapping bottom edge together.
Attach, centered, on lace band.

Cut two 28 [29] inch lengths of 10mm elastic.
With sewing needle and thread, sew ends of each band together to form two circles. With RS of work facing, attach elastic to top lace border.
Repeat with second elastic, attaching to bottom lace border.

ABOUT THE DESIGNER

Amy Swenson lives in Calgary, Alberta, with her partner Jenn, their yorkie, Basil, and their cats, Cleo and Maddy.

Her overwhelming addiction to yarn is mostly paid for by her work as a website developer.

She documents her quest for dropped stitches, cheap airfares and Canadian permanent residency at Indigirl.

More information on her knitwear designs can be found at IndiKnits.