by Sophy DiPinto

I wanted to knit something that the elves would wear. I have been trying for this last age to knit this top, now that it is done and my quest is complete, my time in middle earth is over.

This has been an epic quest for me. I can't recall how many lacy underthings like this I have tried to make. And after so many attempts at following patterns that were close to what I wanted but not quite, but close enough that I thought I could alter them to get what I did want, I knew exactly what wouldn't work.

So where to start? I tried a bunch of different yarns. Silk or bamboo yarns seem like a good fit a first for this sort of project, but the lace seems to lose its structure in a slinkier yarn. And I had a hard time getting a good fit without a lot of negative ease. The instant I got a skein of the Madelinetosh Prairie, I knew it would be perfect for my tank top. It was soft enough to wear against the skin, and the single ply has a lovely sheen to it without being slinky at all. And it comes in really stunning colors as well.

I knitted up swatches of a dozen types of lace stitch from "A Treasury of Knitting Patterns" before I settled on this one. I found it light and airy without being too busy or weird.

But the big thing for me was the structure. There's a reason why lace is often relegated to shawls and the like -- it doesn't really lend itself at all to shaping. And there's nothing satisfying about a lacy underthing that's loose and floppy. If you make it tight, that stresses an already delicate garment. And trying to shape inside a lace pattern -- that's just a nightmare! Knitting this in the round was no good either; side seams were very helpful in keeping the garment squared.

I don't know how I came up with the idea for ribbing at the sides, and doing all the waist shaping in the ribbing. I think I had originally tried garter stitch (cause that's what you use with lace, right?) but all the increases and decreases really stood out and looked awkward. Once I tried the ribbing on a swatch I realized I'd hit on something, and lo and behold the thing all came together.

SIZE
XS [S, M, L, XL, 2XL, 3XL]
shown in size S with less than an inch of positive ease.

FINISHED MEASUREMENTS
Bust: 29 [32, 36, 40, 44, 49, 53] inches
Length: 15 [16.5, 18.5, 21.5, 23.5, 26, 28.5] inches

MATERIALS
Yarn
Madelinetosh Prairie [100% superwash merino; 840 yd per 140g skein]; color: Wellwater; 1 [1, 1, 1, 1, 2, 2] skeins

Recommended needle size
[always use a needle size that gives you the gauge listed below -- every knitter's gauge is unique]
1 set US #3/3.25 mm needles
1 set US #1/2.25 mm needles
1 set US #1/2.25 mm double-point needles

Notions
Yarn needle
Four large closed silver jump rings
2ft. 1/8" elastic (optional)

GAUGE

PATTERN NOTES
[Knitty's list of standard abbreviations and techniques can be found here.]

Front and back are the same except for the final 4 rows and the finish – back sts are bound off; sts are left live on the Front.

All decreases and increases in the side ribbing are done on the wrong side so they are less visible.

Grafting:
Instructions for grafting can be found here.

I-cord:
Using a double-point needle, CO the required number of sts. Knit those sts.
Next Row: Instead of turning work around to work back on the WS, slide all sts to other end of needle, switch needle back to your left hand, bring yarn around back of work, and start knitting the sts again. I-Cord is worked with the RS facing at all times.
Repeat this row to form I-cord. After a few rows, work will begin to form a tube.

Trellis Leaf Lace Pattern (Over a multiple of 12 sts + 13)

Rows 1, 3, 5 [RS]: K2tog, *k2, yo, ssk, yo, k1, yo, k2tog, yo, k2, sl1-k2tog-psso; rep from * , to last 11 sts, k2, yo, ssk, yo, k1, yo, k2tog, yo, k2, ssk.

Row 7 [RS]: K2tog, *k1, yo, k2tog, yo, k3, yo, ssk, yo, k1, sl1-k2tog-psso; rep from * , to last 11 sts, k1, yo, k2tog, yo, k3, yo, ssk, yo, k1, ssk.

Row 9 [RS]: K2tog, *yo, k2tog, yo, k5, yo, ssk, yo, sl1-k2tog-psso; rep from * , to last 11 st, yo, k2tog, yo, k5, yo, ssk, yo, ssk2.

Rows 11, 13, 15 [RS]: K1, *yo, k2tog, yo, k2, sl1-k2tog-psso, k2, yo, ssk, yo, k1; rep from *.

Row 17 [RS]: K1, *k1, yo, ssk, yo, k1, sl1-k2tog-psso, k1, yo, k2tog, yo, k2; rep from *

Row 19 [RS]: K1, *k2, yo, ssk, yo, sl1-k2tog-psso, yo, k2tog, yo, k3; rep from *

DIRECTIONS

Size XS & S only:
Row 1 [RS]: (K3, p3) twice, k3, p2; work Trellis Leaf Lace Pattern over next 85[97] stitches, until 17 sts rem; p2, k3, (p3, k3) twice.

Row 2 [WS]: (P3, k3) twice, p3, k2; work Trellis Leaf Lace Pattern over next 85[97] stitches, until 17 sts rem; k2, p3, (k3, p3) twice.

Repeat Rows 1 & 2 until piece measures 1.5[2] inches long, ending with a RS row.

Waist Shaping:
Row 1 [WS]: (P3, k3) twice, p1, p2tog, k2, work in pattern as set to last 17 sts, k2, p2tog, p1, (k3, p3) twice. 117[129] sts.

Work 3 rows even in pattern as set.

Row 5 [WS]: P3, k3, p3, k2tog, k1, p2, k2, work in pattern as set to last 16 sts, k2, p2, k1, k2tog, p3, k3, p3.

Work 3 rows even in pattern as set.

Row 9 [WS]: P3, k3, p1, p2tog, k2, p2, k2, work in pattern as set to last 15 sts, k2, p2, k2, p2tog, p1, k3, p3.

Work 3 rows even in pattern as set.

Row 13 [WS]: P3, k1, k2tog, p2, k2, p2, k2, work in pattern as set to last 14 sts, k2, p2, k2, p2, k2tog, k1, p3.

Work 3 rows even in pattern as set.

Row 17 [WS]: P2tog, p1, k2, p2, k2, p2, k2, p85[97], k2, p2, k2, p2, k2, p1, p2tog.

Work 3 rows even in pattern as set.

Row 21 [WS]: (P2, k2) twice, p2, k2tog, p85[97], k2tog, (p2, k2) twice p2.

Work 3 rows even in pattern as set.

Row 25 [WS]: (P2, k2) twice, p2tog, k1, p85[97], k1, p2tog, (k2, p2) twice.
Work 3 rows even in pattern as set.
Row 29 [WS]: P2, k2, p2, k2tog, p1, k1, p85[97], k1, p1, k2tog, p2, k2, p2.
Work 3 rows even in pattern as set.
Row 33 [WS]: P2, k2, p2tog, k1, p1, k1, p85[97], k1, p1, k1, p2tog, k2, p2.
Work 3 rows even in pattern as set.
Row 37 [WS]: P2, k2tog, (p1, k1) twice, p85[97], (k1, p1) twice, k2tog, p2.
Row 38: Work even in pattern as set.
Row 39 [WS]: P2tog, (k1, p1) twice, k1, p85[97], (k1, p1) twice, k1, p2tog.
Row 40: Work even in pattern as set.
Row 41 [WS]: (P1, k1) twice, p2tog, p85[97], p2tog, (k1, p1) twice.
Row 42: Work even in pattern as set.
Row 43 [WS]: P1, k1, p1, k2tog, p85[97], k2tog, p1, k1, p1.
Row 44: Work even in pattern as set.
Row 45 [WS]: P1, k1, p2tog, p85[97], p2tog, k1, p1.
Row 44: Work even in pattern as set.
Row 47 [WS]: P1, k2tog, p85[97], k2tog, p1. 89 [101] stitches.

Work even in pattern as set until piece measures 8.5 [9] inches from CO edge.

Work even as required until piece measures 11.5 [12] inches from CO edge.
Proceed to TOP EDGE.

Size M Only
Row 1 [RS]: K4, p4, k4, p3, k3, p3; work Trellis Leaf Lace Pattern over next 109 stitches, until 21 sts rem; p3, k3, p3, k4, p4, k4.
Row 2 [WS]: P4, k4, p4, k3, p3, k3; work Trellis Leaf Lace Pattern over next 109 stitches, until 21 sts rem; k3, p3, k3, p4, k4, p4.
Repeat Rows 1 & 2 until piece measures 3 inches long, ending with a RS row.

Waist Shaping:
Row 1 [WS]: P4, k4, p2tog, p2, k3, p3, k3, p109, k3, p3, k3, p2, p2tog, k4, p4.
Work 3 rows even in pattern as set.
Row 5 [WS]: P4, k2, k2tog, (p3, k3) twice, p109, (k3, p3) twice, k2tog, k2, p4.
Work 3 rows even in pattern as set.
Row 9 [WS]: P2tog, p2, (k3, p3) twice, k3, p109, (k3, p3) twice, k3, p2, p2tog.
Work 3 rows even in pattern as set.
Row 13 [WS]: P3, (k3, p3) twice, k2tog, k1, p109, k1, k2tog, (p3, k3) twice, p3.
Work 3 rows even in pattern as set.
Row 17 [WS]: (P3, k3) twice, p2tog, p1, k2, p109, k2, p1, p2tog, (k3, p3) twice.
Work 3 rows even in pattern as set.
Row 21 [WS]: P3, k3, p3, k2tog, k1, p2, k2, p109, k2, p2, k1, k2tog, p3, k3, p3.
Work 3 rows even in pattern as set.
Row 25 [WS]: P3, k3, p2tog, p1, k2, p2, k2, p109, k2, p2, k2, p1, p2tog, k3, p3.
Work 3 rows even in pattern as set.
Row 29 [WS]: P3, k2tog, k1, (p2, k2) twice, p109, (k2, p2) twice, k1, k2tog, p3.
Work 3 rows even in pattern as set.
Row 33 [WS]: P2tog, p1, (k2, p2) twice, k2, p109, (k2, p2) twice, k2, p1, p2tog.
Work 3 rows even in pattern as set.
Row 37 [WS]: (P2, k2) twice p2, k2tog, p109, k2tog, (p2, k2) twice, p2.
Work 3 rows even in pattern as set.
Row 41 [WS]: (P2, k2) twice, p2tog, k1, p109, k1, p2tog, (k2, p2) twice.
Row 42 [RS]: Work even in pattern as set.
Row 43 [WS]: P2, k2, p2, k2tog, p1, k1, p109, k1, p1, k2tog, p2, k2, p2.
Row 44: Work even in pattern as set.
Row 45 [WS]: P2, k2, p2tog, k1, p1, k1, p109, k1, p1, k1, p2tog, k2, p2.
Row 46: Work even in pattern as set.
Row 47 [WS]: P2, k2tog, (p1, k1) twice, p109, (k1, p1) twice, k2tog, p2.
Row 48: Work even in pattern as set.
Row 49 [WS]: P2, k1, p1, k1, p2tog, p109, p2tog, k1, p1, k1, p2.
Row 50: Work even in pattern as set.
Row 51 [WS]: P2, k1, p1, k2tog, p109, k2tog, p1, k1, p2.
Row 52: Work even in pattern as set.
Row 53 [WS]: P2, k2tog, k1, p109, k1, k2tog, p2. 117 stitches.
Row 54 [RS]: K2, p2, lace pattern, 109, p2, k2.

Continue in established pattern until piece measures 10 inches from CO edge.

Increasing for bust:
Row 1 [WS]: P2, k2, m1, p109, m1, k2, p2.
Row 2 [RS]: K2, p2, k1, work lace pattern as set over next 109 sts, k1, p2, k2.
Row 3 [WS]: P2, k2, p1, m1, p109, m1, p1, k2, p2.
Row 4 [RS]: K2, p2, k1, p1, work lace pattern as set over next 109 sts, k1, p1, p2, k2.
Row 5 [WS]: P2, k2, p1, m1, k1, p109, k1, m1, p1, k2, p2.
Row 6 [RS]: K2, p2, k2, p1, work lace pattern as set over next 109 sts, p1, k2, p2, k2.
Row 7 [WS]: P2, k2, p2, k1, m1, p109, m1, k1, p2, k2, p2.
Row 8 [RS]: (K2, p2) twice, work lace pattern as set over next 109 sts, (p2, k2) twice.
Row 9 [WS]: P2, m1, k2, p2, k2, p109, k2, p2, k2, m1, p2.
Row 10 [RS]: K3, p2, k2, p2, work lace pattern as set over next 109 sts, p2, k2, p2, k3.
Row 11 [WS]: P3, k2, m1, p2, k2, p109, k2, p2, m1, k2, p3
Row 12 [RS]: K3, p3, k2, p2 work lace pattern as set over next 109 sts, p2, k2, p3, k3.
Row 13 [WS]: P3, k3, p2, m1, k2, p109, k2, m1, p2, k3, p3.
Row 14 [RS]: K3, p3, k3, p2, work lace pattern as set over next 109 sts, p2, k3, p3, k3.
Row 15 [WS]: P3, k3, p3, k2, m1, p109, m1, k2, p3, k3, p3.
Row 16 [RS]: (K3, p3) twice, work lace pattern as set over next 109 sts, (p3, k3) twice. 133 stitches.

Continue in established pattern until piece measures 14 inches from CO edge.
Proceed to TOP EDGE.

Size L Only
Row 1 [RS]: K1, (k4, p4) 3 times; work Trellis Leaf Lace Pattern over next 121 stitches, until 25 sts rem; (p4, k4) three times, k1.
Row 2 [WS]: P1, (p4, k4) 3 times; work Trellis Leaf Lace Pattern over next 121 stitches, until 25 sts rem; (k4, p4) three times, p1.
Repeat Rows 1 & 2 until piece measures 4 inches long, ending with a RS row.

Waist Shaping:
Row 1 [WS]: P2tog, p3, (k4, p4) twice, k4, p121, (k4, p4) twice, k4, p3, p2tog.
Work 3 rows even in pattern as set.
Row 5 [WS]: (P4, k4) twice, p4, k2tog, k2, p121, k2, k2tog, (p4, k4) twice, p4.
Work 3 rows even in pattern as set.
Row 9 [WS]: (P4, k4) twice, p2tog, p2, k3, p121, k3, p2, p2tog, (k4, p4) twice.
Work 3 rows even in pattern as set.
Row 13 [WS]: P4, k4, p4, k2tog, k2, p3, k3, p121, k3, p3, k2, k2tog, p4, k4, p4.
Work 3 rows even in pattern as set.
Row 17 [WS]: P4, k4, p2tog, p2, k3, p3, k3, p121, k3, p3, k3, p2, p2tog, k4, p4.
Work 3 rows even in pattern as set.
Row 21 [WS]: P4, k2tog, k2, (p3, k3) twice, p121, (k3, p3) twice, k2, k2tog, p4.
Work 3 rows even in pattern as set.
Row 25 [WS]: P2tog, p2, (k3, p3) twice, k3, p121, (k3, p3) twice, k3, p2, p2tog.
Work 3 rows even in pattern as set.
Row 29 [WS]: (P3, k3) twice, p3, k2tog, k1, p121, k1, k2tog, (p3, k3) twice, , p3.
Work 3 rows even in pattern as set.
Row 33 [WS]: (P3, k3) twice, p2tog, p1, k2, p121, k2, p1, p2tog, (k3, p3) twice.
Work 3 rows even in pattern as set.
Row 37 [WS]: P3, k3, p3, k2tog, k1, p2, k2, p121, k2, p2, k1, k2tog, p3, k3, p3.
Work 3 rows even in pattern as set.
Row 41 [WS]: P3, k3, p2tog, p1, k2, p2, k2, p121, k2, p2, k2, p1, p2tog, k3, p3.
Work 3 rows even in pattern as set.
Row 45 [WS]: P3, k2tog, k1, (p2, k2) twice, p121, (k2, p2) twice, k1, k2tog, p3.
Row 46: Work even in pattern as set.

Row 47 [WS]: P2tog, p1, (k2, p2) twice, k2, p121, (k2, p2) twice, k2, p1, p2tog.
Row 48: Work even in pattern as set.
Row 49 [WS]: (P2, k2) twice, p2, k2tog, p121, k2tog, (p2, k2) twice, p2.
Row 50: Work even in pattern as set.
Row 51 [WS]: (P2, k2) twice, p2tog, k1, p121, k1, p2tog, (k2, p2) twice.
Row 52: Work even in pattern as set.
Row 53 [WS]: P2, k2, p2, k2tog, p1, k1, p121, k1, p1, k2tog, p2, k2, p2.
Row 54: Work even in pattern as set.
Row 55 [WS]: P2, k2, p2tog, k1, p1, k1, p121, k1, p1, k1, p2tog, k2, p2.
Row 56: Work even in pattern as set.
Row 57 [WS]: P2, k2, p1, k1, p2tog, p121, p2tog, k1, p1, k2, p2.
Row 58: Work even in pattern as set.
Row 59 [WS]: P2, k2, p1, k2tog, p121, k2tog, p1, k2, p2. 133 stitches.

Continue in established pattern until piece measures 11 from CO edge.

Row 1 [WS]: P2, k2, m1, p1, k1, p121, k1, p1, m1, k2, p2.
Row 2 [RS]: K2, p2, k2, p1, work lace pattern as set over next 121 sts, p1, k2, p2, k2.
Row 3 [WS]: P2, k2, p2, m1, k1, p121, k1, m1, p2, k2, p2.
Row 4 [RS]: (K2, p2) twice, work lace pattern as set over next 121 sts, (p2, k2) twice.
Row 5 [WS]: P2, m1, k2, p2, k2, p121, k2, p2, k2, m1, p2
Row 6 [RS]: K3, p2, k2, p2, work lace pattern as set over next 121 sts, p2, k2, p2, k3.
Row 7 [WS]: P3, k2, m1, p2, k2, p121, k2, p2, m1, k2, p3.
Row 8 [RS]: K3, p3, k2, p2, work lace pattern as set over next 121 sts, p2, k2, p3, k3.
Row 9 [WS]: P3, k3, p2, m1, k2, p121, k2, m1, p2, k3, p3.
Row 10 [RS]: K3, p3, k3, p2, work lace pattern as set over next 121 sts, p2, k3, p3, k3.
Row 11 [WS]: P3, m1, k3, p3, k2, p121, k2, p3, k3, m1, p3
Row 12 [RS]: K4, p3, k3, p2, work lace pattern as set over next 121 sts, p2, k3, p3, k4.
Row 13 [WS]: P4, k3, m1, p3, k2, p121, k2, p3, m1, k3, p4.
Row 14 [RS]: K4, p4, k3, p2, work lace pattern as set over next 121 sts, p2, k3, p4, k4.
Row 15 [WS]: P4, k4, p3, m1, k2, p121, k2, m1, p3, k4, p4.
Row 16 [RS]: K4, p4, k4, p2, work lace pattern as set over next 121 sts, p2, k4, p4, k4.
Row 17 [WS]: P4, k4, p4, k2, m1, p121, m1, k2, p4, k4, p4.
Row 18 [RS]: K4, p4, k4, p3, work lace pattern as set over next 121 sts, p3, k4, p4, k4. 151 stitches.

Work even as required until piece measures 16 inches from CO edge.
Proceed to TOP EDGE.

Size XL Only
Row 1 [RS]: (K5, p5) twice, k4, p4; work Trellis Leaf Lace Pattern over next 133 stitches, until 28 sts rem, p4, k4, (p5, k5) twice.
Row 2 [WS]: (P5, k5) twice, p4, k4; work Trellis Leaf Lace Pattern over next 133 stitches, until 28 sts rem; k4, p4, (k5, p5) twice.
Repeat Rows 1 & 2 until piece measures 4.5 inches long, ending with a RS row.

Row 51 [WS]: P3, k3, p2tog, p1, k2, p2, k2, p133, k2, p2, k2, p1, p2tog, k3, p3.
Row 52 [RS] : Work even in pattern as set.
Row 53 [WS]: P3, k2tog, k1, (p2, k2) twice, p133, (k2, p2) twice k1, k2tog, p3.
Row 54 [RS]: Work even in pattern as set.
Row 55 [WS]: P2tog, p1, (k2, p2) twice, k2, p133, (k2, p2) twice, k2, p1, p2tog.
Row 56 [RS]: Work even in pattern as set.
Row 57 [WS]: (P2, k2) twice, p2, k2tog, p133, k2tog, (p2, k2) twice, p2.
Row 58 [RS]: Work even in pattern as set.
Row 59 [WS]: (P2, k2) twice, p2tog, k1, p133, k1, p2tog, (k2, p2) twice.
Row 60 [RS]: Work even in pattern as set.
Row 61 [WS]: P2, k2, p2, k2tog, p1, k1, p133, k1, p1, k2tog, p2, k2, p2.
Row 62 [RS]: Work even in pattern as set.
Row 63 [WS]: P2, k2, p2, k1, p2tog, p133, p2tog, k1, p2, k2, p2.
Row 64 [RS]: Work even in pattern as set.
Row 65 [WS]: P2, k2, p2, k2tog, p133, k2tog, p2, k2, p2. 147 stitches.

Continue in established pattern until piece measures 11.5 inches from CO edge.

Row 1 [WS]: P2, k2, p2, k1, m1, p133, k1, m1, p2, k2, p2.
Row 2 [RS]: (K2, p2) twice, work lace pattern as set over next 133 sts, (p2, k2) twice.
Row 3 [WS]: P2, m1, k2, p2, k2, p133, k2, p2, k2, m1, p2.
Row 4 [RS]: K3, p2, k2, p2, work lace pattern as set over next 133 sts, p2, k2, p2, k3.
Row 5 [WS]: P3, k2, m1, p2, k2, p133, k2, p2, m1, k2, p3
Row 6 [RS]: K3, p3, k2, p2, work lace pattern as set over next 133 sts, p2, k2, p3, k3.
Row 7 [WS]: P3, k3, p2, m1, k2, p133, k2, m1, p2, k3, p3.
Row 8 [RS]: K3, p3, k3, p2, work lace pattern as set over next 133 sts, p2, k3, p3, k3.
Row 9 [WS]: P3, k3, p3, k2, m1, p133, m1, k2, , p3, k3, p3.
Row 10 [RS]: (K3, p3) twice, work lace pattern as set over next 133 sts, (p3, k3) twice.
Row 11 [WS]: P3, m1, k3, p3, k3, p133, k3, p3, k3, m1, p3.
Row 12 [RS]: K4, p3, k3, p3, work lace pattern as set over next 133 sts, p3, k3, p3, k4.
Row 13 [WS]: P4, k3, m1, p3, k3, p133, k3, p3, m1, k3, p4.
Row 14 [RS]: K4, p4, k3, p3, work lace pattern as set over next 133 sts, p3, k3, p4, k4.
Row 15 [WS]: P4, k4, p3, m1, k3, p133, k3, m1, p3, k4, p4.
Row 16 [RS]: K4, p4, k4, p3, work lace pattern as set over next 133 sts, p3, k4, p4, k4.
Row 17 [WS]: P4, k4, p4, k3, m1, p133, m1, k3, p4, k4, p4.
Row 18 [RS]: (K4, p4) twice, work lace pattern as set over next 133 sts, (p4, k4) twice.
Row 19 [WS]: P4, m1, k4, p4, k4, p133, k4, p4, k4, m1, p4.
Row 20 [RS]: K5, p4, k4, p4, work lace pattern as set over next 133 sts, p4, k4, p4, k5.
Row 21 [WS]: P5, k4, m1, p4, k4, p133, k4, p4, m1, k4, p5.
Row 22 [RS]: K5, p5, k4, p4, work lace pattern as set over next 133 sts, p4, k4, p5, k5.

169 stitches. Work even as required until piece measures 17.5 inches from CO edge.
Proceed to TOP EDGE.

Waist Shaping:
Row 1 [WS]: (P5, k5) twice, p5, k2tog, k3, p145, k3, k2tog, (p5, k5) twice, p5.

Work 3 rows even in pattern as set.

Row 5 [WS]: (P5, k5)twice, p2tog, p3, k4, p145, k4, p3, p2tog, (k5, p5) twice.

Work 3 rows even in pattern as set.

Row 9 [WS]: P5, k5, p5, k2tog, k3, p4, k4, p145, k4, p4, k3, k2tog, p5, k5, p5.

Work 3 rows even in pattern as set.

Row 13 [WS]: P5, k5, p2tog, p3, k4, p4, k4, p145, k4, p4, k4, p3, p2tog, k5, p5.

Work 3 rows even in pattern as set.

Row 17 [WS]: P5, k2tog, k3, p4, k4, p4, k4, p145, k4, p4, k4, p4, k3, k2tog, p5.

Work 3 rows even in pattern as set.

Row 21 [WS]: P2tog, p3, (k4, p4) twice, k4, p145, (k4, p4) twice, k4, p3, p2tog.

Work 3 rows even in pattern as set.

Row 25 [WS]: (P4, k4) twice, p4, k2tog, k2, p145, k2, k2tog, (p4, k4) twice, p4.
Work 3 rows even in pattern as set.
Row 29 [WS]: (P4, k4) twice, p2tog, p2, k3, p145, k3, p2, p2tog, (k4, p4) twice.
Work 3 rows even in pattern as set.
Row 33 [WS]: P4, k4, p4, k2tog, k2, p3, k3, p145, k3, p3, k2, k2tog, p4, k4, p4.
Work 3 rows even in pattern as set.
Row 37 [WS]: P4, k4, p2tog, p2, k3, p3, k3, p145, k3, p3, k3, p2, p2tog, k4, p4.
Work 3 rows even in pattern as set.
Row 41 [WS]: P4, k2tog, k2, (p3, k3) twice, p145, (k3, p3) twice, k2, k2tog, p4.
Work 3 rows even in pattern as set.
Row 43 [WS]: P2tog, p2, (k3, p3) twice, k3, p145, (k3, p3) twice, k3, p2, p2tog.
Work 3 rows even in pattern as set.
Row 47 [WS]: (P3, k3) twice, p3, k2tog, k1, p145, k1, k2tog, (p3, k3) twice, p3.
Work 3 rows even in pattern as set.
Row 51 [WS]: (P3, k3) twice, p2tog, p1, k2, p145, k2, p1, p2tog, (k3, p3) twice.
Row 52: Work even in pattern as set.

Row 53 [WS]: P3, k3, p3, k2tog, k1, p2, k2, p145, k2, p2, k1, k2tog, p3, k3, p3.
Row 54: Work even in pattern as set.
Row 55 [WS]: P3, k3, p2tog, p1, k2, p2, k2, p145, k2, p2, k2, p1, p2tog, k3, p3.
Row 56: Work even in pattern as set.
Row 57 [WS]: P3, k2tog, k1, (p2, k2) twice, p145, (k2, p2) twice, k1, k2tog, p3.
Row 58: Work even in pattern as set.
Row 59 [WS]: P2tog, p1, (k2, p2) twice, k2, p145, (k2, p2) twice, k2, p1, p2tog.
Row 60: Work even in pattern as set.
Row 61 [WS]: (P2, k2) twice, p2, k2tog, p145, k2tog, (p2, k2) twice, p2.
Row 62: Work even in pattern as set.
Row 63 [WS]: (P2, k2) twice, p2tog, k1, p145, k1, p2tog, (k2, p2) twice.
Row 64: Work even in pattern as set.
Row 65 [WS]: (P2, k2) twice, p2tog, p145, p2tog, (k2, p2) twice.
Row 66: Work even in pattern as set.
Row 67 [WS]: P2, k2, p2, k1, k2tog, p145, k2tog, k1, p2, k2, p2.
Row 68 [WS]: P2, k2, p2, k2tog, p145, k2tog, p2, k2, p2. 159 stitches.

Continue in established pattern until piece measures 12 from CO edge.

Row 1 [WS]: P2, k2, p2, k1, m1, p145, k1, m1, p2, k2, p2.
Row 2 [RS]: (K2, p2) twice, work lace pattern as set over next 145 sts, (p2, k2) twice.
Row 3 [WS]: P2, m1, k2, p2, k2, p145, k2, p2, k2, m1, p2.
Row 4 [RS]: K3, p2, k2, p2, work lace pattern as set over next 145 sts, p2, k2, p2, k3.
Row 5 [WS]: P3, k2, m1, p2, k2, p145, k2, p2, k2, m1, p3
Row 6 [RS]: K3, p3, k2, p2, work lace pattern as set over next 145 sts, p2, k2, p3, k3.
Row 7 [WS]: P3, k2, p2, m1, k2, p145, k2, m1, p2, k3, p3.
Row 8 [RS]: K3, p3, k3, p2, work lace pattern as set over next 145 sts, p2, k2, p3, k3.
Row 9 [WS]: P3, k3, p3, k2, m1, p145, k2, m1, p3, k3, p3.
Row 10 [RS]: (K3, p3) twice, work lace pattern as set over next 145 sts, (p3, k3) twice.
Row 11 [WS]: P3, m1, k3, p3, k3, p145, k3, p3, k3, m1, p3.
Row 12 [RS]: K4, p3, k3, p3, work lace pattern as set over next 145 sts, p3, k3, p3, k4.
Row 13 [WS]: P4, k3, m1, p3, k3, p145, k3, p3, m1, k3, p4.
Row 14 [RS]: K4, p4, k3, p3, work lace pattern as set over next 145 sts, p3, k3, p4, k4.
Row 15 [WS]: P4, k4, p3, m1, k3, p145, k3, m1, p3, k4, p4.
Row 16 [RS]: K4, p4, k4, p3, work lace pattern as set over next 145 sts, p3, k4, p4, k4.
Row 17 [WS]: P4, k4, p4, k3, m1, p145, m1, k3, p4, k4, p4.
Row 18 [RS]: (K4, p4) twice, work lace pattern as set over next 145 sts, (p4, k4) twice.
Row 19 [WS]: P4, m1, k4, p4, k4, p145, k4, p4, k4, m1, p4.
Row 20 [RS]: K5, p4, k4, p4, work lace pattern as set over next 145 sts, p4, k4, p4, k5.
Row 21 [WS]: P5, k4, m1, p4, k4, p145, k4, p4, m1, k4, p5.
Row 22 [RS]: K5, p5, k4, p4, work lace pattern as set over next 145 sts, p4, k4, p5, k5.
Row 23 [WS]: P5, k5, p4, m1, k4, p145, k4, m1, p4, k5, p5.
Row 24 [RS]: K5, p5, k5, p4, work lace pattern as set over next 145 sts, p4, k5, p5, k5.
Row 25 [WS]: P5, k5, p5, k4, m1, p145, m1, k4, p5, k5, p5.
Row 26 [RS]: (K5, p5) twice, work lace pattern as set over next 145 sts, (p5, k5) twice. 185 stitches.

Work even as required until piece measures 19 inches from CO edge.
Proceed to TOP EDGE.

Size 3XL Only
Row 1 [RS]: (K6, p6) twice, k5, p5; work Trellis Leaf Lace Pattern over next 157 stitches, until 34 sts rem; p5, k5, (p6, k6) twice.
Row 2 [WS]: (P6, k6) twice, p5, k5; work Trellis Leaf Lace Pattern over next 157 stitches, until 34 sts rem; k5, p5, (k6, p6) twice.
Repeat Rows 1 & 2 until piece measures 5.5 inches long, ending with a RS row.

Waist Shaping:
Row 1 [WS]: P6, k6, p6, k2tog, k4, p5, k5, p157, k5, p5, k4, k2tog, p6, k6, p6.
Work 3 rows even in pattern as set.
Row 5 [WS]: P6, k6, p2tog, p4, k5, p5, k5, p157, k5, p5, k5, p2tog, p4, k6, p6.
Work 3 rows even in pattern as set.
Row 9 [WS]: P6, k2tog, k4, (p5, k5) twice, p157, (k5, p5) twice, k4, k2og, p6.
Work 3 rows even in pattern as set.
Row 13 [WS]: P2tog, p4, (k5, p5) twice, , k5, p157, (k5, p5) twice, k5, p4, p2tog.
Work 3 rows even in pattern as set.
Row 17 [WS]: (P5, k5) twice, p5, k2tog, k3, p157, k3, k2tog, (p5, k5) twice, p5.
Work 3 rows even in pattern as set.
Row 21 [WS]: (P5, k5) twice, p2tog, p3, k4, p157, k4, p3, p2tog, (k5, p5) twice.
Work 3 rows even in pattern as set.
Row 25 [WS]: P5, k5, p5, k2tog, k3, p4, k4, p157, k4, p4, k3, k2tog, p5, k5, p5.
Work 3 rows even in pattern as set.
Row 29 [WS]: P5, k5, p2tog, p3, k4, p4, k4, p157, k4, p4, k4, p3, p2tog, k5, p5.
Work 3 rows even in pattern as set.
Row 33 [WS]: P5, k2tog, k3, (p4, k4) twice, p157, (k4, p4) twice, k3, k2tog, p5.
Work 3 rows even in pattern as set.
Row 37 [WS]: P2tog, p3, (k4, p4) twice, k4, p157, (k4, p4) twice, k4, p3, p2tog.
Work 3 rows even in pattern as set.
Row 41 [WS]: (P4, k4) twice, p4, k2tog, k2, p157, k2, k2tog, (p4, k4) twice, p4.
Work 3 rows even in pattern as set.
Row 43 [WS]: (P4, k4) twice, p2tog, p2, k3, p157, k3, p2, p2tog, (k4, p4) twice.
Work 3 rows even in pattern as set.
Row 47 [WS]: P4, k4, p4, k2tog, k2, p3, k3, p157, k3, p3, k2, k2tog, p4, k4, p4.
Work 3 rows even in pattern as set.
Row 51 [WS]: P4, k4, p2tog, p2, k3, p3, k3, p157, k3, p3, k3, p2, p2tog, k4, p4.
Work 3 rows even in pattern as set.
Row 55 [WS]: P4, k2tog, k2, (p3, k3) twice, p157, (k3, p3) twice, k2, k2tog, p4.
Row 56 [RS]: Work even in pattern as set.
Row 57 [WS]: P2tog, p2, (k3, p3) twice, k3, p157, (k3, p3) twice, k3, p2, p2tog.
Row 58 [RS]: Work even in pattern as set.
Row 59 [WS]: (P3, k3_twice, , p3, k2tog, k1, p157, k1, k2tog, (p3, k3) twice, p3.
Row 60 [RS]: Work even in pattern as set.
Row 61 [WS]: (P3, k3) twice, p2tog, p1, k2, p157, k2, p1, p2tog, (k3, p3) twice.
Row 62 [RS]: Work even in pattern as set.
Row 63 [WS]: P3, k3, p3, k2tog, k1, p2, k2, p157, k2, p2, k1, k2tog, p3, k3, p3.
Row 64 [RS]: Work even in pattern as set.
Row 65 [WS]: P3, k3, p2tog, p1, k2, p2, k2, p157, k2, p2, k2, p1, p2tog, k3, p3.
Row 66 [RS]: Work even in pattern as set.
Row 67 [WS]: P3, k2tog, k1, (p2, k2) twice, p157, (k2, p2) twice, k1, k2tog, p3.
Row 68 [RS]: Work even in pattern as set.
Row 69 [WS]: P2tog, p1, (k2, p2) twice, , k2, p157, (k2, p2) twice, k2, p1, p2tog.
Row 70 [RS]: Work even in pattern as set.
Row 71 [WS]: (P2, k2) twice, p2, k2tog, p157, k2tog, (p2, k2) twice, p2.
Row 72 [RS]: Work even in pattern as set.
Row 73 [WS]: (P2, k2) twice, p2tog, k1, p157, k1, p2tog, (k2, p2) twice.
Row 74 [RS]: Work even in pattern as set.
Row 75 [WS]: (P2, k2) twice, p2tog, p157, p2tog, (k2, p2) twice.
Row 76 [RS]: Work even in pattern as set.
Row 77 [WS]: P2, k2, p2, k1, k2tog, p157, k2tog, k1, p2, k2, p2. 173 stitches.

Continue in established pattern until piece measures 13.5 inches from CO edge.

Row 1 [WS]: (P2, k2) twice, m1, p157, m1, (k2, p2) twice.
Row 2 [RS]: (K2, p2) twice, k1, work lace pattern as set over next 157 sts, k1, (p2, k2) twice.
Row 3 [WS]: (P2, k2) twice, p1, m1, p157, m1, p1, (k2, p2) twice.
Row 4 [RS]: (K2, p2) twice, k1, p1, work lace pattern as set over next 157 sts, p1, k1, (p2, k2) twice.
Row 5 [WS]: P2, m1, k2, p2, k2, p1, k1, p157, k1, p1, k2, p2, k2, m1, p2.
Row 6 [RS]: K3, p2, k2, p2, k1, p1, work lace pattern as set over next 157 sts, p1, k1, p2, k2, p2, k3.
Row 7 [WS]: P3, k2, m1, p2, k2, p1, k1, p157, k1, p1, k2, p2, m1, k2, p3.
Row 8 [RS]: K3, p3, k2, p2, k1, p1, work lace pattern as set over next 157 sts, p1, k1, p2, k2, p3, k3.
Row 9 [WS]: P3, k3, p2, k2, p1, m1, k1, p157, k1, m1, p1, k2, p2, k3, p3.
Row 10 [RS]: K3, p3, k2, p2, k2, p1, work lace pattern as set over next 157 sts, p1, k2, p2, k2, p3, k3.
Row 11 [WS]: P3, k3, p2, k2, p2, k1, m1, p157, m1, k1, p2, k2, p2, k3, p3.
Row 12 [RS]: K3, p3, (k2, p2) twice, work lace pattern as set over next 157 sts, (p2, k2) twice p3, k3.
Row 13 [WS]: P3, k3, p2, m1, k2, p2, k2, p157, k2, p2, k2, m1, p2, k3, p3.
Row 14 [RS]: K3, p3, k3, p2, k2, p2, work lace pattern as set over next 157 sts, p2, k2, p2, k3, p3, k3.
Row 15 [WS]: P3, k3, p3, k2, m1, p2, k2, p157, k2, p2, m1, k2, p3, k3, p3.
Row 16 [RS]: (K3, p3) twice, k2, p2, work lace pattern as set over next 157 sts, p2, k2, (p3, k3) twice.
Row 17 [WS]: (P3, k3) twice, p2, m1, k2, p157, k2, m1, p2, (k3, p3) twice.
Row 18 [RS]: (K3, p3) twice, k3, p2, work lace pattern as set over next 157 sts, p2, k3, (p3, k3) twice.
Row 19 [WS]: (P3, k3) twice, p3, k2, m1, p157, m1, k2, p3, (k3, p3) twice.
Row 20 [RS]: (K3, p3) three times, work lace pattern as set over next 157 sts, (p3, k3) three times.
Row 21 [WS]: P3, m1, (k3, p3) twice, k3, p157, (k3, p3) twice, k3, m1, p3.
Row 22 [RS]: K4, (p3, k3) twice, p3, work lace pattern as set over next 157 sts, (p3, k3) twice, p3, k4.
Row 23 [WS]: P4, k3, m1, (p3, k3) twice, p157, (k3, p3) twice, m1, k3, p4.
Row 24 [RS]: K4, p4, (k3, p3) twice, work lace pattern as set over next 157 sts, (p3, k3) twice, p4, k4.
Row 25 [WS]: P4, k4, p3, m1, k3, p3, k3, p157, k3, p3, k3, m1, p3, k4, p4.
Row 26 [RS]: K4, p4, k4, p3, k3, p3, work lace pattern as set over next 157 sts, p3, k3, p3, k4, p4, k4.
Row 27 [WS]: P4, k4, p4, k3, m1, p3, k3, p157, k3, p3, m1, k3, p4, k4, p4.
Row 28 [RS]: (K4, p4) twice, k3, p3, work lace pattern as set over next 157 sts, p3, k3, (p4, k4) twice.
Row 29 [WS]: (P4, k4) twice, p3, m1, k3 p157, k3, m1, p3, (k4, p4) twice.
Row 30 [RS]: (K4, p4) twice, k4, p3, work lace pattern as set over next 157 sts, p3, (k4, p4) twice, k4.
Row 31 [WS]: P4, m1, (k4, p4) twice, k3, p157, k3, (p4, k4) twice, m1, p4.
Row 32 [RS]: K5, (p4, k4) twice, p3, work lace pattern as set over next 157 sts, p3, (k4, p4) twice, k5. 205 stitches.

Work even as required until piece measures 19 inches from CO edge.

For the front:
Knit 2 rows.
Row 3 [RS]: K12, *m1, k20; rep from * to last 11 sts, m1, k11. 108 sts.

Row 4 [WS]: Knit.
Slip these sts to a holder.

Sizes S, M, L, XL, 2XL, 3XL only:
Knit 4 rows.
For the back: loosely BO all sts.
For the front: slip these sts to a holder.

Triangles [Left & Right]:
With smaller needles, cast on 1 st.
Row 1: (K1, p1, k1) into the stitch. 3 sts.
Row 2: Yo, k1, (k1, p1, k1) into the one stitch, k1. 6 sts.
Row 3: Yo, k to end. 1 st increased.
Repeat Row 3 until you have 39[39, 45, 53, 53, 63, 70, 80] sts.

Lace Border
Row 1: Yo, k2, (yo, k2tog) to last st, k1.
Row 2: Yo, p to end. 1 st increased.
Rows 3 & 4: Yo, k to end.
Row 5: Yo, p to end.
Rows 6 & 7: Yo, k to end.
Row 8 : Yo, p to end. 43[47, 53, 61, 69, 78, 88] stitches.

Right triangle only:
Row 9 [RS]: Yo, k2, [yo, k2tog] to last st, k1.1 st increased.
Row 11 [WS]: Yo, p to end. 1 st increased.
Repeat Rows 9 & 10 2[3, 4, 5, 5, 5, 5, 5] more times. 49 [55, 63, 73, 81, 90, 100] stitches

Left triangle only:
Row 9 [RS]: Yo, k2 [yo, ssk] to last st, k1.1 st increased.
Row 11 [WS]: Yo, p to end. 1 st increased.
Repeat Rows 9 & 10 2[3, 4, 5, 5, 5, 5, 5] more times. 49 [55, 63, 73, 81, 90, 100]

For both triangles:
Next 3[3, 4, 3, 4, 3, 3] rows: Yo, k to end. 52 [58, 67, 76, 85, 93, 103] stitches.

Slip sts to a holder.

FINISHING
Sew front and back together. Graft triangles onto front using Kitchener stitch.

Make four jump-ring loops: CO 3 stitches onto size #1 DPNs, and make a 1.75 inch i-cord.

Thread each through a silver jump-ring and sew ends together. Sew one each to the tops of the triangles, and sew the other two on the BO edge of the back, about 4 inches in from the side seams.

Make two straps: CO 3 stitches onto a DPN, and make a 12 inch i-cord.

Thread through the front jump rings, fold over a ½ inch piece of the end and sew down. We recommend you try the piece on to determine the proper length for the straps. Once you've determined how long you want them to be, loop the other end through the i-cord loops at the back and sew down.

If the back is a little floppy at the top, cut a length of 1/8th inch elastic 1-2 inches shorter than the width of the top, back edge, and hand-sew it on the inside, behind the garter stitch.

Block well.

Sophy DiPinto lives in Collingswood, NJ, with her husband, two kids, two cats, and a very hyper dog. She is the co-founder of DiPinto Guitars. When she is not busy selling guitars, she might be taking  old books apart and putting them back together, or teaching the girls of Philadelphia how to play bass at Girls Rock Philly. 

Most nights she is knitting. If it is a good night, she is knitting with friends.