Merle top

The Merle top is worked from the top down in a double broken rib stitch using one strand of Drops Cotton Merino on 4 mm needles. The top consists of two triangular front pieces, each with a strap at the top, which are attached to the straight back. The top is form-fitting and beautifully highlights your figure. 

Pattern overview 

First, stitches are cast on using Judy's Magic Cast-On. Then, half of the cast-on stitches are set aside while you make the triangle of the front piece. You will do this twice so that you have 2 triangles. Then, the triangles are joined to form the front piece, stitches are cast on for the back, and then the rest of the top is worked in the round. Finally, you will make 2 straps with the stitches that you casted on in the beginning and sew them to the back.

Size guide

This top can be made in the sizes a (b) c (d) e (f) g (h) which correspond to bust measurements of  75-80 (80-85) 85-90 (90-95) 95-100 (100-110) 110-120 (120-130) cm. The top is formfitting and has a negative ease of about 30 cm smaller than your bust measurement. 

Top measurements 

Circumference: 51 (53) 57 (61) 67 (74) 82 (93) cm.

Length (when measured from the loop cast-ons at the back): 28 (30) 31 (32) 33 (35) 37 (39) cm.

Yarn

The top is made in 1 strand of drops cotton merino (50 g = 110 m). For the sizes a (b) c (d) e (f) g (h) you will need 150 (150) 150 (150) 200 (200) 250 (250) grams corresponding to 3 (3) 3 (3) 4 (4) 5 (5) skeins.

Recommended needles 

• Circular needles 4 mm, 60 or 80 cm (for smaller sizes, 60 cm is recommended, for larger sizes, you may choose to use a 80 cm one instead). 
• Optionally, 2 double-pointed needles 4 mm for the I-cord straps, if you prefer knitting I-cord straps on double-pointed needles rather than on a circular needle.

Stitch pattern 

The vest is made in a double broken rib stitch. This stitch pattern is created by knitting all stitches on the front side and working in a rib stitch *knit 2, purl 2* on the back side. This is explained in the pattern.

Knitting gauge

The top has a gauge of 10x10 cm on 21 stitches x 28 rows on 4 mm needles in a double broken rib stitch (k on the right side, *k 2, p 2* on the wrong side).

Remember to make a gauge swatch before you start knitting to find the right needle size to achieve the gauge. Remember to also wash and block your swatch before you measure your gauge, as the double broken rib stitch widens after a wash.