Simple V-necked Shell
A combination of lots of raw silk yarn still in my stash (the yardage on that stuff is amazing!) plus a yearning for a new summer top resulted in the following pattern.
The main body is worked in one piece using garter stitch with absolutely no shaping. So it’s perfect for a beginner. Or for some mindless knitting if you’re feeling a little burnt out. I’ve also made a version in a heavy cotton yarn with a 10cm 1×1 rib.
Materials
Double knit raw silk or cotton yarn
4mm straight needles
3.25mm 16″ circular needles.
Gauge: 19 stitches x 36 rows = 10cm
Pattern
Cast on 88 stitches.
Work in garter stitch (knit every row) until work measures 19cm.
Place markers at both ends of last row.
Work to 24cm.
Next row: k44 then turn leaving remaining stitches on a stitch holder.
Work on remaining stitches for further 28cm (52cm from beginning).
Place the stitches on a stitch holder.
Rejoin to the 44 stitches left on the stitch holder earlier.
Work for 28cm.
Next row: Knit across 44 stitches on needles, then pick & knit across 44 stitches on stitch holder.
Work across 88 stitches until piece measures 71cm.
Place markers at both ends of last row.
Work until piece measures 90cm.
Bind off.
Fold the piece in two so that the cast on row lies on top of the bound off row.
Seam the sides to the markers.
Ribbed Edging
Using 3.25mm circulars, pick up & knit 162 stitches around the bottom of the shell.
Work in (k1,p1) rib for 10cm
Bind off in rib.
Alternative Crochet Edging
As raw silk doesn’t really lend itself to ribbing, I’ve also finished this off with a simple shell edging using a 5mm hook.
Variations
Cast on 44 stitches in one colour, then join in a second colour for the final 44 stitches. Continue working the left in one colour and the right in the other colour to the end. Work the rib in one or two colours.
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