K517-Earring Lace Summer Top

K517 Earring Lace Summer Top by Nazanin Fard

What Is Being Made

The K517 Earring Lace Summer Top is a lightweight knitted garment designed for warm weather wear. This pullover top features a sophisticated two-part design: the lower half showcases a unique scallop pattern created through lace stitching, while the upper half displays a delicate eyelet design. The combination of these textured elements creates an elegant, breathable piece perfect for summertime gatherings and casual warm-weather occasions.

Finished Measurements

This pattern is available in five sizes to accommodate various body types:

• Small: Bust 36" (91 cm), Total length 26" (66 cm), Armhole depth 8" (20 cm)
• Medium: Bust 40" (102 cm), Total length 26" (66 cm), Armhole depth 9" (23 cm)
• Large: Bust 44" (112 cm), Total length 26" (66 cm), Armhole depth 9" (23 cm)
• X-Large: Bust 50" (122 cm), Total length 26" (66 cm), Armhole depth 9½" (24 cm)
• 2X-Large: Bust 53" (135 cm), Total length 26" (66 cm), Armhole depth 9½" (24 cm)

The sleeve length to underarm measures 4" (10 cm) across all sizes, creating a short, cap-sleeve or sleeveless aesthetic suitable for summer styling.

Knitting Techniques and Stitches

The K517 Earring Lace Summer Top employs several intermediate-level knitting techniques that create its distinctive appearance. The pattern utilizes lace stitching as the primary decorative element, with two distinct lace applications:

• Scallop lace pattern: Applied to the bottom half of the garment, this stitch creates an elegant, curved edge detail that adds visual interest and texture to the lower portion of the top
• Eyelet design: Featured on the upper half, this delicate openwork pattern allows for breathability while maintaining the garment's structure and sophistication

The construction method involves working with circular needles, a common technique for creating seamless garments or working in the round. The pattern requires the use of stitch markers to maintain pattern repeats and stitch holders to secure stitches during construction. Finishing is completed with a tapestry needle for weaving in ends and any necessary seaming.

Materials and Yarn Specifications

The K517 Earring Lace Summer Top is designed to be worked in worsted weight yarn, specifically Plymouth Yarn Cleo, a premium fiber choice for summer garments. The yarn composition is 100% mercerized pima cotton, a natural fiber known for its softness, breathability, and lustrous finish—ideal qualities for a summer top.

Yarn yardage requirements vary by size:

• Small: 7 skeins
• Medium: 8 skeins
• Large: 9 skeins
• X-Large: 10 skeins
• 2X-Large: 11 skeins

Each skein of Plymouth Yarn Cleo contains 125 yards (114 meters) and weighs 50 grams. The recommended colorway for this project is #172 Foliage, a natural-toned shade that complements the lace detailing.

Needles and Tools

This pattern requires two different needle sizes to achieve proper gauge and fabric structure:

• US size 6 (4.0 mm) needles: Used for the main fabric sections
• US size 4 (3.5 mm) needles: Used for ribbing, edging, or other sections requiring a tighter gauge
• 24" circular needles in US size 4 (3.5 mm): Essential for seamless construction and working larger sections

Additional notions include stitch markers for tracking pattern repeats, two stitch holders for managing active stitches during construction, and a tapestry needle for finishing work.