Interweave SKU: EP9746

Finished Size: About 36½ (41, 45½)“ (92.5 [104, 115.5] cm) in circumference and 21½ (22½, 23½)” (54.5 [57, 59.5] cm) in length to side, plus 2½“ (6.5 cm) to center front. Top shown measures 36½” (92.5 cm).

Yarn: Sportweight (#2 Fine)

Needles: Size U.S. 5 (3.75 mm): 24” (60 cm) circular (cir) plus extra needle same size or smaller for three-needle bind-off.

Notions: Stitch holders; removable markers; size F/5 (3.75 mm) crochet hook; tapestry needle.

Gauge: 24 stitches and 36 rows = 4” (10 cm) in seed stitch.

Keshi murasaki, a grayed mauve, is one of the wide range of purples dyed from gromwell root. I used a microfiber wrapped cotton yarn to give a luminescent sheen to the seed-stitch texture of this simple shell. Geometric stair steps along the lower edge and neckline call to mind the small geometric patterning in woven solid-color Japanese textiles.

The top can stand alone, but is beautifully paired with the Mijikui Dofuku (page 86), a short kimono that barely skims the waist to highlight the geometric detail of the seed-stitch top.