Summers in the southeastern United States can be brutally humid. And while I’ve grown more used to the humidity the longer I’ve lived here, the weather is exactly why I’m drawn to quick knit tops in plant fibers to keep me comfortable while strolling in the sun.

Quetzal is the perfect top for warm days. Simple twisted stitches dance across the fabric of the work to create the illusion of diamonds throughout. Knit in Luxor, the stitches are crisp, and it has just the right amount of drape. This top is easy to dress up or down. Wear it on its own for days when the heat is at its peak, or layered underneath a cardigan when you need a touch of extra warmth. Either way, this piece will transition you from spring to summer in a snap.

This pattern is available in Danish at this link.

SIZES
XS (S, M, L, XL, 1X, 2X, 3X, 4X, 5X)
shown in Small size, modeled with .5 inches / 1.5 cm ease

FINISHED MEASUREMENTS
Bust: 31.25 (34.75, 38, 41.25, 44.75, 48, 51.25, 54.75, 58, 61.25) inches / 79.5 (88.5, 96.5, 105, 113.5, 122, 130, 139, 147.5, 155.5) cm
Length: 22 (22.5, 23, 23.5, 24.25, 24.75, 25.25, 25.75, 26.5, 26.5) inches / 56 (57, 58.5, 59.5, 61.5, 63, 64, 65.5, 67.5, 67.5) cm

MATERIALS
Yarn
Fibra Natura Luxor (100% mercerized Egyptian cotton; 137 yds/125 m per 50g); color: 105-14 Tropical Green: 55, 6, 6, 7, 7, 8, 9, 9, 10 skeins

Yarn characteristics: Quetzal is knit using Luxor – a smooth, 100% mercerized Egyptian cotton that boasts a lovely sheen and excellent stitch definition.

Recommended needle size
Always use a needle size that gives you the gauge listed below - every knitter’s gauge is unique.
US #4/3.5mm needles for knitting flat
US #5/3.75mm needles for knitting flat

Notions
stitch markers
removable stitch markers
stitch holder or waste yarn
US G-6 (4mm) crochet hook (for neck and armhole edging)
yarn needle

GAUGE
24 sts x 28 rows = 4 inches / 10 cm in Little Diamonds pattern with larger needles

PATTERN NOTES
This sweater is knit flat in pieces from the bottom up. After seaming, a single crochet edging is applied to the neck and armholes.