CONSTRUCTION
This sleeveless top is worked from the top down, beginning as three pieces, two straps and a back panel, then joined to work in the round for the body. All edging is worked in situ, meaning there is no picking-up of stitches in final steps, and edges are grafted together in final steps. The back panel begins with a long, thin section of slipped ribbing (also known as double knitting), and stitches for the back panel are picked up along the edge of this piece. Shaping is done using Backwards-Loop increases; these are simple to achieve and provide much needed stretch along shaping sections. Compound increases along the armholes provide an appropriate fit for all nine sizes. The front straps are worked separately in double knitting with a lace picot edging. Decorative lace picot edge adorns the v-neck, while simple ribbing is used throughout the rest of the garment. Once joined in the round, subtle A-line shaping is added to the body to add more ease and drape there. This garment fits snug at the bust and loosely at the waist.

HOW TO CHOOSE YOUR SIZE
This pattern has 9 size options. Using your bust circumference, choose a size that will give 0-2 inches / 0-5cm of negative ease (the difference between body’s larger measurements and the garment’s smaller measurements at these points). The most fool-proof method is to measure a similar fitting garment in your wardrobe and choose size that matches. If you are in-between sizes, choose the smaller option as negative ease tends to fit better along the armhole shaping. See schematic in photos.

GAUGE in 4 inches/10cm after blocking
Stockinette, worked flat and in the rnd
25 sts by 40 rows/rnds.

YARN
3, 3, 4 || 4, 5, 5 || 6, 7, 7 hanks of Mirasol Nieva, (40% pima cotton, 30% baby alpaca, 30% merino wool), 253m / 278 yds / 75g in “06 - Pomegranate,” or
550, 620, 760 || 890, 1030, 1200 || 1320, 1525, 1690 m of substitute sport-weight or heavy fingering-weight yarn.

NEEDLES
3.5mm (US 4) double-pointed and circular needles.
This is a suggested size; adjust needles as required to obtain gauge.

CIRCULAR CORD LENGTHS - increase cord length as needed. 
Short: 16 inch (40cm) for working small stitch counts flat.
Long: 30 inch (75cm) cord for working small circumference in magic loop and large stitch counts in the rnd, or choose your preferred methods.


NOTIONS
scissors, scrap yarn or st holders, tapestry needle, conventional stitch markers (4), removable stitch markers or safety pins (4), st counter (optional).

SPECIAL TECHNIQUES REQUIRED
Picot lace, picking up stitches, Backwards-Loop increases, working and keeping track of lace patterning at the same time (and separately) from working shaping simultaneously for v-neck and armhole, Kitchener grafting of small sts counts for edges, live seaming of folded hem (optional).