This hand knit beaded top raises any ensemble to the stature of downright elegance. I wore this to my son’s wedding.

While the white knit with the white pearl beads is lovely, I also love to dye this particular yarn. I have already tested the pearl beads; they do not pick up the Procion MX fiber-reactive dye that I use. It would look gorgeous as a matching beaded knit top and skirt. Another styling option which I have done with a similar beaded knit top is to wear it over a spaghetti-strapped slip-dress.

The beading is very easily done with a crochet hook on individual stitches, so there is no stringing of thousands of beads onto the working yarn. Illustrated beading tutorial is included.

This sleeveless hand knitted top would be darling WITHOUT beads as well. It would be lovely in plain stockinette, or a favorite pattern stitch could be substituted in order to dress it up. See an example using an eyelet stitch pattern in my Sleeveless Eyelet Tank.

Main body is knitted in the round from the bottom edging up to the armholes. Shoulders are narrower than normal for a more slenderizing look. Neckline and armholes have simple eyelet edging. Jewel neckline has single button back neck closure. Bottom edge has an eyelet scalloped edging, but the edging used for the neckline and armholes could be substituted, if desired.

Detailed instructions include measurements for all 8 sizes as progress is made to allow for personal adjustments as desired.

This is my favorite knitwear yarn for clothing and socks here in Texas: 5/2 perle cotton (but any yarn producing gauge would work). It feels light and cool against the skin. Dyeing so easily makes buying it by the cone all the more attractive. Size 5 perle is a fine fingering-weight cotton yarn (2100 yds per lb, or 24-26 wraps/inch) and can be found in yarn and weaving shops or online for $20-$25 per pound cones.

Knit gauge in Stockinette Stitch is 9 stitches x 12 rows per inch on Size 2 US needles. This will produce a stable gauge, and if cotton is used, it will not distort or stretch out of shape (which can happen when gauges are knit too loosely).