The Bow bow top was originally designed as a lightweight beach cover-up, but it’s versatile enough to become a staple in your everyday summer wardrobe. Worked on 6 mm /US 10/ needles, it’s a quick and satisfying knit that comes together in no time.

Wear it fitted with approximately 10 cm / 4 inches of negative ease for a flattering silhouette, or choose a larger size for a relaxed, oversized fit that’s perfect layered over a T-shirt.

The airy fabric creates a light, breathable garment for the hottest days. The adjustable bow closure lets you customize the neckline - tie it higher for more coverage or lower for a deeper neckline. The I-cord ties can also be made to any length, allowing you to personalize the look and fit.

Construction

The Bow bow top is worked from the top down. The back shoulder pieces are worked separately using a provisional cast-on, then joined together, after which the armhole increases are worked. The same process is then repeated for the front piece. Once both yokes are complete, the front and back are joined in the round and worked in round to the desired length, with the i-cord straps worked last.

Easy construction suitable for beginner knitters.

Sizes: XS, (S, M, L, XL), (2X, 3X, 4X, 5X, 6X)

Measurements: Bust circumferance: 67.5 (75, 82.5, 92.5, 102.5) (117.5, 125, 135, 145, 155) cm / 27 (30, 33, 37, 41) (47, 50, 54, 58, 62)”

Length: 45 (47, 49, 49.5, 52) (53, 55, 56.5, 58, 60.5) cm / 18 (18.75, 19.5, 19.75, 20.75) (21.25, 22, 22.5, 23.25, 24.25)” measured mid back.

Armhole Depth: 19 (20, 21, 21, 22.75) (23.75, 24.75, 26.75, 28.5) cm / 7.75 (8, 8.5, 8.5, 9.25) (9.5, 10, 10.25, 10.75, 11.5)”

Disclaimer: Sizes 3X - 6X were not tested as nobody joined the testing in this sizes. If you want to knit one of these sizes and give me feedback (no deadline) please reach out and I will send you pattern for free.

Size guide:

The Bow Bow top is designed with approximately 10 cm / 4 inches of negative ease, meaning the finished garment is intended to measure about 10 cm / 4 inches smaller than your actual bust circumference.

To fit bust: 75–80 (82.5–87.5, 90–95, 97.5–102.5, 107.5–112.5) (122.5–127.5, 130–135, 140–145, 150–155, 160–165) cm / 30–32 (33–35, 36–38, 39–41, 43–45) (49–51, 52–54, 56–58, 60–62, 64–66) inches.

Measure yourself before knitting to determine the size that will fit you best. For example, if your bust measures 85 cm (34”), choose size S with a finished bust circumference of 75 cm (29.5”). This will provide 10 cm (4”) of negative ease.

If you are between sizes, choose the larger size for a looser fit or the smaller size for a more fitted garment.

Techniques: Provisional cast on, knitting flat, knitting in round, M1R, M1L, M1Rp, M1Lp, backward loop cast on, standard bind off, i-cord

Videos for all the techniques are provided in the pattern.

Needles: 6mm US 10 circular needles 40 cm 16 in cable or longer

Materials: Sandnes garn line 53% cotton, 33% viscose, and 14% linen, 50g, 110m / skein

Pattern Requires: 120 (130, 140, 145, 160) (170, 185, 190, 205, 225) g / 265, (285, 310, 320, 355) (375, 410, 420, 455, 495) m / 290 (315, 340, 350, 390) (410, 450, 460, 495, 545) yds

Yarn substitute suggestion: Drops Belle

Difficulty: Beginner

Show in photos: Blue top - size S, Drops Belle no. 20
Orange top - size S, Sandnes garn Line - 3819
Striped top - size M, Drops Belle 08 and 26

Pattern is professionally size graded and tech edited.

Happy knitting! In case of any question, send me a message :)