Use code RAV_CANTABILE to get a 15% discount. Code is valid until 28th June 23:59 BST.

Cantabile is a musical term meaning in a singing, flowing style. That is exactly how this top feels. The neckline has a subtle mock neck shape that flows into the body without any visible seams or added bands. It is constructed differently than a traditional mock neck, which makes it both simpler to knit and smoother to wear.

This is a great first wearable. If you have been knitting scarves and accessories and want to try making something you can actually wear, this top is a good place to start. Large gauge means it knits up fast, and because it is worked from the top down, you can try it on as you go and adjust the length to whatever suits you. You can also choose waist shaping or a straight fit.

The construction is straightforward. You work the front and back separately at first, then join in the round. The only techniques you need are increases, decreases, and knitting flat and in the round.

The yarn choice matters a lot though, the trick is to use a sport-weight yarn in a much larger gauge than you normally would to keep the stockinette from rolling and for the finishing techniques to work. The result is a light, airy garment that drapes nicely.
For a polished finish, the armholes, neckline, and hem can be embellished with a crochet chain bind off. But that is completely optional if you prefer to keep things simple.

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Translations provided by knitlingo.com

Difficulty: Beginner

Sizes: 1 (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)

Finished chest circumference:

• 91 (100, 111, 120, 131, 140, 151, 160, 171) cm
• 36½ (40, 44½, 48, 52½, 56, 60½, 64, 68½)”

Designed to be worn with 10-15 cm / 4-6” positive ease around the chest.

Yarn: Sport weight yarn. Depending on the length of the top, allow approximately:

• 525 (575, 625, 675, 730, 780, 855, 910, 960) m
• 575 (625, 685, 740, 795, 855, 935, 995, 1050) yds

Yarn used in the sample (size 2) is 4 balls of Lana Grossa Per Fortuna (76% Cotton, 24% Rec. Polyamide; 190 m 208 yds / 50 g), colour 022.

Gauge: 18 sts & 26 rows = 10 cm / 4” in stockinette, worked flat and in the round, blocked.

Suggested needles: 5 mm (US 8) or needle size that gets the gauge for stockinette stitch; circulars 60-100 cm / 24-40″ long.

Notions: Stitch markers, locking markers, row counter, tape measure, stitch holders or waste yarn, tapestry needle, crochet hook in similar size to knitting needle.

Techniques used: Knit and purl increases, Backwards loop cast-on, knitting flat and in the round, Crochet chain bind-off.

Construction notes: The top is worked seamlessly from the top down. It starts by casting on stitches for the back neckline and shaping the shoulders using increases.

It’s then worked flat down to the underarms, adding the armhole shaping increases along the way.

Stitches are then picked up along the back shoulders to create the front and worked flat down to the underarm with decreases to shape the neck and the same armhole shaping after which the front are joined to work in the round down to desired length.

The edge finishings around the neckline and armholes are added by picking up stitches along the edges, working stockinette for a few rounds and then binding off with a Crochet chain bind-off.