This top is a story of two’s. It was born of the twin desires to create a knit representation of summer’s heat, and to try out an interesting idea for garment construction. Fittingly, it is constructed in two halves: each half is worked in rows from the outer edge to the middle, and then the halves are bound off together for totally seamless construction. It’s worked in a beautifully summery yarn that lends it excellent breathability, drape, and softness. And in keeping with the theme of two’s, the yarn is held double throughout. This creates a fabric that’s neither too heavy nor too thick - but works up quickly enough that you could be wearing your Heat Wave in no time.

A simple, rhythmic lace pattern; a fun and unique construction; a quick knit; and a supremely wearable, flattering, and forgiving garment: if that’s your kind of thing, this is the pattern for you!

Kits are available here, and include a free copy of the pattern!

About the sample

Shown in size 1 on the designer (5 ft 2 in, 37 inch bust) and on a dressform (48 inch bust). Shown in colorway Epiphany.

About the pattern

The pattern is fully written out, and includes both a chart and written instructions for the lace pattern. The pattern is detailed and meant to be accessible to less experienced knitters (more experienced knitters can skip the extra explanations and tips and jump right to the directions).

About the Yarn

Silklin Sport is the big sibling to our popular Silklin Light Fingering. It’s a delightfully soft, smooth yarn with plenty of drape and a bit of sheen (more of a glow), while the linen gives it a bit of body and a slightly crisper hand. It’s an excellent choice for anything worn next to the skin and is suitable for lace, texture, cables, and colorwork.

Care: hand wash cold, lay flat to dry.

More From the Pattern:

Yarn

For size 1: 4 skeins* of Silklin Sport (65% silk/35% linen) in Standard (4 oz) size, 368 yds (336 m) per skein.

For size 2: 4 skeins* of Silklin Sport (65% silk/35% linen) in Jumbo (6 oz) size, 552 yds (505 m) per skein.

Finished size

Size 1 (32-48 inch chest), measured when laid flat: 30 inches at bust, 26 inches from shoulder to hem.

Size 2 (50-66 inch chest), measured when laid flat: 39 inches at bust, 26 inches from shoulder to hem.

This top is meant to be worn with very generous ease (12->28 inches/30-70 cm).

Needles

2 circular needles in Size US #7 (4.5 mm) with cords at least 48 inches (122 cm), or size to obtain gauge (the second set of needles doesn’t absolutely need a cable this long, but two long cables will make the set-up row easier to work).

A third circular needle in the same or smaller size (this is only for holding stitches during the three needle bind off).

Crochet hook in US F (3.75 mm) (optional, for making crochet-chain tie).

Gauge

Rows 1-8 of chevron pattern worked 3 times, washed and blocked = 4.75 inches wide and 3 inches high. (Note: you can reuse yarn from your gauge swatch! Consider using the color that will be in the center of your top for the gauge swatch, and if you find yourself low on yarn at the end you can rip out the swatch and use it to finish the side or make the crochet-chain tie.)

Notions

At least one stitch marker.