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The Lesley Top is worked from the bottom up in one piece. The lower body is worked in the round, then stitches are cast on for the sleeves, which are worked, along with the upper body, back and forth- first the front, then the back. The sleeves are joined at the top with a three-needle bind off and seamed at the underarm. Length is customizable and sizes range from 32 to 72 inch finished busts.

This top holds a special place in my heart. It is named for my friend and fellow designer, Lesley Ann Robinson of Knit Graffiti. Years ago I was struggling to work a stitch pattern I really loved into a top. Lesley pulled out her design in progress (her Fuzzy Feathery Top )and showed me how to construct what would become one of my most beloved knits, my Coral Moon sweater. This top is constructed in the same manner but without any stitch pattern, just a plain simple tee.

I’m so grateful to Lesley for sharing her knowledge and lifting another designer up. We need more Lesley’s in this world!!

The Lesley Top is beginner friendly and size inclusive. It’s a classic wardrobe staple! Wear it cropped over a dress or jumpsuit or standard length with your favorite jeans.

Sizes
1 (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11)

Finished bust measurements: 32 (36, 40, 44, 48, 52, 56, 60, 64, 68, 72) inches. See schematic for additional body measurements.

Materials
yarn: Emma’s Yarn So Sporty, 100% Super wash Merino, 328 yards/ 100 grams.
or
595 (710, 765, 890, 955, 1090, 1160, 1305, 1375, 1535, 1610) yards of a sport weight yarn for cropped length. 720 (845, 920, 1060, 1140, 1290, 1370, 1535, 1620, 1795, 1885) yards for tee length.
needles: US size 5, 32 or 40 inch circular needle, or size required for gauge. And one size smaller than gauge needle in the same cord length.
other notions: scrap yarn or extra interchangeable needle cable to hold yoke stitches, 2 spare needles for three-needle bind off, stitch marker, locking stitch markers, darning needle, tape measure, blocking supplies.

As shown
Emma’s Yarn So Sporty in Roasted (dark brown, cover photo), size 4 shown cropped on a 42 inch bust with 2 inches of positive ease.
and
Emma’s So Sporty in “Born in a Barn” (bright orange/ red) size 5, full length, on the same model with 6 inches of positive ease.

Gauge
24 sts and 24 rounds/rows = 4 inches in stockinette / garter.
The pattern starts in the round and is then knit flat at the yoke. Take care to test both and adjust needles if necessary to match gauge.