Muchenka Top is a lightweight summer piece with a lacy ribbed texture along the sides and lace panels at the front and back.

Designed as a cropped piece, it pairs well with high-waisted skirts and trousers, but can easily be adjusted to a full-length version. It is an intricate yet simple summer design that fits easily into a versatile wardrobe.

The name Muchenka comes from the Czech word mučenka (passion flower), reflecting the floral inspiration behind the design.

SIZES
1–9

EASE
2–8 cm / 1.75–3.25” of negative ease recommended

The top shown is a size 2 on a 157 cm / 5.2 ft tall model with 87 cm / 34.25” bust circumference (6.5 cm / 2.5” of negative ease)
Note that the amount of negative ease increases gradually across sizes:
Size 1 has approx. 4 cm / 1.5” of negative ease, while size 9 has approx. 8 cm / 3.25”.
For a fit with less negative ease, see the alternative gauge option below.

MEASUREMENTS (See the dimension schematic in the image gallery.)

Shoulder width
27.5 (27.5, 27.5, 29.5, 29.5), 31.5, 34.5, 34.5, 38.5 cm
10.75 (10.75, 10.75, 11.5, 11.5), 12.5, 13.5, 13.5, 15.25“

Neckline width
21.5 (21.5, 21.5, 19.5, 19.5), 21.5, 23.5, 23.5, 25.5 cm
8.5 (8.5, 8.5, 7.75, 7.75), 8.5, 9.25, 9.25, 10“

Strap width
3 (3, 3, 5, 5), 5, 5.5, 5.5, 6.5 cm
1.25 (1.25, 1.25, 2, 2), 2, 2.25, 2.25, 2.5“

Armhole depth
18 (18.5, 19.5, 20.5, 22), 23, 24, 26, 27 cm
7 (7.25, 7.75, 8, 8.75), 9, 9.5, 10.25, 10.75“

V-neck depth
17 (17, 17, 17.5, 18), 18.5, 19.5, 20, 20.5 cm
6.75 (6.75, 6.75, 7, 7), 7.25, 7.75, 8, 8“

Top length (cropped)
39.5 (39.5, 40.5, 41, 41.5), 42, 47.5, 52, 52.5 cm
15.5 (15.5, 16, 16.25, 16.25), 16.5, 18.75, 20.5, 20.75“

Bust circumference
71 (80.5, 90, 99.5, 109), 118.5, 128, 137.5, 147 cm
28 (31.75, 35.5, 39.25, 43), 46.75, 50.5, 54.25, 58“

YARN
3 (4, 4, 4, 5), 5, 5, 6, 6 skeins of Príncipe Real by Rosários 4 (120 m / 131 yds / 50 g, 50% linen, 36% cotton, 14% natural silk) or approx. 330 (365, 405, 450, 485), 525, 570, 615, 660 m / 360 (400, 445, 490, 530), 575, 625, 675, 720 yds of a similar yarn.

The sample is knitted in the colourway 53.
Please be aware that adjusting the length of the garment or the needle size you need to achieve the stated gauge will also affect the amount of yarn needed to finish the project.
The yarn consumption estimates are based on the standard cropped version of the pattern. If you wish to knit the top longer, you will need an additional skein or two of yarn. The estimates below may help you determine how much yarn to order.

Adding 5 cm / 2” of length:
4 (4, 4, 5, 5), 5, 6, 6, 7 skeins
370 (410, 455, 505, 545), 590, 630, 675, 725 m
405 (450, 500, 550, 595), 640, 690, 735, 790 yds

Adding 10 cm / 4” of length:
4 (4, 5, 5, 5), 6, 6, 7, 7 skeins
415 (455, 505, 560, 600), 650, 690, 735, 785 m
450 (500, 550, 610, 660), 710, 755, 800, 860 yds

Adding 15 cm / 6” of length:
4 (5, 5, 6, 6), 6, 7, 7, 8 skeins
455 (505, 555, 615, 660), 710, 750, 790, 850 m
500 (550, 605, 670, 720), 780, 820, 865, 930 yds*

NEEDLES

4 mm / 6 US circular needles with a cable of at least 80 cm / 32”

GAUGE

21 sts & 31 rows = 10 cm / 4” in lace-y ribbed pattern worked both in the round and flat, after washing and blocking; measured with light tension so the fabric lies flat, while still maintaining a visible rib structure.

29 sts & 31 rows = 13 cm / 5” across central Muchenka pattern worked both in the round and flat, after washing and blocking.

You can change your gauge to 20 sts = 10 cm / 4” to achieve less negative ease. With a gauge of 20 sts, the amount of negative ease will be reduced to approx. 2 cm / 0.75” for all sizes.

With modifications mentioned on page 5 & 6, the smallest size can get up to 66 cm / 26” in the finished bust circ. and the biggest size can get up to 158 cm / 62.25” in the finished bust circ. without working bust darts.

The central Muchenka pattern will then stretch across approx. 13.5 cm / 5.25”.

Please note that for this pattern, both stitch gauge and round/row gauge are important. Your round gauge should therefore fall ideally between 30 and 32 rounds/rows.

NOTIONS

• stitch markers
• tapestry needle
• blocking tools
• cable needle

ABOUT THE CONSTRUCTION

The top is worked bottom-up. It begins in the round with a central Muchenka pattern flanked by lacy ribbing panels on the sides. At the underarm, stitches are bound off, and the front and back are then worked flat, with the armholes and neckline shaped through decreases.

The shoulders are seamed to ensure structure and stability. Finally, the top edges are finished with a neat I-cord.