The Persephone Top is a refined and upscale summer staple for your wardrobe. The top features thoughtful details such as baby cables which join seamlessly under the arm, a clean and meticulous double-knit button band, and an adorable mini saddle detail on the shoulder. Construction wise, this design is worked flat from the top down to allow for easy customization with waist shaping, German short row shaping, and optional bust dart customizations for the possible best fit.

Sizes
1 (2, 3, 4), (5, 6, 7), (8, 9, 10) to fit bust size: 26-28 (28-30, 32-34, 36-38), (40-42, 44-46, 48-50), (52-54, 56-58, 60-62) in [66-71 (71-76, 81-86, 91-97), (102-107, 112-117, 122-127), (132-137, 142-147, 152-157) cm]. Designed to be worn with neutral to slightly positive (0.5-2”) ease.

Optional bust darts are included which will add 2 (4) in [5 (10) cm] of width to the widest part of the bust for each size.

Yarn
558 (598, 680, 767) (860, 939, 1034) (1140, 1246, 1335) yards [510 (547, 621, 701) (786, 859, 945) (1042, 1139, 1221) meters] of fingering-weight yarn to achieve gauge; approximately 13-24 yds [12-22 meters] more will be needed for bust shaping.

The brown sample pictured was knit in a size 2 and used approximately 2.25 skeins of Knitting for Olive Merino (100% merino wool, 273yd/250m per 50g skein) in the colorway Dark Cognac. I recommend choosing a fiber that will provide enough elasticity for this style of top, such as a wool or wool/cotton blend.

Gauge
26 sts and 40 rows in stockinette stitch to 4 in [10 cm] on US 3 [3.25 mm] needles, or needles needed to obtain gauge, after blocking.

Needles & Notions

• US 3 [3.25 mm] needles for working the body, or whatever size needles are needed to achieve gauge as mentioned above. Recommended cable length will vary depending on your size and preferred method of knitting.
• US 1 [2.25 mm] needles for working the hem and neckline. Recommended cable length will vary depending on your size and preferred method of knitting.
• Cable needle
• 7 12.5mm buttons (You may want more buttons if you choose to knit the top longer)
• Removable stitch markers
• Tapestry needle
• Stitch holder or waste yarn to place stitches on temporarily

Note: To save paper while printing, note that pages 23–26 have the optional bust dart instructions.

Please note that some minor changes were made to the pattern since the first green/gray sample; see photos of the brown sample for an accurate depiction of the pattern. (Changes include moving the armhole cable directly to the edge and increasing the width of the buttonband)

Please tag me @midsummer.knits when sharing on Instagram so I can see your finished object!