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The Sunroots Lace Top is a top-down, DK-weight design inspired by the wildflower “Sunroots” (Helianthus tuberosus - aka Sunchoke or Jerusalem Artichoke). This tall, hardy perennial, capable of withstanding gale force winds, brightens its surroundings even on an overcast day!

The top begins with provisional stitches at the shoulders. The back and front are worked flat to the underarms, with a few short-rows to shape the shoulders. Front and back are then joined and worked in the round. Lace panels decorate the sides and centre back. The “sunroots” are designed to slant in alternating rhythmic direction across the panels. Cap sleeves are picked up at each armhole and worked in the round with a few short-rows for shaping. The pattern includes a schematic, written instructions and a chart.

Special thanks to my tech editor and talented test knitters for their assistance!

Sizes 1 [(2, 3, 4, 5) (6, 7, 8, 9)]
Select the size closest to your actual bust measurement:
Cm: 71-76 [(81-86, 91.5-96.5, 101.5-106.5, 111.5-117) (122-127, 132-137, 142-147, 152-157)].
In: 28-30 [(32-34, 36-38, 40-42, 44-46) (48-50, 52-54, 56-58, 60-62)].
The top is worn with 0-5 cm / 0-2 in positive ease. The lacework shows best when worn slightly stretched.
Options - The body may be worked fitted or unfitted. Three sleeve sizes are given to accommodate different upper arm circumferences – slim, medium and full fit.
The sample is shown in size 2 (S), allowing positive ease of 2.5 cm/1 in, with unfitted body and slim fit cap sleeves.

Finished Dimensions
Bust - 76 [(86, 96.5, 106.5, 117) (127, 137, 147, 157)] cm / 32 [(34, 38, 42, 46) (50, 54, 58, 62)] in.
Armhole depth, back length and body length are customizable.

Yarn
I recommend a mercerized 100% DK-weight cotton or cotton blend with good sheen and body to show off the lace design. The sample is worked in Hayfield Classic Mercerised Cotton DK, 100% cotton; 50 g/1.76 oz; 107 m/117 yds, colour Thatch (076015-774).

Quantity
No. of balls - 5 [(6, 7, 8, 9) (10, 11, 12, 13))].
Weight - 240 [(280, 320, 360, 410) (470, 520, 570, 620)] g / 8.5 [(9.9, 11.3, 12.7, 14.5) (16.6, 18.4, 20.1, 21.9)] oz.
Yardage - 514 [(621, 685, 770, 877) (1006, 1113, 1220, 1327)] m / 562 [(679, 749, 842, 959) (1100, 1217, 1334, 1451)] yd.

Needles & Notions
4.0 mm (US 6) circ needle (40, 80 cm/16, 32 in)
4.0 mm (G) crochet hook
cable needle
stitch markers (multi-coloured, ring and locking)
row/round counter (optional)
stitch holders
spare yarn (for provisional cast on)
tapestry needle (to weave in ends)

Knitting Gauge
22 sts and 29 rows to 10 cm/4 in, measured in st st using 4 mm (US 6) needle.
Back lace panel measures approximately 10 cm/4 in in width (slightly stretched) using 4 mm (US 6) needle.
Side lace panels measure approximately 13.75 cm/5.5 in in width (slightly stretched) using 4 mm (US 6) needle.
For best results, check your blocked gauge in pattern before starting. Use the needle size that gives you gauge.

Techniques Used
Provisional cast-on; Japanese short-rows; read lace chart; backwards loop cast-on; twisted knit stitch; knitting multiple stitches together and through back loop; wrapped stitch.

Skill Level: Intermediate