Susi’s basic stripe cami is worked top down, beginning with the straps. The two straps are worked flat individually, then joined by casting on stitches between them to form the front. Increases are then worked to shape the armholes. The front stitches are placed on hold while you pick up stitches along the straps and cast on stitches between them to form the back, which is shaped with increases to match. Then the held front stitches are placed back on the needle and the body is worked in the round in the established stripe pattern.

There are two options for the armhole: the first leaves the armhole edges as-is with slip stitches, while the second has you pick up stitches and work a short stockinette facing that folds to the inside to create a polished edge. The neckline and lower body are finished in the same way.

This top is designed to be worn with 5-14 cm / 2-5 in of positive ease. Sizes 1-4 look best with a little more positive ease (9-14 cm / 3.5-5 in), while sizes 5-8 are designed to be worn with less positive ease (5-8 cm / 2-3) for a more tailored fit. Keep this in mind when deciding which size to knit.

The sample is knitted up in Drops Belle in White 01 in size 1 on a person with a bust circumference of 84 cm / 33 in, giving 10 cm (4 in) of positive ease.

Experience level
Intermediate knitter.

Sizes
1 (2) 3 (4) 5 (6) 7 (8).

Bust circumference 
80-85 (85-90) 90-95 (95-100) 100-105 (105-110) 110-115 (115-120) cm / 31.5-33.5 (33.5-35.5) 35.5-37.5 (37.5-39.5) 39.5-41.25 (41.25-43.25) 43.25-45.25 (45.25-47.25) in.

Finished bust circumference
Approximately 94 (98) 104 (109) 113 (118) 120 (125) cm /  37 (39) 41 (43) 44.50 (46.50) 47.25 (49.25) in.

Gauge
20 sts by 30 rows = 10 by 10 cm (4 by 4 in) in pattern:
* p2, k8 * repeated across, washed and blocked on 3.5 mm
(US 4) needles. If you are unable to meet gauge, adjust your needle size.

Needles
Main: 3.5 mm (US 4) 60 or 80 cm (24 or 32 in) circular needles.
Finishings: 2.5 mm (US 1.5) 40 or 60 cm (15 or 24 in) circular needles.

Materials recommended
DK weight yarn:
250 (250) 300 (300) 350 (350) 400 (450) g /
550 (600) 670 (720) 780 (840) 950 (1000) m /
600 (650) 732 (780) 850 (920) 1020 (1090) yd
Drops Belle.

Alternatives:
Rosarios4 Alfama, Sandnes garn Line, Drops Cotton Merino.

Other materials
Stitch markers, stitch holders, tape measure, scissors and
tapestry needle, crochet hook (for provisional cast-on option).

Pattern repeat
The pattern repeat is different depending on which size you go for. This is done to remain the same design effect across all sizes. Size 1&2: p2, k7. Size 3: p2, k8. Size 4: p2, k9. Size 5: p2, k12. Size 6: p2, k13. Size 7&8: p2, k14.

If you don’t see your size and are willing to test please contact me