free knitting pattern: "Kayesha" woman's summer top by Leanne Dyck

'Kayesha' a figure-flattering tunic. 

Designed to be knit by a beginner knitter.

This pattern was first published in A Needle Pulling Thread:  the magazine promoting Canadian needle arts (spring, 2008)

Carla A. Canonico (editor-in-chief)

Kayesha

Finished tunic measurements:

Bust:  XS – 30/ S – 34/ M – 38/ L – 42/ 1X – 46/ 2X – 50 inches

76.2 / 86.36 / 96.52 / 106.68 / 116.84 / 127 centimeters

Length:  XS – 27.5/ S, M, L – 28/1x, 2x – 28.5 inches

69.85 / 71.12 / 72.39 centimeters

Knitting needles:  4.00 mm/US 6 OR size to obtain tension

Yarn:  Ornaghi Filati Italy bamboo worsted weight (approximately XS, S – 685 (625)/M, L – 822 (750) /1X, 2X – 959 (875) yards (metres)

Gauge:  5 stitches x 7 rows = one inch (2.54 centimeters) worked over Stockinette stitch

Stockinette stitch

Row 1:  knit – to end of row.

Row 2:  purl – to end of row.

Repeat rows 1 and 2 for pattern.

1 x 1 rib stitch (odd number of stitches)

Row 1:  knit one, purl one – continue to end of row.

Row 2:  purl one, knit one – continue to end of row.

Repeat rows 1 and 2 for pattern.

1 x 1 rib stitch (even number of stitches)

Row 1: knit one, purl one – continue to end of row.

Repeat row for pattern.

Back:

Cast on [XS – 74/ S – 84/ M – 94] L – 104[1X– 114/ 2X – 124] stitches

Work in 1 x 1 rib stitch for 4 inches. (10.16 centimeters)

Work in 1 x 1 rib stitch for 20 stitches; Stockinette stitch for [XS – 34/ S - 44/ M – 54] L – 64 [1X –74/ 2X – 84] stitches. Work for 4 inches. (10.16 centimeters)

Waist:

Work in 4 x 4 rib stitch for 7 inches. (17.78 centimeters)

This row:  1 x 1 rib stitch for 20 stitches; decrease 10 stitches knit evenly across Stockinette stitch section; 1 x 1 rib stitch for 20 stitches. Stitches remaining:  [XS – 64/ S – 74/ M –84] L – 94 [1X – 104/ 2X – 114] stitches.

Next row:  1 x 1 rib stitch for 20 stitches; purl [XS – 24/ S – 34/ M – 44] L – 54 [1X – 64/ 2X – 74]; 1 x 1 rib stitch for 20 stitches

Upper body:

Work in established pattern for 6 inches. (15.24 centimeters)

Armhole shaping:

Next two rows:  decrease 10 stitches at the beginning of the next two rows while maintaining established pattern. Stitches remaining:  [XS – 44/ S – 54/ M – 64] L – 74 [1X – 84/ 2X– 94]

Work for [XS – 4 (10.16)/ S, M – 4.5 (11.43)] L, 1X, 2X -5 inches. (12.7 centimeters)

Neck:

Work in 1 x 1 rib stitch for 1 inch. (2.54 centimeters)

Straps worked from two balls of yarn

From 1^st ball of yarn work [XS – 5/ S – 10/M – 15] L -20 [1X –25/ 2X –30] stitches in 1 x 1 rib stitch

From 2^nd ball of yarn decrease 34 stitches; work [XS – 5/ S – 10/M – 15] L -20 [1X –25/ 2X –30] stitches in 1 x 1 rib stitch

Work for 1 inch (2.54 centimeters)

Cast off.

Front:

Cast on [XS – 74/ S – 84/ M – 94] L – 104[1X – 114/ 2X – 124] stitches

Work in 1 x 1 rib stitch for 4 inches. (10.16 centimeters)

Work in 1 x 1 rib stitch for 20 stitches; Stockinette stitch for [XS – 34/ S - 44/ M – 54] L – 64 [1X –74/ 2X – 84] stitches. Work for 4 inches. (10.16 centimeters)

Waist:

Work in 4 x 4 rib stitch for 7 inches. (17.78 centimeters)

This row:  1 x 1 rib stitch for 20 stitches; decrease 10 stitches knit evenly across Stockinette stitch section; 1 x 1 rib stitch for 20 stitches. Stitches remaining:  [XS – 64/ S – 74/ M –84] L – 94 [1X – 104/ 2X – 114] stitches.

Next row:  1 x 1 rib stitch for 20 stitches; purl [XS – 24/ S – 34/ M – 44] L – 54 [1X – 64/ 2X – 74]; 1 x 1 rib stitch for 20 stitches

Upper body:

Work in established pattern for 6 inches. (15.24 centimeters)

Armhole shaping:

Next two rows:  decrease 10 stitches at the beginning of the next two rows while maintaining established pattern. Stitches remaining:  [XS – 44/ S – 54/ M – 64] L – 74 [1x – 84/ 2x – 94]

Work for [XS – 2/ S, M – 2.5] L, 1X, 2X – 3 inches. (7.62 centimeters)

Neck:

Work in 1 x 1 rib stitch for 1 inch (2.54 centimeters)

Straps worked from two balls of yarn

From 1^st ball of yarn work [XS – 5/ S – 10/M – 15] L -20 [1x –25/ 2x –30] stitches in 1 x 1 rib stitch

From 2^nd ball of yarn decrease 34 stitches; work [XS – 5/ S – 10/M – 15] L -20 [1X –25/ 2X –30] stitches in 1 x 1 rib stitch

Work for 3 inch (7.62 centimeters)

Cast off.

Tips

To eliminate confusion, before working this design take a few minutes to carefully read the entire pattern. Then highlight all information that pertains to your size.

In the working of this design, cotton may be substitute for bamboo.

Would you like to shorten or lengthen the tunic?  This is relatively easy to accomplish. It is best to make these alterations between the bottom trim and waist. Currently, the pattern requires you to:  Work in 1 x 1 rib stitch for 20 stitches; Stockinette stitch for [XS – 34/ S - 44/ M – 54] L – 64 [XL –74/ 2x – 84] stitches. Work for 4 inches.

To lengthen, instead of working this area for 4 inches (10.16 centimeters) work it for 5 (12.7 centimeters) or more inches. To shorten, instead of working this area for 4 inches work it for 3 (7.62 centimeters) or less inches. Ensure that the length of the back and front match.

Finishing

Sew strap seams. Sew side seams to waist. Weave in ends.

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This is the last hand knitting pattern I'll be sharing for a while. For the entire summer season--Monday, June 3rd to Monday, August 29th--I'm planning to share...a fun summer project. : )

Next post (Thursday):  Writer's royalties and advance