the abydos top

Every now and then a particular item just feels more ‘me’ than the others. My latest design, the Abydos Top knitting pattern, is one of those. I’m thrilled with it! I took inspiration from the elegant necklaces of ancient Egypt, with the intention to create rounds of tucks that framed the face in the same way. Knitted necklaces on a sheer mohair background, if you will. It’s a knit for those days when you want to feel a little bit fancy. Several of my test knitters have already worn it for date nights, which I absolutely love!

Scroll down for details and to purchase the Abydos Top knitting pattern

I began knitting my sample whilst on holiday in Austria back in May, and finished just in time to wear for a weekend trip to Amsterdam. My suitcase is always packed with 80% knitwear whenever I go away, and this trip was no exception! Have to make the most of the opportunity to photograph them somewhere other than against a bedroom wall. 😊

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As mentioned, this pattern uses DK weight contrasted with mohair, which makes for a pretty speedy knit. The yoke grows exceptionally quickly thanks to the 8mm needles used for the sheer sections – so very satisfying to see it take shape! After working a regular round yoke, short rows are used to change the direction of knitting and the remainder of the upper body follows a regular armhole construction. This allows the yoke to sit at that necklace-like angle and form the tiniest cap sleeves, which was exactly my goal! Optional bust darts are also included for those with a fuller chest, so there’s no danger of it riding up at the front.

the abydos top by test knitters

Knitters are just the best people. It was an absolute joy to work with everyone, as always! Thank you all so much.

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Abydos Top knitting pattern details

YARN A / main yarn: DK weight yarn, approx. 369 (378; 421; 478; 507) [602; 658; 694; 761] metres / 402 (411; 458; 520; 551) [655; 716; 755; 828] yards. Sample shown in Rowan Cotton Cashmere (85% cotton, 15% cashmere, 125m / 136 yards per 50g ball) in shade Paper. If using this yarn, you will need 3 (4; 4; 4; 5) [5; 6; 6; 7] balls.

Yarn B: laceweight yarn, approx. 64 (64; 64; 79; 79) [93; 93; 99; 99] metres / 69 (69; 69; 87; 87) [101; 101; 108; 108] yards. Sample shown in Rowan Kidsilk Haze (70% mohair, 30% silk, 210m / 229 yards per 25g ball) in shade Cream. If using this yarn you will need 1 ball.

GAUGE: 21 sts and 28 rows to 4 inches / 10 cm in stocking stitch in Yarn A, blocked. Suggested size 4mm.

NEEDLES & NOTIONS: 3.5mm circulars, length 16â€ / 40 cm
3.5mm, 4mm and 8mm circulars, length 24â€ / 60 cm (& longer depending on size)
You will also need a tapestry needle, stitch markers, and scrap yarn.

SIZING: sizes 1 (2; 3; 4; 5) [6; 7; 8; 9] detailed below, designed to be worn with between 0-2â€ / 0.5 cm negative ease. Sample is a size 2 worn on a 33â€ upper bust with around 1â€ / 2.5 cm negative ease.

Choose a size based on your UPPER bust measurement, not full bust. To find this measurement, hold a tape under your armpits around the top of your bust. This may mean you choose a smaller size than usual, but the optional bust darts can be used to add extra room. If you are between sizes, SIZE DOWN. If this top is loose, the armholes will be too wide and low and will not cover a bra at the sides. This was discussed at length with test knitters, and a conclusion was reached that this top fits far better when worn with negative ease.

To fit upper bust: 28-30 (32-34; 36-38; 40-42; 44-46) (48-50; 52-54; 56-58; 60-62) inches / 71-76 (81-86; 91-97; 102-107; 112-117) (122-127; 132-137; 142-147; 152-157) cm.

Finished bust: 28 (32; 36; 39.5; 42.5) (47; 50.5; 54; 58.5) inches / 71 (81; 91; 101; 107) (119; 128; 137; 148) cm.

Construction: the Abydos top is worked seamlessly from the top down, beginning with a circular yoke construction which transitions into a regular armhole by using short rows to change the angle of knitting. Panels of loose knit mohair are contrasted with tucks worked in DK weight throughout the yoke. Optional bust darts are included for those with larger cup sizes. The main body is worked without shaping for a relaxed fit, and the armhole edgings are finished with subtle decreases to shape the cap â€˜sleevesâ€™ and a minimal cast off finish.