Fibers and materials I like to wear change as the seasons change, but all year round I like to wear loose swingy tops and dresses. In booklet #354 Berroco Mixer, our “disco” collection, I designed an a-line tank top, that fits this flowing description. Nina is a simple top worked from the bottom up in pieces and seamed. The hem has a feather and fan lace pattern that creates a flirty scalloped edge.
With each size, the feather and fan stitch pattern is worked a little differently. It is really pretty simple, but I’ve provided more of an explanation below.
Lace Pattern (Multiple of 24 sts)
Row 1 (RS): Knit
Row 2: Purl
Row 3: *(p2tog) 4 times, (yo,k1) 8 times, (p2tog) 4 times, rep from * across
If I choose to knit a size 38 for myself…
Bust Size: 30(34-38-42-46-50-54)
Establish Lace Pat: Row 1 (RS): K0(6-0-5-0-4-0), work Row 1 of Lace Pat to last 0(6-0-5-0-4-0) sts, K to end
My first row of lace pattern would be: Knit across all stitches. I have 0 stitches to knit before the beginning and end of the lace pattern.
Row 2: P0(6-0-5-0-4-0), work Row 2 of Lace Pat to last 0(6-0-5-0-4-0) sts
My second row of lace pattern would be: Purl across all stitches. I have 0 stitches to knit before beginning and end of the lace pattern.
Work even in pat as established until piece measures 3 ½” from beg, end of WS.
Now I would continue following my lace pattern above. My next row of lace pattern would be: Row 3 (RS) :*(p2tog) 4 times, (yo,k1) 8 times, (p2tog) 4 times, rep from * across.
I have 0 stitches to knit before beginning and end of the lace pattern.
Repeat rows 1-3 until piece measures 3 ½” from beg
If I chose a different size, the lace pattern would work like this…
If I choose to knit a 42 for myself…
Bust Size: 30(34-38-42-46-50-54)
Establish Lace Pat: Row 1 (RS): K0(6-0-5-0-4-0), work Row 1 of Lace Pat to last 0(6-0-5-0-4-0) sts, K to end
My first row of lace pattern would be: Knit 5 sts, place a marker, knit until last 5 stitches, place marker, knit 5. These five stitches at the beginning and end are important to separate. The stitches in between your markers are worked over the 24 st lace repeat.
Row 2: P0(6-0-5-0-4-0), work Row 2 of Lace Pat to last 0(6-0-5-0-4-0) sts, purl to end
My second row of lace pattern would be: Purl 5, slip marker, purl until last 5 sts, slip marker, purl 5.
Work even in pat as established until piece measures 3 ½” from beg, end of WS.
Now I would continue following my lace pattern above. My next row of lace pattern would be: Row 3 (RS):
Knit 5, slip marker, *(p2tog) 4 times, (yo,k1) 8 times, (p2tog) 4 times, rep from * across until last 5 sts, slip marker, knit 5.
Repeat rows 1-3 until piece measures 3 ½” from beg
These examples demonstrate how you could work the lace pattern in the remaining sizes.
Happy Making,
Emily