Inspired by the elegant necklaces of ancient Egypt, the Abydos top is a perfect knit for those days when you want to feel that little bit fancy.

NOTE: the big sister to the Abydos Top, the Abydos Sweater, is now available. Both patterns can be purchased separately (the top is not just the sweater with the arms cut off!). If you would like both versions, they are available as an eBook for £9.

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. For some reason this yarn is listed as worsted weight on Ravelry, but it is definitely DK.

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 16” / 40 cm.
3.5mm, 4mm and 8mm circulars, length 24” / 60 cm (& longer depending on size).
Tapestry needle
Stitch markers
Scrap yarn

SIZING
Sizes 1 (2; 3; 4; 5) 6; 7; 8; 9 detailed below, designed to be worn with between 0-2” / 0.5 cm negative ease. Sample is a size 2 worn on a 33” upper bust with around 1” / 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; 40; 44) (48; 52; 56; 60) inches / 71 (81; 91; 102; 112) (122; 132; 142; 152) 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 ‘sleeves’ and a minimal cast off finish.

Yarn choice: I would recommend choosing a DK yarn that has some memory and isn’t too slippery, as slinky yarns (such as bamboo) will be heavy and cause the garment to stretch and pull on the yoke.

The Abydos top is #sizeinclusive to a bust of 62”.

I LOVE seeing people knit my patterns and make them their own - if you could tag @lilykatemakes and #AbydosTop on Instagram that would be great!