Kittiwake is a breezy summer shell that knits up quickly in Kestrel, Quince & Co’s Aran weight chainette linen. Worked flat in 2 pieces from the hem up, it features an undulating wave edging and a simple lace pattern that resembles a kittiwake, or gull.

There are three hem options included: Plain hem, split hem, and split shirttail hem. Instructions are both written and charted.

The sizes for this top are based on full lace pattern repeats, and the simple boatneck shaping doesn’t interfere with the lace patterning. Easy knitting!

This top is meant to be worn with 1-6” / 2.5 - 15 cm positive ease, and is shown here in finished size 38” with 4” / 2.5 cm positive ease in blue and white (on Sharon), and 2” / 5 cm positive ease in white (on me). Linen gets softer and drapier with each wash; you’ll love it more and more!

Yarn: Quince and Co. Kestrel, 100% Organic Linen, 76 yd (70 m)/50g; 5 (6, 8, 8, 10) skeins. Size 50”/127 cm in Kestrel used almost all the 8 skeins of yarn; you may wish to purchase a “just in case” skein.

Alternate yarn: Berrocco Remix, 30% Nylon, 27% Cotton, 24% Acrylic, 10% Silk, 9% Linen, 216 yd (198 m)/100g; 3 (3, 4, 4, 5) balls.

I’ve also swatched this in Berroco Remix, which is perfect for gauge. The resulting fabric is cottony-soft, less structured than the Kestrel linen. Choose your favorite fiber!

Thanks to tech editor Meaghan Schmaltz, and test knitter Ann Berg. Thanks to my sister Sharon for modeling with me, too.