Taimana (said tie-mar-nar) is te reo Māori for diamond. When a diamond pattern is used decoratively such as in weaving, it represents commitment and courage, perfect for this unique little top, which requires some of both by the maker! Even though the techniques in the top are not hard, they are a little unusual and require the maker to trust the process, such as when stitches are dropped off the needle and left hanging until the next row when they are picked up. However, the fun of watching the play of colours emerge in this pattern is absolutely worth the mini challenge this top is!
The garment is made by knitting the front and back separately flat from the bottom up, with the diamond pattern on the front and the back in stockinette. The armholes are shaped and the yoke worked up, when neckline and shoulder shaping are added. The front and back are then joined with a 3-needle bind-off. The garment is then blocked to ensure it sits flat and the side seams are sewn together. The hem is worked by picking up all the way around the bottom and then binding-off with an I-cord bind-off. The neckband is worked the same way. Around the armholes is picked up for the sleeves and a small stockinette sleeve is worked before binding-off with a I-cord bind-off. Alternatively the armholes can be picked up and finished with an I-cord bind-off.
The yarn used in this sample, is a super wash merino which did not unravel when the stitches were dropped, and a similar yarn or more ‘sticky’ yarn (such as a non-super wash yarn) is recommended. Yarns that have slippery content such as silk and some cotton yarns should be avoided, to limit the risk of unravelling!
To assist with the process of working the diamond pattern, the 3-needle bind-off and the I-cord bind-off, there are links to brief tutorials within the pattern.

Finished Sizes
The Taimana Top is intended to be worn with 2 - 4” / 5 - 10 cm of positive ease in the bust. Choose a size to knit that is between 2 - 4” / 5 - 10 cm larger than your actual bust size. The sizes 1 – 10 have a finished garment bust circumference: 32 ½ (36 ½, 39 ½, 43 ½, 47 ½) 51 ½, 54 ½, 59, 63, 67” / 82 (92.5, 101, 110.5, 121) 131, 139, 150, 159.5, 170.5 cm

Needles and Notions
US 3 / 3.25 mm circular needle 32” / 80 cm long and for small circumference knitting or to gauge for stockinette in the round and flat.
US 2 / 2.75 mm circular needles 32” / 80 cm long and for small circumference knitting.
Stitch markers, waste yarn or cords, tapestry needle.

Yarn – please note these yarn amounts are estimates
Sample knit in Hedgehog Fibres sock yarn – super-wash 90% merino and 10% nylon, 100gm and 437 yds / 400m. Main colour is Petrol and contrast colour is Juniper.
You will need approximately: 875 (995, 1115, 1255, 1400) 1540, 1685, 1825, 1970, 2120 yards / 800 (910, 1020, 1150, 1280) 1410, 1540, 1670, 1800, 1940 metres
355 (380, 410, 435, 480) 545, 620, 710, 810, 920 yds / 325 (350, 375, 400, 440) 500, 570, 650, 740, 840 metres of the contrast colour.

Gauge
28 stitches / 36 rows per 4” / 10cm using US 3 / 3.25 mm needle on stockinette in the round and flat after blocking. There will be 31 stitches / 36 rows per 4” / 10 cm using US 3 / 3.25 mm needle on the diamond pattern in 4” / 10cm.