Description

Overview of the pattern:

Showgirl Top is a dazzling sequin top worked seamlessly from the top down, beginning with the shoulder straps. It is knitted using a beautiful combination of sequin yarn and glitter yarn, with optional bust darts that create a flattering fit. The neckline is shaped with increases while working flat, and the body is joined at the underarms to continue seamlessly in the round. The neckline and armholes are finished with neat I-cord edgings, while the hem features a clean folded edge for an elegant finish. 

This shiny little number is a party season staple you can pair with almost anything to get that sparkle to your outfit. If you’re looking for even more sparkle, check out the pattern for Showgirl Skirt!

Difficulty level: Easy / intermediate

Sizes: 1 (2, 3, 4, 5) (6, 7, 8, 9)  – see measurements below

Recommended ease: 0–5 cm / 0–2” of negative ease at the bust.

The sample garment is shown with no ease.

Measurements for the finished top:

• Bust circumference approx:  80 (85, 95, 100, 110) (120, 130, 140, 165) cm / 31.5 (33.5, 37.5, 39.5, 43.5) (47.25, 51.25, 55.25, 65)”
• Length from armhole to hem: approx. 29 (30, 31, 32, 33) (34, 35, 36, 37) cm / 1.5 (12, 12.25, 12.75, 13) (13.5, 13.75, 14.25, 14.75)” – this can be altered
• Armhole circumference: approx. 40 (44, 45, 50, 51) (57, 65, 71, 80) cm / 15.75 (17.5, 17.75, 19.75, 20.25) (22.5, 25.75, 28, 31.5)”

Note: If you choose to knit the optional bust darts, select a size with a bust circumference approximately equal to the amount added by the bust darts, as the darts increase the finished bust circumference.

For example, if your bust circumference without bust darts is 100 cm (41”) (normally Size 4) and you are knitting the D-cup bust darts, choose a size with a finished bust circumference of approximately 95 cm (37½ in.) (100 cm / 39½ in. − 5 cm / 2 in. = 95 cm / 37½ in.). In this case, I recommend choosing Size 3.

Gauge:

20 sts x 26 rows = 10 x 10 cm / 4 x 4″ in stockinette stitch with 4 mm / US 6 needles (blocked). Change the needle size if needed to achieve the right gauge.

Yarn:

Approx. 350 (400, 440, 500, 550) (600, 700, 750, 800) meters / 400 (450, 500, 550, 650) (700, 800, 850, 900) yds of lace-weight sparkling yarn and approx. 350 (400, 440, 500, 550) (600, 700, 750, 800) meters / 400 (450, 500, 550, 650) (700, 800, 850, 900) yds of DK-weight sequin yarn.

Sample knit:  2 (2, 2, 3, 3) (3, 3, 4, 4, 4) balls of Filcolana Paia (245 m / 270 yds / 25 g, 67 % viscose, 33 % polyester), photographed in colorway Peach Shimmer and 2 (2, 2, 2, 3) (3, 3, 3, 4) balls of Lana Grossa Cosmo (260 m / 280 yds / 100 g, cotton, sequens) in colorway 10 Linen/gold.

Sequin yarn option: Sandnes Garn Paljett (140 m / 50 g, 55% cotton, 45% polyester)

Glitter yarn option: Kremke Soul Wool Stellaris (held double) (560 m / 25 g, 47% viscose, 41% polyester, 12% metallic fibre)

Needles:

4 mm / US 6 40 cm / 16” and 60 cm /24” or 80 cm / 32” circular needles

Notions: Removable stitch markers, scrap yarn or stitch holding cables, tapestry needle.