With long sleeves featuring a long slit, this blouse is a perfect New Year’s Eve party top. The deep concentric diamonds on the side give it a fun texture and bring visual interest to the waist shaping. Beautiful and flattering, this top could just as easily been seen on Zelda Fitzgerald as on this winter’s party goer.
Skill Level: Advanced
Size: Finished Bust Size 29¼ (32¾, 36¼, 40½, 44½”, 49½)” / [70.25 (83.25, 92, 101.5, 112.5, 125.75) cm].
1” negative ease recommended.
Shown in size 36¼”.
Gauge: 23 sts and 32 rows = 4” [10 cm] in St st after wet blocking
Materials
Yarn: Berroco Ultra Alpaca Fine (50% Peruvian Wool, 30% Nylon, 20% Super Fine Alpaca; 433 yards [400 meters]/100 grams): 12114 Tea Rose, 2 (3, 3, 3, 4, 5) hanks
Needles: US size 4 (3.5 mm) 24” circular; US size 4 (3.5 mm) set of DPNs
Notions: Markers; stitch holders; tapestry needle; nylon stretch thread.
Abbreviations
Ssp – Slip slip purl
Special Stitches
Body Texture Pattern (worked in the rnd)
Rnds 1-3: K2, p2, k2.
Rnd 4: K1, k2tog, p1, m1pwise, p1, ssk, k1.
Rnd 5: K2, p2, m1pwise, p1, k2.
Rnd 6: K2, p4, k2.
Rnd 7: K1, k2tog, p2, m1pwise, p2, ssk, k1.
Rnd 8: K2, p3, m1pwise, p2, k2.
Rnd 9: K2, p6, k2.
Rnd 10: K1, m1r, p3, m1l, p3, ssk, k1.
Rnd 11: K2, p3, k1, k1tbl, p3, k2.
Rnd 12: (K2, p3) twice, k2.
Rnd 13: K1, k2tog, p3, m1r, k2, m1l, p3, ssk, k1.
Rnds 14-15: K2, p3, k4, p3, k2.
Rnd 16: K1, k2tog, p3, m1r, k4, m1l, p3, ssk, k1.
Rnds 17-18: K2, p3, k6, p3, k2.
Rnd 19: K1, k2tog, p3, m1r, k6, m1l, p3, ssk, k1.
Rnds 20-21: K2, p3, k8, p3, k2.
Rnd 22: K1, k2tog, p3, m1r, k3, p2, k3, m1l, p3, ssk, k1.
Rnds 23-24: K2, p3, k4, p2, k4, p3, k2.
Rnd 25: K1, k2tog, p3, m1r, k2, k2tog, p1, m1pwise, p1, ssk, k2, m1l, p3, ssk, k1.
Rnd 26: K2, p3, k4, p2, m1pwise, p1, k4, p3, k2.
Rnd 27: K2, p3, k4, p4, k4, p3, k2.
Rnd 28: K1, k2tog, p3, m1r, k2, k2tog, p2, m1pwise, p2, ssk, k2, m1l, p3, ssk, k1.
Rnd 29: K2, p3, k4, p3, m1pwise, p2, k4, p3, k2.
Rnd 30: K2, p3, k4, p6, k4, p3, k2.
Rnd 31: K1, k2tog, p3, m1r, k2, k2tog, p3, m1r, p3, ssk, k2, M1, p3, ssk, K1.
Rnd 32: K12, p3, k4, p3, k1, k1tbl, p3, k4, p3, k2.
Rnd 33: (K2, p3, k4, p3) twice, k2.
Rnds 34: K1, (k2tog, p3, m1r, k2) twice, k1tbl, p3, ssk, k2, m1l, p3, ssk, k1.
Rnds 35-36: K2, (p3, k4) x 3, p3, k2.
Rnd 37: K1, k2tog, p3, m1r, k2, k2tog, p3, m1r, k4, m1l, p3, ssk, k2, m1l, p3, ssk, k1.
Rnds 38-39: K2, p3, k4, p3, k6, p3, k4, p3, k2.
Rnd 40: K1, k2tog, p3, m1r, k2, k2tog, p3, m1r, k6, m1l, p3, ssk, k2, m1l, p3, ssk, k1.
Rnds 41-42: K2, p3, k4, p3, k8, p3, k4, p3, k2.
Rnd 43: K1, k2tog, p3, m1r, k2, k2tog, p3, m1r, k8, m1l, p3, ssk, k2, m1l, p3, ssk, k1.
Rnds 44-45: K2, p3, k4, p3, k10, p3, k4, p3, k2.
Rnd 46: K1, k2tog, p3, m1r, k2, k2tog, p3, m1r, k10, m1l, p3, ssk, k2, m1l, p3, ssk, k1.
Rnds 47-48: K2, p3, k4, p3, k12, p3, k4, p3, k2.
Rnd 49: K2tog, p3, m1r, k2, k2tog, p3, m1r, k12, m1l, p3, ssk, k2, m1l, p3, ssk.
Rnds 50-51: K1, p3, k4, p3, k14, p3, k4, p3, k1.
Rnd 52: K1, m1l, p3, ssk, k2, m1l, p3, ssk, k10, k2tog, p3, m1r, k2, k2tog, p3, m1r, k1.
Rnds 53-54: K1, p3, k4, p3, k12, p3, k4, p3, k1.
Rnd 55: K1, m1l, p3, ssk, k2, m1l, p3, ssk, k8, k2tog, p3, m1r, k2, k2tog, p3, m1r, k1.
Rnds 56-57: K1, p3, k4, p3, k10, p3, k4, p3, k1.
Rnd 58: K1, m1l, p3, ssk, k2, m1l, p3, ssk, k6, k2tog, p3, m1r, k2, k2tog, p3, m1r, k1.
Rnds 59-60: K1, p3, k4, p3, k8, p3, k4, p3, k1.
Rnd 61: K1, m1l, p3, ssk, k2, m1l, p3, ssk, k4, k2tog, p3, m1r, k2, k2tog, p3, m1r, k1.
Rnds 62-63: K1, p3, k4, p3, k6, p3, k4, p3, k1.
Rnd 64: K1, (m1l, p3, ssk, k2) twice, k2tog, p3, m1r, k2, k2tog, p3, m1r, k1.
Rnds 65-66: K1, (p3, k4) 3 times, p3, k1.
Rnd 67: K1, m1l, p3, ssk, k3, p3, ssk, k2tog, p3, k3, k2tog, p3, m1r, k1.
Rnds 68-69: K1, p3, k4, p3, k2, p3, k4, p3, k1.
Rnd 70: K1, m1l, p3, ssk, k3, p2, ssp, p2tog, p2, k3, k2tog, p3, m1r, k1.
Rnds 71-72: K1, p3, k4, p6, k4, p3, k1.
Rnd 73: K1, p3, k4, p6, k4, p3, k1.
Rnd 74: K1, m1l, p3, ssk, k3, p1, ssp, p2tog, p1, k3, k2tog, m1r, k1.
Rnds 75-76: K1, p3, k4, p4, k4, p3, k1.
Rnd 77: K1, m1l, p3, ssk, k3, ssp, p2tog, k3, k2tog, p3, m1r, k1.
Rnds 78-79: K1, p3, k4, p2, k4, (p1, k1) twice.
Rnd 80: K1, m1l, p3, ssk, k6, k2tog, p3, m1r, k1.
Rnds 81-82: K1, p3, k8, p3, k1.
Rnd 83: K1, m1l, p3, ssk, k4, k2tog, p3, m1r, k1.
Rnds 84-85: K1, p3, k6, p3, k1.
Rnd 86: K1, m1l, p3, ssk, k2, k2tog, p3, m1r, k1.
Rnds 87-88: K1, p3, k4, p3, k1.
Rnd 89: K1, m1l, p3, ssk, k2tog, p3, m1r, k1.
Rnds 90-91: K1, p3, k2, p3, k1.
Rnd 92: K1, m1l, p2, ssp, p2tog, p2, m1r, k1.
Rnds 93-94: K1, p6, k1.
Rnd 95: K1, m1l, p1, ssp, p2tog, m1r, M1, k1.
Rnds 96-97: K1, p4, k1.
Rnd 98: K1, m1l, ssp, p2tog, m1r, k1.
Rnds 99-101: K1, p2, k1.
Pattern Notes (as needed)
This pattern is worked in the round from the top down. The sleeves are worked both in the round and back and forth.
Pattern
Body
CO 172 (188, 212, 236, 260, 288), pm and join for working in the round.
Purl 1 rnd. Knit 1 rnd. Purl 4 rnds. Knit 1 rnd.
Next Rnd: P1, k39 (43, 49, 55, 61, 68), work Body Texture Pattern across next 6 sts, k78 (86, 98, 110, 122, 136), work Body Texture Pattern across next 6 sts, knit to end.
Cont in patt until piece meas 2 (2, 2, 2, 3, 3)” / [5 (5, 5, 5, 7.5, 7.5) cm] from CO edge.
Dec Rnd: *Knit to 3 sts before Body Texture Pattern, ssk, k1, work Body Texture, k1, k2tog; rep from * once more – 4 sts dec’d; 168 (184, 208, 232, 256, 284) sts.
Rep Dec Rnd every 6th rnd 7 (6, 5, 4, 4, 5) times – 140 (160, 188, 216, 240, 264) sts.
Work even in patt until piece meas 9 (9, 9, 9, 10, 10)” / [23 (23, 23, 23, 25.5, 25.5) cm] from CO edge.
Inc Rnd: *Knit to 1 st before Body Texture Pattern, m1r, k1, work Body Texture, k1, m1l; rep from * once more – 4 sts inc’d; 144 (164, 192, 220, 244, 268) sts.
Rep Inc Rnd every 8th rnd 6 (6, 4, 3, 3, 4) times – 168 (188, 208, 232, 256, 284) sts.
Work evenly in patt until completion of Body Texture Pattern.
Knit 1 rnd.
Piece will measure approximately 16” / [40.5 cm] from CO edge. Set aside.
Sleeves (make 2)
CO 52 (56, 58, 60, 66, 76), pm and join for working in the round.
Purl 1 rnd. Knit 1 rnd. Purl 4 rnds.
Knit until piece meas 2” / [5 cm] from CO edge.
Next Rnd: K25 (27, 28, 29, 32, 37), p2, knit to end.
Next Rnd: K24 (26, 27, 28, 31, 36), p4, knit to end.
Next Rnd: K23 (25, 26, 27, 30, 35), p1, k2, turn.
Piece will now be worked back and forth.
Next Row (WS): Sl2 wyif, k1, purl to 3 sts from end, k1, p2.
Next Row (RS): Sl2 wyib, p1, knit to 3 sts from end, p1, k2.
Rep previous 2 rows until piece meas 3” / [7.5 cm] from CO edge, ending on a WS row.
Inc Row (RS): Sl2, k1, m1l, knit to 2 sts from end, m1r, p1, k2 – 2 sts inc’d; 54 (58, 60, 62, 68, 78) sts.
Rep Inc Row every 16th (14th, 12th, 10th, 10th, 8th) row 4 (5, 6, 8, 8, 9) times – 62 (68, 72, 78, 84, 96) sts.
Work 1 WS row, turn.
Piece will now return to being worked in the round.
Rnd 1 and a half: K2, p1, k57 (63, 67, 73, 79, 91), p4, knit to end – 93 (102, 108, 117, 126, 144) sts worked.
Next Rnd: K30 (33, 35, 38, 41, 47), p2, knit to end.
Knit 4 rnds.
Next Rnd: K6 (7, 8, 9, 10, 11), break yarn leaving a long tail for grafting.
Place first and last 6 (7, 8, 9, 10, 11) sts of rnd on holder for underarm, removing m – 50 (54, 56, 60, 64, 74) sts remain.
Place these sts on holder.
Yoke
Joining Rnd: K36 (40, 44, 49, 54, 60) Back sts, place next 12 (14, 16, 18, 20, 22) sts on holder for underarm, pm, k50 (54, 56, 60, 64, 74) Sleeve sts, pm, k72 (80, 88, 98, 108, 120) Front sts, place next 12 (14, 16, 18, 20, 22) sts on holder for underarm, pm, k50 (54, 56, 60, 64, 74) Sleeve sts, pm, knit to end – 244 (268, 288, 316, 344, 388) sts.
Knit 1 rnd.
Shape Armholes: *Knit to 4 sts from m, sssk, k1, sl m, knit to m, k1, k3tog; rep from * once more, knit to end – 8 sts dec’d; 236 (260, 280, 308, 336, 380) sts.
Knit 1 rnd.
Rep previous 2 rnds 3 (4, 5, 5, 7, 8) more times – 212 (228, 240, 268, 280, 316) sts.
Shape Arm and Yoke: *Knit to 3 sts from m, ssk, k1, sl m, k1, k2tog; rep from * 4 more times, knit to end – 8 sts dec’d; 204 (220, 232, 260, 272, 308) sts.
Knit 1 rnd.
Rep previous 2 rnds 6 (7, 7, 8, 9, 9) more times – 156 (164, 176, 196, 200, 236) sts.
Dec Rnd: *Purl to m, sl m, k1, ssk, knit to 3 sts from m, k2tog, k1, sl m; rep from * once more, purl to end – 4 sts dec’d.
Next Rnd: *Purl to m, sl m, knit to m, sl m; rep from * once more, purl to end.
Rep previous 2 rnds once more – 148 (156, 168, 188, 192, 228) sts.
Shape Left Shoulder
BO 21 (22, 24, 28, 28, 32) pwise, ssk, knit to 3 sts from m, k2tog, k1, turn.
Next Row (WS): Sl1, purl to end.
Dec Row (RS): Sl1, ssk, knit to 3 sts from end, k2tog, k1 – 2 sts dec’d.
Rep previous 2 rnds 0 (0, 0, 0, 1, 1) more time – 28 (30, 32, 34, 34, 44) sts.
Next Row (WS) Dec: Sl1, p2tog, purl to 3 sts from, end, ssp, p1 – 2 sts dec’d.
Rep Dec Row every row 7 (7, 7, 7, 5, 7) times – 14 (16, 18, 20, 24, 30) sts.
Row 1 (RS): Sl1, k11 (13, 15, 17, 21, 27), W&T.
Row 2 (WS): Purl to 2 sts from end, W&T.
Row 3 (RS): Knit to 2 sts from wrapped st, W&T.
Row 4 (WS): Purl to 2 sts from wrapped st, W&T.
Rep previous 2 rows 0 (0, 1, 1, 2, 4) more times – 6 (8, 6, 8, 8, 8) sts unwrapped.
Next Row (RS): Knit to end, working wraps with sts.
Next Row (WS): Sl1, purl to end, working wraps with sts.
BO kwise.
Shape Right Shoulder
Rejoin yarn and BO 42 (44, 48, 56, 56, 64) pwise, ssk, knit to 3 sts from m, k2tog, k1, turn.
Next Row (WS): Sl1, purl to end.
Dec Row (RS): Sl1, ssk, knit to 3 sts from end, k2tog, k1 – 2 sts dec’d.
Rep previous 2 rnds 0 (0, 0, 0, 1, 1) more time – 28 (30, 32, 34, 34, 44) sts.
Next Row (WS) Dec: Sl1, p2tog, purl to 3 sts from end, ssp, p1 – 2 sts dec’d.
Rep Dec Row every row 7 (7, 7, 7, 5, 7) more times – 14 (16, 18, 20, 24, 30) sts.
Row 1 (RS): Sl1, k11 (13, 15, 17, 21, 27), W&T.
Row 2 (WS): Purl to 2 sts from end, W&T.
Row 3 (RS): Knit to 2 sts from wrapped st, W&T.
Row 4 (WS): Purl to 2 sts from wrapped st, W&T.
Rep previous 2 rows 0 (0, 1, 1, 2, 4) times – 6 (8, 6, 8, 8, 8) sts unwrapped.
Next Row (RS): Knit to end, working wraps with sts.
Next Row (WS): Purl to end, working wraps with sts.
BO kwise.
Rejoin yarn and BO all sts pwise.
Finishing
Joining underarms together using Kitchener Stitch.
Weave in end. Wet block to schematic measurements. Sew nylon thread to the back of the right shoulder. Draw thread across yoke and attach the back of the left shoulder—fix tension at the height to keep the shoulder in place where YOU want them.