Easy Summer Top in Moss Stitch

Here is a pattern for an easy summer top done in moss stitch to give interest to the design, while still being quick to knit up. It can also be done in a plain sticking stitch, or decreased to make a child size for gift giving.

MATERIALS:
10 oz. Sport weight cotton yarn, or other breathable fiber
Number 6 (USA) needles
Number 6 (USA) double point or circular needles

GAUGE:
in pattern 4 stitches per inch width 4 stitches per inch length

MOSS PATTERN:
Row 1: knit one, purl one across. Row 2: knit one, purl one across

DIRECTIONS:

Front:
On number 6 needles cast on 70 stitches. Work in knit one purl one rib stitch across. Second row work in purl one, knit one across. Work these two rib pattern rows for two inches. Knit one row in plain stocking stitch. Then if you want the nice nubby moss stitch work Moss Pattern for 12 inches in length, or to suit your height.. I think this gives the top some nice interest, but you can just stocking stitch if you like things more plain.

Arm Shaping:
When work measures 14 inches over all, or to suit your height, bind off four stitches on the side for the arm hole. Work across in pattern and then next row bind off four stitches for other arm hole. Work even in pattern for six inches.

Shape Neck:
To shape a "U" neck as in the photo, work in pattern across for 26 stitches. Bind off ten stitches, and then work remaining 26 stitches. Work across in pattern to bind off. Add extra yarn stand to other side of bind off and work even in pattern. Alternate working both sides at same time so sides match. To shape neck knit tow stitches together at neck edge every other row - eight times. You should then have ten stitches remaining on each side of the "U" neck. Work even until arm hole measures 12 inches, or length to suit you. Bind off edges.

Back:
Same as front.

Finishing on circular or double point needles:
Sew shoulder seams. Pick up stitches all along neck edge with double points or circular needles and work in single rib stitch for one inch. Sew side seams and pick up stitches along arm edge and work in single rib for one inch. Break off yarn and tuck ends into work.

Finishing on single point needles. If you have never used double point or circular needles you can finish to top wth just the single point Number 6 (USA) needles. Pick up stitches on neck edge of the front and work in single rib for one inch. Pick up stitches along neck edge on back and work in single rib stitch for an inch. Do the same for each side of the arm holes. Then sew garment together. It will still look just fine.