Bamboo Pop Sock yarn has been an amazing yarn to work with. It has such lovely drape and the PBT filament in it keeps it elastic and the garment doesn’t sag or grow throughout the day. Yesterday, I worked up socks at a very tight gauge. Today I’m looking at knitting this yarn at a much looser gauge.
My wife, my tester, and my sample knitter is wearing the completed top in size L.
finished measurements
Bust 38.5 (42.5, 46.5, 50.5, 55.5, 59.5)”: 98 (108, 118, 128.5, 141, 151)cm
Upper Arm 14.75 (17.75, 19, 19.5, 20, 20.5)” : 37.5 (45, 48.5, 49.5, 51, 52)cm
Length 21.25 (24.5, 25.75, 26.75, 27.25, 28)” : 54 (62, 65.5, 68, 69, 71)cm
materials
yarn
Bamboo Pop Sock 3.5oz/492yds per ball [100g/450m]
- 3 (3, 3, 4, 4, 5, 5) balls to knit up this top.
Colorway in picture: High Tide
needles
- US 4 [3.5mm]
gauge
(taken over steam-blocked, un-pinned swatch)
Over Stockinette Stitch: 24 sts and 32 rows = 4” [10cm]
Over Bundle Stitch Lace: 21 sts and 32 rows = 4” [10cm]
This size L sample was knit with 3 balls of Bamboo Pop Sock
Stitch Patterns
Stockinette Stitch (any # of stitches)
Row 1 (RS): Knit all stitches
Row 2: Purl all stitches.
Rep Rows 1 & 2 for pattern.
Bundle Stitch Lace (multiple of 2 stitches):
Row 1 (RS): *K2tog through back lps, ryo; rep from * across.
Row 2: *Bundle-st; rep from * across.
Rep Rows 1 & 2 for pattern.
Bundle Stitch Lace
Special Stitches
Bundle-stitch (Bundle-st): Insert RH needle tip between first and 2nd stitches on LH needle and knit up a loop, knit next first and 2nd stitches together through back loops.
Reverse Yarn-over (ryo): Bring yarn from back of work to front over the RH needle and return to back of work between needle tips.
Knit-side shadow stitch (kshst): Insert RH needle tip into front leg of stitch below next stitch on LH needle and knit up a loop, place loop on LH needle. Turn work leaving these 2 loops emerging from the same stitch (called twin stitches) and remaining stitches unworked. Avoid tugging or stretching needles tips apart when turning.
Knit twin stitches together (ktwtog): Knit twin stitches together as one stitch.
Purl-side shadow stitch (pshst): Slip next stitch purlwise, insert tip of LH needle knitwise into purl bump below the stitch just slipped and lift onto LH needle, purl this loop, slip both stitches together (called twin stitches) knitwise back onto LH needle, turn work, leaving remaining stitches unworked. Avoid tugging or stretching needles tips apart when turning.
Purl twin stitches together (ptwtog): Purl twin stitches together as one stitch.
Short-Row Panel A
Row 1: K3, kshst, turn.
Row 2: P3.
Row 3: K3, ktwtog, k3, kshst, turn.
Row 4: P7.
Row 5: K7, ktwtog, k3, kshst, turn.
Row 6: P11.
Row 7: K11, ktwtog, k3, kshst, turn.
Row 8: P15.
Row 9: K15, ktwtog, k3, kshst, turn.
Row 10: P19.
Row 11: K19, ktwtog, k3, kshst, turn.
Row 12: P23.
Short-Row Panel B
Row 1: Knit 24.
Row 2: P3, pshst, turn.
Row 3: K3.
Row 4: P3, ptwtog, p3, pshst, turn.
Row 5: K7.
Row 6: P7, ptwtog, p3, pshst, turn.
Row 7: K11.
Row 8: P11, ptwtog, p3, pshst, turn.
Row 9: K15.
Row 10: P15, ptwtog, p3, pshst, turn.
Row 11: K19.
Row 12: P19, ptwtog, p3, pshst, turn.
Short-rows are used to shape for the bust. Each size has it’s own sets of short rows to arrive at the correct measurement.
Short-Row Panel C
Row 1: K23, kshst, turn.
Row 2: Purl.
Row 3: K19, kshst, turn.
Row 4: Purl.
Row 5: K15, kshst, turn.
Row 6: Purl.
Row 7: K11, kshst, turn.
Row 8: Purl.
Row 9: K7, kshst, turn.
Row 10: Purl.
Row 11: K3, kshst, turn.
Row 12: Purl.
Row 13: [K3, ktwtog] x 6, continue without turning and finish row as established.
Short-Row Panel D
Row 2: P23, pshst, turn.
Row 3: Knit.
Row 4: P19, pkshst, turn.
Row 5: Knit.
Row 6 P15, pshst, turn.
Row 7: Knit.
Row 8: P11, pshst, turn.
Row 9: Knit.
Row 10: P7, pshst, turn.
Row 11: Knit.
Row 12: P3, pshst, turn.
Row 13: Knit.
Abbreviations
Est: established
K: knit
Kfb: knit in front then back loop of next stitch; an increase of 1 stitch.
Ktwtog: knit twin stitches together (see Special Stitches)
LH: left-hand
Lp(s): loop(s)
P: purl
Pshst: purl shadow stitch (see Special Stitches)
Ptwtog: purl twin stitches together (see Special Stitches)
Rep: repeat(s/ing/ed)
RH: right-hand
RS: right-side
Ryo: reverse yarn over (see Special Stitches)
kshst: knit shadow stitch (see Special Stitches)
Sl: slip
St(s): stitch(es)
Stst: stockinette stitch
Tbl: through back loop(s)
Tog: together
WS: wrong-side
Pattern Notes
When you encounter a twin stitch, knit or purl the 2 loops together as one, unless otherwise indicated.
All slipped stitches are slipped purlwise unless otherwise indicated.
Bodice is worked from one sleeve across to the other. For neck opening, both front and back of bodice are worked at the same time with separate balls of yarn. Short rows on both front and back create shaping for bust; these are worked in the first and last 24 stitches of the bodice and don’t affect the lace section.
Instructions are written for a size S; sizes (M, L, 1X, 2X and 3X) are given in parentheses.
Pattern begins.
First Sleeve
Working twisted German cast on, with yarn held double for the yarn that makes the stitches and single strand for tail that makes the knots at the base of the stitches, cast on 82 (96, 102, 106, 110, 112) sts.
Set-up Row A: Knit. Do not include in row counts.
Row 1: (RS): K6, k1tbl, work Row 1 of Bundle-stitch Lace across next 68 (82, 88, 92, 96, 98) sts, k1tbl, k6.
Row 2: P6, sl1, work Row 2 of Bundle-stitch Lace across next 68 (82, 88, 92, 96, 98) sts, sl1, p6.
Rep Rows 1 & 2 for 86 (86, 94, 94, 86, 78) additional rows.
Armhole Shaping is worked over stockinette stitches to preserve structure and for ease of construction.
Armhole shaping
Rep Rows 1 & 2 of First Sleeve
Row 3 (RS): K1, kfb, k4, k1tbl, work Bundle-st Lace as est to last 7 sts, k1tbl, k4, kfb, k1—84 (98, 104, 108, 112, 114) sts.
Row 4: P7, sl1, work Bundle-st Lace as est to last 8 sts, p8.
Row 5: K1, kfb, k5, k1tbl, work Bundle-st Lace as est to last 8 sts, k1tbl, k5, kfb, k1—86 (100, 106, 110, 114, 116) sts.
Row 6: P8, sl1, work Bundle-st Lace as est to last 9 sts, p9.
Row 7: K1, kfb, k6, k1tbl, work Bundle-st Lace as est to last 9 sts, k1tbl, k6, kfb, k1—88 (102, 108, 112, 116, 118) sts.
Row 8: P9, sl1, work Bundle-st Lace as est to last 10 sts, p10.
Row 9: K1, kfb, k7, k1tbl, work Bundle-st Lace as est to last 10 sts, k1tbl, k7, kfb, k1—90 (104, 110, 114, 118, 120) sts.
Row 10: P10, sl1, work Bundle-st Lace as est to last 11 sts, p11.
Row 11: K1, kfb, k1, kfb, k6, k1tbl, work Bundle-st Lace as est to last 11 sts, k1tbl, k6, kfb, k1, kfb, k1—94 (108, 114, 118, 122, 124) sts.
Row 12: P12, sl1, work Bundle-st Lace as est to last 13 sts, p13.
Row 13: Knit-cast-on 2 sts, k4, kfb, k9, k1tbl, work Bundle-st Lace as est to last 13 sts, k1tbl, k9, kfb, k2—98 (112, 118, 122, 126, 128) sts.
Row 14: Knit-cast-on 2 sts, p15, sl1, work Bundle-st Lace as est to last 16 sts, p16—100 (114, 120, 124, 128, 130) sts.
Row 15: Knit-cast-on 2 sts, k4, kfb, k12, k1tbl, work Bundle-st Lace as est to last 16 sts, k1tbl, k12, kfb, k2—104 (118, 124, 128, 132, 134) sts.
Row 16: Knit-cast-on 2 sts, p18, sl1, work Bundle-st Lace as est to last 19 sts, p19—106 (120, 126, 130, 134, 136) sts.
Row 17: Knit-cast-on 5 sts, k6, kfb, k16, k1tbl, work Bundle-st Lace as est to last 19 sts, k1tbl, k16, kfb, k1—113 (127, 133, 137, 141, 143) sts.
Row 18: Knit-cast-on 5 sts, p24, sl1, work Bundle-st Lace as est to last 25 sts, p25—118 (132, 138, 142, 146, 148) sts.
Beginning of Bodice – First Shoulder
Row 1: K24, k1tbl, work Bundle-st Lace as est to last 25 sts, k1tbl, k24.
Row 2: P24, sl1, work Bundle-st Lace as est to last 25 sts, p25.
Sizes (L, 1X, 2X, 3X) Only
Work Short-row panel A
Row 3: K24, k1tbl, work Bundle-st Lace as est to last 25 sts, k1tbl, work Row 1 of Short-row panel B.
Work Short-row panel B Rows 2-12; k24.
Row 4: P24, sl1, work Bundle-st Lace as est to last 25 sts, p25.
Sizes (2X, 3X) Only
Rows 5-20: Rows 1 & 2.
Work Short-row panel A
Row 21: K24, k1tbl, work Bundle-st Lace as est to last 25 sts, k1tbl, work Row 1 of Short-row panel B.
Work Short-row panel B Rows 2-12; k24.
Row 22: P24, sl1, work Bundle-st Lace as est to last 25 sts, p25.
Rows 23-34: Rep Rows 1 & 2.
Size 3X Only
Work Short-row panel A Rows 1-4 ONLY.
Row 35: K24, k1tbl, work Bundle-st Lace as est to last 25 sts, k1tbl, work Row 1 of Short-row panel B.
Work Short-row panel B Rows 2-4 ONLY; k7.
Row 36: P24, sl1, work Bundle-st Lace as est to last 25 sts, p25.
Rows 37 & 38: Rep Rows 1 & 2.
Sizes (L, 1X) Only
Rows ({5-32}, {5-38}): Rep Rows 1 & 2.
Sizes S (M) Only
Rows 3-32 (3-16): Rep Rows 1 & 2.
Size (M) Only
Work Short-row panel A Rows 1-6 ONLY.
Row 17: K24, k1tbl, work Bundle-st Lace as est to last 25 sts, k1tbl, work Row 1 of Short-row panel B.
Work Short-row panel B Rows 2-6 ONLY; k11.
Row 18: P24, sl1, work Bundle-st Lace as est to last 25 sts, p25.
Rows 19-34: Rep Rows 1 & 2.
he simple stockinette neckline rolls neatily so an added edging isn’t needed.
Divide for Neck
Work Short-row panel A
Row 1: K24, k1tbl, work Bundle-st Lace as est across next 28 (34, 38, 40, 42, 42) sts, k1tbl, k 3 (4, 3, 3, 3, 4), ssk, join new ball of yarn, k2tog, k 3 (4, 3, 3, 3, 4), k1tbl, work Bundle-st Lace as est across to last 25 sts, k1tbl, work Row 1 of Short-row panel B.
Work Short-row panel B Rows 2-12; k24.
Row 2: P24, sl1, work Bundle-st Lace as est to 5 (6, 5, 5, 5, 6) sts before neck opening, sl1, purl to opening, with next ball of yarn, p 4 (5, 4, 4, 4, 5), sl1, work Bundle-st Lace as est to last 25 sts, p25—58 (65, 68, 70, 72, 73) sts each half.
Row 3: K24, k1tbl, work Bundle-st Lace as est to last 5 (6, 5, 5, 5, 6) sts before neck opening, k1tbl, k2 (3, 2, 2, 2, 3), ssk, on opposite side of opening, k2tog, k 2 (3, 2, 2, 2, 3), k1tbl, work Bundle-st Lace as est to last 25 sts, k1tbl, k24.
Row 4: P24, sl1, work Bundle-st Lace as est to 4 (5, 4, 4, 4, 5) sts before neck opening, sl1, purl to opening, with next ball of yarn, p 3 (4, 3, 3, 3, 4), sl1, work Bundle-st Lace as est to last 25 sts, p25—57 (64, 67, 69, 71, 72) sts each half.
Row 5: K24, k1tbl, work Bundle-st Lace as est to last 6 (7, 6, 6, 6, 7) sts before neck opening, k1tbl, k 3 (4, 3, 3, 3, 4), ssk, on opposite side of opening, k2tog, k 3 (4, 3, 3, 3, 4) sts, k1tbl, work Bundle-st Lace as est to last 25 sts, k1tbl, k24.
Row 6: P24, sl1, work Bundle-st Lace as est to last 5 (6, 5, 5, 5, 6) sts before neck opening, sl1, purl rem sts, on opposite side, p4 (5, 4, 4, 4, 5), sl1, work Bundle-st Lace as est to last 25 sts, p25—56 (63, 66, 68, 70, 71) sts each side.
Row 7: K24, k1tbl, work Bundle-st Lace as est to last 5 (6, 5, 5, 5, 6) sts before neck opening, k1tbl, knit to opening, on opposite side, k5 (6, 5, 5, 5, 6), k1tbl, work Bundle-st Lace as est to last 25 sts, k1tbl, k24.
Row 8: P24, sl1, work Bundle-st Lace as est to last 5 (6, 5, 5, 5, 6) sts before neck opening, sl1, purl to opening, on opposite side, p5 (6, 5, 5, 5, 6), sl1, work Bundle-st Lace as est to last 25 sts, p25.
Rows 7 & 8 establish the pattern for the bodice.
Sizes S (M) ONLY
Rows 9-32: Rep Rows 7 & 8.
Work Short-row panel A Rows 1-2 ONLY.
Row 33: Work Row 7 to last 25 sts, k1tbl, work Row 1 of Short-row panel B.
Work Short-row panel B Row 2 ONLY; knit 3.
Row 34: Rep Row 8.
Rows 35-56: Rep Rows 7 & 8.
Size (1X) ONLY
Rows 9-36: Rep Rows 7 & 8.
Work Short-row panel A Rows 1-6 ONLY.
Row 37: Work Row 7 to last 25 sts, k1tbl, work Row 1 of Short-row panel B.
Work Short-row panel B Rows 2-6 ONLY; knit 11.
Row 38: Rep Row 8.
Rows 39-64: Rep Rows 7 & 8.
Sizes (L, 2X, 3X)
Rows ({9-64}, {9-72}, {9-72}: Rep Rows 7 & 8.
Decreasing for closing the Neck Opening: All Sizes.
Row 1: K24, k1tbl, work Bundle-st Lace as est to last 5 (6, 5, 5, 5, 6) sts before neck opening, k1tbl, k1, M1, knit to opening, on opposite side, k3 (4, 3, 3, 3, 4), M1, k1, k1tbl, work Bundle-st Lace as est to last 25 sts, k1tbl, k24.
Row 2: P24, sl1, work Bundle-st Lace as est to last 6 (7, 6, 6, 6, 7) sts before neck opening, sl1, purl to opening, on opposite side, p5 (6, 5, 5, 5, 6), sl1, work Bundle-st Lace as est to last 25 sts, p25.
Row 3: Work as est to last 6 (7, 6, 6, 6, 7) sts before neck opening, k1tbl, k1, M1, knit to opening, on opposite side, k4 (5, 4, 4, 4, 5), M1, k1, k1tbl, work as est across.
Row 4: Work as est to last 7 (8, 7, 7, 7, 8) sts before neck opening, sl1, purl to opening, on opposite side, p6 (7, 6, 6, 6, 7), sl1, work as est across.
Rows 5-8: Rep Rows 1-4. Cut yarn at neck opening leaving tail for weaving in.
End of Bodice – Second Shoulder
Now working across all stitches.
Work Short Row Panel C.
Work Short Row Panel D Rows 2-12.
Row 1: Knit across rem sts.
Row 2: P24, sl1, work Bundle-st Lace as est to last 25 sts, p25.
Row 3: K24, k1tbl, work Bundle-st Lace as est to last 25 sts, k1tbl, k24.
Row 4: P24, sl1, work Bundle-st Lace as est to last 25 sts, p25.
Size S ONLY
Rows 5-32: Rep Rows 3 & 4.
Size (M) ONLY
Rows 5-18: Rep Rows 3 & 4.
Work Short-row panel C Rows 1-6 ONLY. Continue without turning and finish row as established.
Work Short-row panel D Rows 2-6 ONLY.
Row 19: Knit across rem sts.
Row 20: P24, sl1, work Bundle-st Lace as est to last 25 sts, p25.
Rows 21-34: Rep Rows 3 & 4.
Sizes (L, 1X) ONLY
Rows ([5-28], [5-34]): Rep Rows 3 & 4.
Work Short-row panel C.
Work Short-row panel D (Rows 2-12)
Row (29, 35): Knit across rem sts.
Row (30, 36): Rep Row 2.
Rows ([31-32], [37-38]): Rep Rows 3 & 4.
Size 2X ONLY
Rows 5-12: Rep Rows 3 & 4.
Work Short-row panel C.
Work Short-row panel D (Rows 2-12)
Row 13: Knit across rem sts.
Row 14: Rep row 2.
Size 3X ONLY
Work Short-row panel C.
Work Short-rows panel D (Rows 2-12)
Row 5: Knit across rem sts.
Row 6: Rep Row 2.
Rows 7-14: Rep Rows 3 & 4.
Sizes 2X and 3X ONLY
Work Short-row Panel C.
Work Short-row Panel D (Rows 2-12).
Row 15: Knit across rem sts.
Row 16: Rep Row 2.
Rows ([17-30], [17-34]): Rep Rows 3 & 4.
Work Short-row Panel C.
Work Short-row Panel D.
Row (31, 35): Knit across rem sts.
Row (32, 36): Rep Row 2.
Rows ([33-34], [37-38]): Rep Rows 3 & 4.
Armhole Shaping
Rows 1 & 2: Bind off 6 sts, continue in established pattern across—106 (120, 126, 130, 134, 136) sts.
Rows 3-6: Bind off 3 sts, continue in established pattern across—94 (108, 114, 118, 122, 124) sts.
Rows 7 & 8: Bind off 2 sts, continue in established pattern across—90 (104, 110, 114, 118, 120) sts.
Row 9: K1, ssk, continue in established pattern across to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1—88 (102, 108, 112, 115, 118) sts.
Row 10: Continue in established pattern across.
Rows 11-16: Repeat Rows 9 & 10—82 (96, 102, 106, 110, 112) sts.
The direction of the stitch patterns in this sweater create visual interest.
Second Sleeve
Rows 1-88 (88, 96, 96, 88, 80): Work in established pattern.
Bind off
Add a second strand of yarn to hold double.
Bind-off row: *P2tog, return st to LH needle; rep from * across.
Assembly of Bodice and Sleeves.
With mattress stitch and yarn needle, sew the sleeves from each cuff to the end of the underarm shaping. Weave in all ends that are visible at this point.
Body
When picking up stitches around bodice, in general if you pick up in every row for 3 rows, then skip 1 row, you will be able to avoid gathering or puckering. Some adjustments may be necessary nearing the end of the pick-up round, skip an extra row or pick up a stitch in an extra row as necessary. Pick up and knit 232 (256, 280, 304, 332, 356) stitches around front and back lower edges, join to knit in the round.
Knit around until body measures 8½ (8¾, 9, 9¼, 9¼, 9½)” or desired length minus 1”.
Wear with pride!
Hem
Rnd 1: Work Row 2 of Bundle Stitch pattern around.
Rnd 2: [P2tog, yo] around.
Rnds 3-6: Rep Rnds 1 & 2 alternately.
Knit 6 rounds plain. Bind off loosely.
Cool lace top for a hot, sunny, summer day.
I hope you try making this sweater for yourself or for a loved one. It’s very economical as the yardage is very generous, and it knits beautifully with larger than recommended needle sizes as well. If not this project, maybe you’ll find another appropriate project to knit with Universal Yarn Bamboo Pop Sock yarn. Happy knitting!
