Lace Mesh Top Knitting Pattern (Urania | Muses Collection)

In this post, you will see the Lace Mesh Top Knitting Pattern (Urania).

This lightweight knitted top features an easy mesh stitch that creates an open, airy fabric, making it a lovely project for spring and summer.

The simple shape keeps it easy to wear, while the lace texture adds a soft, modern look.

The Urania top is part of the Muses Collection, a series of timeless knit designs inspired by the ancient Greek Muses.

Scroll down to view the free pattern, or grab your printer-friendly, ad-free PDF here.

Before You Get Started

Skill Level – Easy (Advanced Beginner Knitters)
This top is worked flat in two pieces, with the front and back made in the same way before being seamed together.
The fabric is created using a simple 4-row mesh stitch repeat, which gives the garment its light and breathable texture.
The pattern is classed as easy / advanced beginner, so it is a good choice if you are comfortable with knit, purl, yarn over, and simple decreases.
The top has a relaxed shape with garter stitch straps and optional side vents, making it a versatile summer piece.
If you are new to lace knitting, it can help to practice the mesh stitch on a small swatch before starting the full garment.
View a tutorial here: How To Knit The Mesh Stitch

Materials

Yarn

The Pima Cotton from We Are Knitters in Sand (This cotton is 100% Pima Cotton) 100g/3.05oz/232 yds/212m.
This is an Aran/Worsted/10 Ply yarn.

For the following sizes, you will need;

Small – 2 – (200g/464yds/424m)
Medium – 2 – (200g/464yds/424m)
Large – 3 – (300g/696yds/636m)
XL – 3.5 – (350g/812yds/742m)
XXL – 4 – (400g/928yds/848m)
XXXL – 4.5 – (450g/1,044yds/954m)

Needles

5 mm (US 8) knitting needles
The top is worked back and forth on the needles – knit flat

Notions

Scissors
Darning needle/yarn needle
Tape measure
Stitch holder

Print + Stitch

The Muses Collection

The mesh knit top belongs to the Muses Collection, a range of classic knit designs inspired by the ancient Greek Muses.

GET THE PDF BUNDLE

Size Information

This top can be made in the following sizes: S (M, L, XL, XXL, XXXL)

Bust Size (inches) 38 (42, 46, 51, 57, 63)

Waist Size (inches) 34 (38, 42, 47, 53, 59)

The pattern is written for all sizes, starting with the smallest size, and with changes for different sizes listed in all necessary places.

To follow patterns more easily, circle or highlight all numbers pertaining to your size before beginning.

Gauge

12 sts/14 rows in 4 inches/10 cm in pattern.

Abbreviations

CO – Cast on
Cont – Continue
Dec – Decrease (cast off)
g st – Garter stitch
K – Knit
K2tog – Knit the next two stitches together (decrease)
Patt – Pattern
P – Purl
SKP – Slip, Knit, Pass (slip 1, K1, pass slipped stitch over)
St(s) – Stitch(es)
Rem – Remaining
Rep – Repeat
RS – Right side
WS – Wrong side
YO – Yarn over

Chart

Multiple of 2 stitches
2 stitch repeat.
Purl on the WS – wrong side

Video Tutorial

If you would like to learn how to knit the mesh stitch used in this pattern, you can watch the step-by-step tutorial below.

This tutorial will guide you through the stitch pattern so you can feel confident before starting your project.

Pattern Instructions

Worked flat knitting back and forth on two needles:

Work the Front and Back pieces the same.

Cast on 64 (72, 80, 88, 100, 112) sts.

Row 1 (RS): *YO, K2tog; Rep from * to end.
Row 2 (WS): Purl.
Row 3: *SKP, YO; Rep from * to end.
Row 4: Purl.

Cont to repeat rows 1 – 4 until your piece measures = 30 (32, 34, 36, 38, 40)cm / 11.8 (12.5, 13.3, 14.1, 15, 15.7) inches.

Shape Armholes

Row 1 (RS): Cast off 4 stitches at the beg of the row, work in patt to end.

Row 2 (WS): Cast off 4 stitches at the beg of the row, work in patt to end.

Decrease (cast off) 1st at the beg of every row until you have 32 (36, 40, 44, 48, 52) sts left on the needle.

End with a RS row.

Tip: Stay in the pattern on the RS rows when decreasing by looking for the SKP stitches and working back from those to see which stitches you have lost and where you need to start on that row.

Straps (Garter Stitch)

First Strap

Row 1 (RS): K4 sts, cast off the rem sts until you reach the final 4 sts at the end of the row and turn the work.

Row 2 (WS): K the 4 sts and place the other 4 sts on the other side of the work onto a stitch holder.

Cont to work in g st until the strap measures = 14, (14, 16, 16, 18, 18) cm / 5.5 (5.5, 6.2, 6.2, 7, 7) inches.

Cast off.

Second Strap

Repeat with the other 4 sts, re-attach the yarn to the first stitch on the right side, and knit in g st until the strap is the same length as the first one.

Cast off.

Making Up

Sew the side seams together using the mattress stitch or any seaming method of your choice.

If you wish, you can leave a 10 cm/4-inch vent on either side of the seam near the bottom.

Sew the loose ends of the straps to the coordinating points on the other piece (front or back) at the top of the work.

Finishing and Blocking

You may wish to block your top; you can do that as follows:

Lay the item out on blocking mats, lightly stretch it into place, and pin it with blocking pins.
Spray with cold water.
Allow to dry completely.
Blocking Tutorial – Blocking Knits.

FAQ

Is this top beginner-friendly?

Yes, this pattern is suitable for advanced beginners who are comfortable with knit, purl, yarn over, and simple decreases.

What yarn works best for this pattern?

A cotton or cotton-blend yarn works well for this design, as it creates a breathable fabric that is perfect for warmer weather.

Can I make the top longer or shorter?

Yes. You can easily adjust the length by working more or fewer rows before shaping the straps.

Do I need to block the finished garment?

Yes, blocking is recommended to help even out the stitches and open up the mesh pattern.

Can I use a different yarn weight?

You can substitute yarn, but you may need to adjust your needle size and check your gauge to ensure the correct fit.

Share Your Make

I love seeing your finished projects on social media.

If you enjoyed making the mesh top, I’d love to see yours on Instagram, tag me @handylittleme.

If you are on Facebook, check out the Handy Little Me Facebook Group and share a photo.

You can also check out my Facebook page here.

I’d love to see your work.

Happy Knitting!

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Lace Mesh Top Knitting Pattern (Urania | Muses Collection)

Before You Get Started

Materials