The Shell Top - English
The Shell Top - English
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The Shell Top is a top featuring the signature graphic rib pattern across the chest, also seen in our The Shell Bra.
This modified top version is designed as a warming base layer for colder months or a breathable outer or standalone piece for warmer days—wear it however you like.
The top is knit sideways, allowing you to easily shape the cups to your desired height and width, while also adjusting the body section to fit your exact measurements.
The soft silhouette is held in place under the bust with one or two elastic threads, sewn in almost invisibly on the inside of the top.
Yarn
-
3 strands of nakedknit Cashmere 350
- Yardage: 350m/25g
or
- Yardage: 350m/25g
-
Lang Yarns Cashmere Premium
- 100g (125g) 150g
- Yardage: 115m/25g
Gauge: 29 sts/10 cm in stockinette stitch
Needles & Accessories
- Circular needle size 3 mm
- Two double-pointed needles size 3 mm
- Stitch marker
- Stitch holder
- Measuring tape
- Scissors
- Thin elastic thread for reinforcement under the bust
- Tapestry needle for weaving in ends
- Stitch holder cord or alternatively, scrap yarn in a contrasting color and slightly thicker than the working yarn
Sizing
The sizes in this pattern refer to cup sizes rather than standard clothing sizes. The S/M/L sizing here corresponds to your bust size, not your underbust, waist, or shoulder measurements. Consider the cup sizes (S/M/L) separately from your upper body measurements. The underbust band, back strap, and shoulder straps are adjusted as you knit.
The knit top is soft and adaptable in fit, making it our goal to include a wide range of bust shapes and body types within the S/M/L cup sizes. The pattern also provides notes on adjustments throughout, should you need to modify the fit further.
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Frequently asked questions
How does the individual sizing work?
This differs from pattern to pattern, but oftentimes we ask you to measure underneath your bust and across your bust. Then we offer a calculation based on the knitting tension and this in turn tells you e.g. how many stitches you should cast on for your band.
Other times, it’s measuring the cups to your body and stopping when you feel they give the coverage you prefer. For some of our patterns we have created an Excel sheet where you simply type in your measurements and it provides you with the amount of stitches, cast-ons ect. Going forward we will optimise this and add it to more patterns.
Can I knit in other types of yarn than cashmere?
Of course you can!
We recommend cashmere because while researching many different yarn types, cashmere was the yarn that was the softest against the skin for the longest duration of time. Also cashmere on small needles tends to give a more tight knitted, elegant look, that we feel are perfect for our designs.But as long as you match the knitting tension to whatever yarn you are using, you can use whatever yarn you want.
How much support do your bras give?
The bras give the same support as a soft, wireless bra. However there are no strap adjustments in the patterns yet, so we generally recommend you knit the straps 5-10 cm shorter than you normally would, so they can ease.
I have a bigger bust, will your bras work for me?
Our bras are meant as a soft, wireless alternative to regular bras. If you need more support for your bust than a soft bra can give you, we suggest you wear a regular bra underneath your nakedknit bra.