Button Box

Introducing Button Box! – inspired by a favorite fabric vest I wore to the workplace some years ago in my past business life. This is a cropped top with side slits at the hips, and buttons down the back. I love the way it finishes off a simple jersey and skirt (or slacks) combination, and works really well with jeans too. The stitch is kept simple in this translation – all Garter – to showcase its lines. Short rows at its front and back hems create a dip at their centers that is echoed by the wide scoop of its neckline. This design is worked without seams from the bottom up. Garter trimming at the neckline and armholes finishes off the edges. It's a quick knit and a fun project. Enjoy!

FINISHED MEASUREMENTS
Bust:  32, 36, 40, 44, 48, 52, 56"/ 81.3, 91.4, 101.6, 111.8, 121.9, 132.1, 142.2 cm
Waist: 28, 32, 36, 40, 44, 48, 52"/ 71.1, 81.3, 91.4, 101.6, 111.8, 121.9, 132.1 cm
Hips: 34, 38, 42, 46, 50, 54, 58"/ 86.4, 96.5, 106.7, 116.8, 127, 137.2, 147.3 cm
Length: 21¾, 22¼, 22½, 22¾, 23, 23¼, 23½"/ 55.2, 56.5, 57.2, 57.8, 58.4, 59.1, 59.7 cm at centers

MATERIALS
Yarn
Shown in Lark wool by Quince & Co. (100% wool; 134 yds / 123 m per 50g skein); color – Sorbet #117; 5, 6, 7, 7, 8, 8, 9 skeins, or for comparable yarn, approximately 660, 740, 820, 885, 960, 1030, 1100 yds / 605, 680, 750, 810, 880, 945, 1005 cm.

Needles
US8 / 5mm or size to obtain gauge
• 1 24 to 32"/ 60 to 80 cm circular (to manage multiple stitches and neckline trim)
• 1 24"/ 60 cm circular (to work the separate front and back panels of the lower bodice)
• 1 16"/ 40 cm circular (for armhole trim)

Notions
• Stitch markers 
• Stitch holders
• Tapestry needle
• (6) ½"/ 12mm buttons

GAUGE (after blocking)
20 sts and 40 rows = 4" / 10.2 cm in Garter stitch

SKILLS REQUIRED
Long-tail CO, Garter stitch grafting, decreasing (k2tog), increasing (kfb, yo), short row shaping, and stitch pick-up around neckline and armholes.

12 page pdf includes pattern instructions, photographs, schematics, tutorial links, a ROW TRACKING TOOL for managing AT THE SAME TIME shaping, and definitions for relevant abbreviations.

You'll find this pattern for sale on Ravelry.