About this Pattern
Lovelace Top is a refined lace tank top designed by Mrs Funny Valentine and inspired by Ada Lovelace, the pioneering mathematician and visionary often regarded as the world’s first computer programmer. The design reflects intelligence, elegance, and structure, translated into a wearable summer garment with a strong architectural presence.
The Lovelace Top is worked seamlessly from the bottom up and combines classic lace knitting with thoughtful garment construction. The body begins with a split hem, adding movement and comfort, before the front and back are joined to continue in the round. A structural rib pattern runs along the sides and gradually separates into armhole edges and shoulder straps, giving the top its distinctive silhouette.
An all-over lace pattern creates a rhythmic, vertical texture that is both romantic and modern. The lace is carefully balanced with paired yarn overs and decreases, ensuring a consistent stitch count while maintaining the integrity of the pattern. The shoulders are joined using a three-needle bind-off for strength and clean finishing, while the neckline is finished with a modified i-cord that echoes the ribbing along the sides.
Lovelace Top is knitted using 4.5 mm needles and fingering weight yarn held double. The original design uses BC Garn Summer in Kashmir, a blend of 90% cotton and 10% cashmere, with a yardage of 165 meters per 50 grams. Depending on size, approximately 850 to 1991 meters of yarn are required, corresponding to a running length of 165 meters per 50 grams. The sample is shown in the color white.
The design is available in women’s sizes 1 to 7, fitting a bust circumference from 81 to 157 cm, with 5–9 cm of positive ease included. Finished chest measurements range from 91 to 160 cm after blocking, offering a comfortable yet elegant fit.
The blocked gauge is 19 stitches and 25 rows per 10 cm in the Lovelace lace pattern. Accurate gauge is essential to achieve the intended proportions and neckline depth.
Lovelace Top is suited for intermediate to advanced knitters who enjoy lace knitting, precise shaping, and well-constructed garments. The result is a timeless summer top that pairs beautifully with jeans, skirts, or layered outfits.
