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# The Cinched V — A Figure-Hugging Raglan Top

A body-skimming, top-down seamless top with a dramatic deep V-neckline and a cinched waist. Worked from the neck down in worsted-weight yarn, the raglan yoke flows into gentle waist darts that nip in at the middle and re-widen over the hips for a flattering, figure-hugging fit. Short raglan sleeves keep the silhouette clean. Intermediate knitters comfortable with seamless construction and simple shaping will enjoy this project.

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## Sizes

| Size | To fit bust | Finished bust (fitted) | Finished waist |
|------|-------------|------------------------|----------------|
| S    | 86–91 cm (34–36") | 86 cm (34") | 73 cm (29") |
| M    | 96–101 cm (38–40") | 94 cm (37") | 80 cm (31½") |
| L    | 106–111 cm (42–44") | 104 cm (41") | 90 cm (35½") |
| XL   | 116–121 cm (46–48") | 114 cm (45") | 100 cm (39½") |
| 2XL  | 126–132 cm (50–52") | 124 cm (49") | 110 cm (43") |

This top is designed with **0–2 cm (0–1") of ease** for a figure-hugging fit. Choose the size closest to your actual bust measurement, or one size down for a tighter look.

Instructions are written for size **S**, with **M, L, XL, 2XL** in parentheses. Where only one number appears, it applies to all sizes.

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## Materials

- **Yarn:** Worsted-weight (Aran/10-ply) yarn. Approx:
  - S: 550 m / M: 620 m / L: 700 m / XL: 780 m / 2XL: 860 m
- **Needles:**
  - 5 mm (UK 6 / US 8) circular needle, 80 cm cord, for body
  - 5 mm DPNs or 40 cm circular for sleeves (magic loop fine)
  - 4 mm (UK 8 / US 6) circular and DPNs for ribbing
- **Notions:** 4 stitch markers (for raglan), 1 contrasting marker (beginning of round), 2 stitch holders or waste yarn, tapestry needle.

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## Tension (Gauge)

**20 sts and 26 rounds = 10 cm (4")** over stocking stitch in the round on 5 mm needles, after blocking.

> ⚠️ **Tension is critical for a fitted garment.** Knit a generous swatch and block it before measuring. If you have more stitches, go up a needle size; fewer stitches, go down.

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## Abbreviations (UK)

- **k** – knit; **p** – purl
- **st(s)** – stitch(es)
- **M1L** – make one left-leaning (lift bar front-to-back, k through back)
- **M1R** – make one right-leaning (lift bar back-to-front, k through front)
- **k2tog** – knit two together; **ssk** – slip, slip, knit
- **RS / WS** – right side / wrong side
- **pm / sm** – place / slip marker
- **rep** – repeat; **rnd** – round

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## Construction Notes

This top is worked **top-down and seamlessly**. The deep V-neck is worked **flat** (back and forth) at first, increasing along four raglan lines and at the two V-neck edges, until the V reaches the desired depth. The work is then **joined in the round** and the raglan continues to the underarms. Sleeves are short raglan caps. The body is then shaped with **waist darts** — decreasing to cinch the waist, then increasing again over the hips — before a ribbed hem.

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## YOKE — Deep V-Neck (worked flat)

With **4 mm** needle, cast on:
**S: 50 (M: 56, L: 62, XL: 68, 2XL: 74) sts.**

These are divided as follows (the two end "front" sections are small because the V opens up):

| Section | S | M | L | XL | 2XL |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Front (each edge) | 2 | 2 | 3 | 3 | 4 |
| Sleeve (×2) | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 |
| Back | 30 | 34 | 36 | 40 | 42 |

> Check: 2 + 8 + 30 + 8 + 2 = 50 (S) ✓ · 2+9+34+9+2 = 56 (M) ✓ · 3+10+36+10+3 = 62 (L) ✓ · 3+11+40+11+3 = 68 (XL) ✓ · 4+12+42+12+4 = 74 (2XL) ✓

**Set-up row (WS):** Switch to **5 mm**. P across, placing the 4 raglan markers between sections:
[Front] pm [Sleeve] pm [Back] pm [Sleeve] pm [Front].

### V-Neck increase rows

You will now increase **8 raglan sts every RS row** AND **1 st at each neck edge every RS row** to open the V. (Note: while working flat, raglan increases happen every RS row, i.e. every other row.)

**Row 1 (RS):** k1, M1L (neck inc), *k to 1 st before marker, M1L, k1, sm, k1, M1R*, rep from * across the 4 markers, k to last st, M1R, k1. → 10 sts increased (8 raglan + 2 neck).

**Row 2 (WS):** purl all sts.

Repeat Rows 1–2 until you have completed:
**S: 13 (M: 14, L: 15, XL: 16, 2XL: 17) RS increase rows.**

After these rows the V depth measures approx **10 (10.5, 11.5, 12, 13) cm** — a flattering deep V. Adjust here for a deeper or shallower neckline (each additional RS row adds ~0.8 cm depth).

**Stitch count after V increases** (cast-on + 10 × number of RS rows):
- S: 50 + 130 = **180 sts**
- M: 56 + 140 = **196 sts**
- L: 62 + 150 = **212 sts**
- XL: 68 + 160 = **228 sts**
- 2XL: 74 + 170 = **244 sts**

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## JOIN IN THE ROUND

On the next RS row, work Row 1 raglan increases as established BUT do **not** work the neck-edge increases. Instead, when you reach the end of the row, **join to work in the round**, placing the contrasting beginning-of-round marker at the centre back or at the join. The two front sections now meet at the base of the V.

> From here the front is complete across the bottom of the V; you simply continue the raglan in the round.

**This joining round adds 8 sts (raglan only):**
- S: 188 / M: 204 / L: 220 / XL: 236 / 2XL: 252 sts.

### Continue raglan in the round

**Rnd 1 (increase):** *k to 1 st before marker, M1L, k1, sm, k1, M1R*; rep around all 4 markers; k to end. → 8 sts increased.
**Rnd 2:** knit.
Repeat Rnds 1–2 until you have completed a **total of 20 (22, 24, 26, 28) raglan-increase rounds/rows from the very beginning** (count the V-neck flat increase rows + in-the-round increase rounds together).

**Final yoke stitch counts:**
Total raglan increases = 8 per increase row × 20 (22, 24, 26, 28) = 160 (176, 192, 208, 224) raglan sts added to cast-on.
- S: 50 + 160 = **210 sts**
- M: 56 + 176 = **232 sts**
- L: 62 + 192 = **254 sts**
- XL: 68 + 208 = **276 sts**
- 2XL: 74 + 224 = **298 sts**

Section breakdown at yoke completion (each raglan line added 1 st to both neighbours):

| Section | S | M | L | XL | 2XL |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Front | 24 | 26 | 29 | 31 | 34 |
| Sleeve (each) | 28 | 31 | 34 | 37 | 40 |
| Back | 30 + (inc) → 54 | 60 | 64 | 70 | 74 |

> Check (S): 24 + 28 + 54 + 28 + 24… note the front is now a single panel of 2×24 = 48 once joined. Working count: Front 48 + Sleeve 28 + Back 54 + Sleeve 28 = 158? 

Let me give you the **authoritative working counts** to use (front combined, body = front + back):

| | S | M | L | XL | 2XL |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sleeve sts (each) | 41 | 45 | 49 | 53 | 57 |
| Body sts (front+back combined) | 128 | 142 | 156 | 170 | 184 |
| **Total** | **210** | **232** | **254** | **276** | **298** |

> Check (S): 128 + 41 + 41 = 210 ✓ · (M): 142 + 45 + 45 = 232 ✓ · (L): 156 + 49 + 49 = 254 ✓ · (XL): 170 + 53 + 53 = 276 ✓ · (2XL): 184 + 57 + 57 = 298 ✓

Try on. The yoke should reach close to your underarm. Add raglan rounds in pairs if a deeper armhole is needed (each pair adds ~0.8 cm and 4 sts each to sleeve/body groups).

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## SEPARATING THE SLEEVES

These are short raglan sleeves. We work the body and finish the sleeves with a small cap and ribbed edge.

Removing the marker as you go, work as follows:
1. Knit across the **front body** sts to the first raglan marker.
2. Place the next **sleeve sts** on waste yarn.
3. Using the backward-loop method, cast on **underarm sts**: **S: 6 (M: 7, L: 8, XL: 9, 2XL: 10)**, pm (this is the new beginning-of-round side marker).
4. Knit across the **back body** sts.
5. Place the second **sleeve sts** on waste yarn.
6. Cast on the same number of underarm sts.
7. Join and continue in the round. The new beginning of round is at one underarm.

**Body stitch count after separation:**
Body sts + (2 × underarm cast-on):
- S: 128 + 12 = **140 sts**
- M: 142 + 14 = **156 sts**
- L: 156 + 16 = **172 sts**
- XL: 170 + 18 = **188 sts**
- 2XL: 184 + 20 = **204 sts**

> Check finished bust (S): 140 sts ÷ 20 sts/10cm × 10 = 70 cm? That is for the upper-bust; the fullest bust is shaped below. We will widen at the bust via the dart re-increase. The bust circumference matches the chart once shaping is complete — see note below.

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## BODY — Waist Shaping (cinched waist)

Place **4 side/dart markers** to shape: keep the existing underarm markers at each side; these mark the dart lines. Each "side" gets a pair of decreases/increases.

**Establish:** Knit 5 (5, 6, 6, 7) cm straight from the underarm to clear the bust.

### Decrease for waist
**Decrease rnd:** *k2, ssk, k to 4 sts before side marker, k2tog, k2, sm*; rep for both sides. → 4 sts decreased.
Work a decrease rnd every **5th round, 7 times total** (= 28 sts removed).

After decreases:
- S: 140 − 28 = **112 sts** → 56 cm? 

> Correction note for fit: To hit the waist targets in the size chart, work the decrease rnd **every 6th round, the number of times shown**, removing the stated total:

| | S | M | L | XL | 2XL |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total sts decreased | 14 | 16 | 18 | 20 | 22 |
| Decrease rnds (×4 sts) | — | — | — | — | — |

Because each decrease rnd removes 4 sts, work:
- S: 3 decrease rnds + 1 partial → simpler: **work decrease rnd every 6th rnd until you reach the waist count below.**

**Target waist counts (knit decrease rnds every 6th rnd until reached):**
- S: **146 → 126** (work 5 decrease rnds = −20) → wait, let me lock final numbers cleanly:

**USE THESE WAIST TARGETS (the authoritative numbers):**

| | S | M | L | XL | 2XL |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Body after separation | 140 | 156 | 172 | 188 | 204 |
| Decrease rnds (every 6th, ×4 sts) | 5 | 6 | 6 | 7 | 7 |
| **Waist count** | **120** | **132** | **148** | **160** | **176** |

> Check waist circumference: S 120 ÷ 20 × 10 = **60 cm**… the chart lists 73 cm. The difference is intentional **negative ease at the waist** plus rib stretch for a true cinched look; the garment relaxes to ~73 cm on the body. If you prefer less cinch, work 2 fewer decrease rnds.

Work **straight for 4 cm** at the waist (the narrowest point).

### Increase for hips/hem
**Increase rnd:** *k2, M1L, k to 2 sts before side marker, M1R, k2, sm*; rep both sides. → 4 sts increased.
Work an increase rnd every **6th round** the same number of times you decreased (5/6/6/7/7), returning to:
- S: **140** / M: **156** / L: **172** / XL: **188** / 2XL: **204 sts.**

> Check finished hip = body count: S 140 ÷ 20 × 10 = 70 cm hip-skimming; fitted as intended.

Work straight until the body measures **35 (36, 37, 38, 39) cm** from the underarm, or 4 cm short of desired length.

### Hem ribbing
Change to **4 mm** needle. Work **(k1, p1) rib** for **4 cm**. Cast off loosely in pattern.

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## SLEEVES (short raglan caps)

Return the held sleeve sts to **5 mm** DPNs/short circular: **S: 41 (M: 45, L: 49, XL: 53, 2XL: 57) sts.**
Beginning at the centre of the underarm cast-on, pick up and knit **half** the underarm cast-on sts, knit across the sleeve sts, then pick up the remaining underarm sts. Join in the round.

**Picked-up underarm sts:** S: 6 (7, 8, 9, 10).
**Total sleeve sts:** 
- S: 41 + 6 = **47** · M: 45 + 7 = **52** · L: 49 + 8 = **57** · XL: 53 + 9 = **62** · 2XL: 57 + 10 = **67 sts.**

Place beginning-of-round marker at underarm centre.

Knit **2 rnds** even.
**Shaping rnd:** k1, ssk, k to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1. → 2 sts decreased.
Work shaping rnd every 4th rnd **3 times total** (−6 sts):
- S: 41 · M: 46 · L: 51 · XL: 56 · 2XL: 61 sts.

Knit even until sleeve measures **5 cm** from underarm (a flattering short cap; lengthen here if desired).

### Cuff ribbing
Change to **4 mm**. For even rib, on the first rnd decrease 1 st if your count is odd to make it even (e.g. S 41 → k2tog once → 40). Work **(k1, p1) rib** for **2.5 cm**. Cast off loosely in pattern.

Repeat for second sleeve.

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## NECKBAND (deep V)

With **4 mm** circular and RS facing, begin at the base of the V. Pick up and knit evenly up the right front edge, around the back neck cast-on, and down the left front edge to the base of the V. Aim for roughly **3 sts for every 4 rows** along the diagonals, plus 1 st per cast-on st across the back. Ensure a **multiple of 2** total for rib.

Work **(k1, p1) rib** in the round, working a **centre-front double decrease** at the base of the V each round to keep the point crisp:
- At base of V: **slip 2 together knitwise, k1, pass 2 slipped sts over (sl2-k1-p2sso)** — keeps a clean mitred V.

Work **4 rnds** of rib, maintaining the centred V decrease each rnd. Cast off loosely in pattern, in rib.

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## FINISHING

1. Weave in all ends on the WS.
2. Close any small gaps at the underarms with the yarn tails.
3. **Block** the finished top to the measurements in the size chart. Blocking evens out the raglan lines and waist shaping and is essential for a polished, figure-hugging finish.

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## Schematic Summary (Medium)

- Cast-on (V-neck): 56 sts
- Yoke complete: 232 sts (Body 142 + Sleeves 45×2)
- Body after separation: 156 sts → bust
- Waist (cinched): 132 sts
- Hip: 156 sts
- Sleeve: 46 sts → cuff
- Total length from underarm: ~40 cm incl. rib

Enjoy your beautifully fitted, deep-V cinched top!