Skill Level: beginner
Size :Approx 34” x 34” (86 x 86cm)
Materials
Gauge: 14 sts = 4”/10cm in garter stitch
Techniques
See our curated list of knitting skills for help with techniques
The Bea Top by PetiteKnit is a great simple, summer tank! I love that it has minimal finishing and simple, clean edges. Make it with Sandes Garn Line or Sandnes Garn Tynn Line (two strands together for the latter to get a marled look). This is a great project for newer knitters, since boat-necks require very little shaping.
Construction
The Bea Top is worked from the bottom up. The body is worked in the round in stockinette stitch, and the work is then divided into the front and back yoke which are each worked separately back and forth in stockinette stitch with decreases along both sides. The top is shaped at the top of the yoke by means of short rows to create the boatneck.
Knit a swatch to determine which needle size gives you the correct gauge. Make sure to wash your swatch before taking the gauge measurements, as the recommended yarns might grow with wash and wear. Note that the size of the top will increase by a couple of cm an inch or so with wear after wash and blocking – keep this in mind when choosing which size to knit.
Size guide
The Bea Top is designed to have approx. 8 cm [3¼ inches] of negative ease, meaning it is designed to be approx. 8 cm [3¼ inches] smaller in circumference than your bust measurement. The sizes XXS (XS) S (M) L (XL) 2XL (3XL) 4XL (5XL) are designed to fit a bust circumference of 75-80 (80-85) 85-90 (90-95) 95-100 (100-110) 110-120 (120-130) 130-140 (140-150) cm [29½-31½ (31½-33½) 33½-35½ (35½-37½) 37½-39½ (39½-43¼) 43¼-47¼ (47¼-51¼) 51¼-55 (55-59) inches]. The measurements for the finished top can be found on the front page of the pattern (please note that these measurements only apply if the correct gauge is maintained throughout). Measure yourself before beginning your project to determine which size will fit you the best. For example, if you measure 90 cm [35½ inches] around your bust (or around the widest part of your upper body), you should knit a size S. A top in size S has a bust circumference of 82 cm [32¼ inches] which in the given example would give you 8 cm [3¼ inches] of negative ease.
Schematics can be found here.
The Bea Top in the photos is shown in size xxs.
Sizes:
XXS (XS) S (M) L (XL) 2XL (3XL) 4XL (5XL)
Bust circumference:
72 (77) 82 (87) 92 (102) 112 (122) 132 (142) cm
[28¼ (30¼) 32¼ (34¼) 36¼ (40¼) 44 (48) 52 (56) inches]
Total length:
48 (49) 50 (52) 55 (57) 59 (60) 62 (64) cm
[19 (19¼) 19¾ (20½) 21¾ (22½) 23¼ (23½) 24½ (25¼) inches] (measured mid back)
Marled Colour
The marled colour seen in the pictures above is created by working with 2 strands of fingering weight yarn held together. We suggest Sandnes Garn Tynn Line, a soft, machine-washable blend of cotton, linen and viscose.
Yarn Options
Other Materials
Satawal is a cropped tee with a simple lace pattern around a boat neck, which looks a bit like a Macramé texture. You can use various weights of yarn, from fingering weight for airy and transparent texture to worsted weight yarn for mid season garment (we used Berroco Modern Cotton on 6mm/US10 needles).
Our Project
We made the second size (size small) with 2 skeins of Berroco Modern Cotton in colour 1648 Abbot Run). It measures approximately 20″ wide (40″ bust circumference) and 20″ tall from top of shoulder to hem (you can of course make it longer if you want to). If you feel like the neck is too wide you can always seam it and make it a closer neck. The fabric has a lot of stretch, and at this tension you’ll probably want to wear it over a light camisole. It’s meant to be worn loose and oversized, with lots of ease!
Modern Cotton is a soft, easy to knit, and very machine washable blend of cotton and Modal Rayon (which is viscose, a plant based cellulose fibre, much like bamboo). It’s easy to wear in warmer weather, and it’s also great for people with allergies to wool or other animal fibres, or who knit vegan.
Many thanks to Erica for whipping up this beautiful top!!! And many thanks to Gru for sitting for photos without having to be bribed or making a mess.
Construction
The pattern is worked seamlessly from the top down. The lace pattern for the yoke is worked in the round with increases at the both right and left shoulders, then the body is divided into the front and the back and worked flat separately to the underarm, where they are joined again. The lower body is knitted in one piece in the round. Sleeve stitches are picked up along armholes and worked in the round.
Note
Size
Materials
Estelle Breeze is a deliciously soft chunky, machine washable cotton yarn. Made using one thicker ply and a finer thread combined, the texture makes this yarn perfect for baby items, blankets, slippers, or quick and comfy sweaters! It’s very affordable, and works up relatively quickly on 6mm/US10 needles.
Estelle is a local, family run, Canadian yarn & needles distributor. This yarn is imported directly to Canada from the mill.
Estelle Breeze is Perfect for our Super Simple Striped Baby Blanket (see below for pattern and colour suggestions).
Five new colours were introduced this year, and all are in stock right now.
Skill Level: beginner
Size :Approx 34” x 34” (86 x 86cm)
Materials
Gauge: 14 sts = 4”/10cm in garter stitch
Techniques
See our curated list of knitting skills for help with techniques
I love the Carbeth series of sweaters by Kate Daives for Estelle Breeze. They’re uncomplicated knits with interesting shapes, and make a great cotton sweater for spring. Try using 6mm/US10 needles for the correct tension. Check out more great sweaters for this yarn!
Fifty Four Ten Studio makes great blanket patterns, and all their patterns are written for a multiple of sizes, from baby up to adult throws. The patterns linked are great for for Estelle Breeze, try swatching with 6mm/US10 needles.
Estelle Breeze is great for baby projects – it’s super soft and machine washable.
Estelle Breeze is also great for kids projects!
Satawal is a cropped tee with a simple lace pattern around a boat neck, which looks a bit like a Macramé texture. You can use various weights of yarn, from fingering weight for airy and transparent texture to worsted weight yarn for mid season garment (we used Berroco Modern Cotton on 6mm/US10 needles).
Our Project
We made the second size (size small) with 2 skeins of Berroco Modern Cotton in colour 1648 Abbot Run). It measures approximately 20″ wide (40″ bust circumference) and 20″ tall from top of shoulder to hem (you can of course make it longer if you want to). If you feel like the neck is too wide you can always seam it and make it a closer neck. The fabric has a lot of stretch, and at this tension you’ll probably want to wear it over a light camisole. It’s meant to be worn loose and oversized, with lots of ease!
Modern Cotton is a soft, easy to knit, and very machine washable blend of cotton and Modal Rayon (which is viscose, a plant based cellulose fibre, much like bamboo). It’s easy to wear in warmer weather, and it’s also great for people with allergies to wool or other animal fibres, or who knit vegan.
Many thanks to Erica for whipping up this beautiful top!!! And many thanks to Gru for sitting for photos without having to be bribed or making a mess.
Construction
The pattern is worked seamlessly from the top down. The lace pattern for the yoke is worked in the round with increases at the both right and left shoulders, then the body is divided into the front and the back and worked flat separately to the underarm, where they are joined again. The lower body is knitted in one piece in the round. Sleeve stitches are picked up along armholes and worked in the round.
Note
Size
Materials
Estelle Breeze is a deliciously soft chunky,machine washable cotton yarn. Made using one thicker ply and a finer thread combined, the texture makes this yarn perfect for baby items, blankets, slippers, or quick and comfy sweaters! It’s very affordable, and works up relatively quickly on 6mm/US10 needles.
Estelle Breeze is Perfect for our Super Simple Striped Baby Blanket (see below for pattern and colour suggestions).
Skill Level: beginner
Size :Approx 34” x 34” (86 x 86cm)
Materials
Gauge: 14 sts = 4”/10cm in garter stitch
Techniques
See our curated list of knitting skills for help with techniques
Tybee is a simple, new free baby cardie pattern knit with using Berroco Vivo, a multi-colored, self-striping 100% cotton. Vivo is perfect for baby & kid knits, as it’s super soft, light, machine washable, and ever so pretty! the 100% cotton is breathable and prefect for transitional weather.
Construction
The body is worked in one piece from the bottom-up to the underarms, then divided
for back and fronts. The sleeves are worked in the round to underarms, then joined to body so that yoke is worked in one piece.
Simpler Pattern Options
If you like the idea of a baby sweater in this yarn but you want something simpler, try one of the following:
Size
Materials
Berrooc Modern Cotton is a super soft and slightly silky yarn that’s perfect for spring and summer projects. It’s a machine-washable blend of pillowy Pima cotton and silky Modal viscose/rayon, which also makes it a perfect choice for people sensitive to animal fibres and vegans. Modal is a sustainable cellulosic fibre sourced from plants (like bamboo or Lyocell), and is a bit cooler to the touch than plain cotton (a good thing if you tend to run warm, or live in a warm climate).
Modern Cotton is a Worsted weight yarn, meaning it works up on 4.5mm/US7 knitting needles or a 5mm/H crochet hook, and you can substitute it in patterns that call for a similar weight yarn.
Modern Cotton is perfect for both crochet and knitting and is great for sweaters, tanks, tees and other tops, hats (especially chemo hats), bags, shawls & wraps, blankets & afghans, and slippers.
SEE PROJECTS SUITABLE FOR THIS YARN
Red Bud Isle is a pretty summer tank with a nifty cross-over in the back. The Tank is worked from the bottom front hem upwards, increasing along edges of the back body and adding a single stripe near the hem and a set of stripes at the chest. Stitches are then cast off to separate into front and back strap sections. Front body is finished first and each strap is turned into an i-cord. Back body pieces overlap and strap stitches pick up stitches to join together back body pieces to create the fixed overlap. The final stitches are worked into i-cord for each strap.
Size
Materials
I admit, I love Norah Gaughan … her designs always engage me, they’re creative, sometimes architectural, but always different from everything else out there. Simple eyelets make a basic top both pretty and a teensy bit avant-garde. This top will be extra flattering on anyone with smaller shoulders. Plus, this particular pattern is FREE!
Size
Materials
Misha and Puff don’t have a large repertoire of patterns, but their classic, vintage-inspired knits are simple, beautiful and fun. This easy, open little cardie is a versatile layering piece for warmer weather. Seamless, top-down construction and a hint of texture at the yoke make it a fun and satisfying knit. This classic cardigan construction is certain to be a go-to favourite. There is also a pattern for a matching Bonnet.
Size
Materials
This simply styled FREEBIE baby blanket combines bands of colour and texture in a modern ‘sampler’. It’s available in a knit (right) as well as a crochet (left) version.
Throw Blanket
To make a larger blanket you just need to add more stitches:
Size
Materials: KNIT
Materials: CROCHET
There is something very beautiful and special about this vintage-inspired baby blanket … I may be sentimental because it resembles the blanket my great-grandmother made for me. I think a fabric this simple and pretty requires a fibre with a little bit of a fancier aesthetic, like Berroco Modern Cotton (or a merino like Cascade 220 Superwash Merino). The trefoil border is a simple corchet stcrochet stitch, and the pattern comes with free youtube videos.
The pattern is FREE on the designer’s blog, you can sign up for her newsletter and get a copy for free, or you can pay to download a PDF . There are also instruction on how to Resize a Knit Blanket, Throw or Washcloth.
Size: 40″ X 44″
Materials
Size
Materials
This mesh bag set is the ultimate duo in accessories! A roomy tote for market scores, beach day essentials, or picnic must-haves in addition to a chic bottle bag to ensure you are always hydrated make the perfect pair this season. These quick projects are stylish, quick, and functional – the best combo!
Size
Materials
All of our Summer yarns are on sale now! Take advantage of all the cottons & linens while the weather is warm!
See our Past Project Ideas For:
I came across these sunny hand towels a few times and felt like they were full of YUP! They’re a good size, 22″ wide x 37″ long, but of course you are welcome to up or downscale them – they’re just rectangles, after all. They’re made with a simple linen stitch that creates a woven look on one side and a nubbly texture on the other. And the pattern’s free – sweet!
Cascade Ultra Pima is a silky soft, light cotton. It’s easy to work with on both knitting needles or crochet hook. I often recommend it for baby blankets or afghans because it’s so soft and machine washable, and it doesn’t have the hardness or lack of give that’s common in so many cotton yarns.
I was so eager to share this project with you that I rephotographed the Cascade Ultra Pima (it was time). All the new images have been colour corrected, so they’re as close to the original as was possible … not an easy task with cotton, the light reflected off the surface makes it really tricky! Any old photos left are colours that were out of stock and couldn’t be photographed.
The following colours of Cascade Ultra Pima are all smashing combined with colour 3718 Cream:
Alternate Yarns
Berroco Remix Light is also a great option! Because of it’s generous yardage You’ll need half as much yarn: 2 skeins of the main colour and 1 of the contrast will make two hand towels)
Make some towels that are so beautiful you’ll never want to use them! That’s ok, some things you use until they’re shredded, and some you keep out to please the eye. Both have their roles in our lives. The pattern is a FREEBIE, and makes for some simple, elegant summer knitting.
Quince & Co Sparrow is my favourite yarn for this project, I love how this linen looks, the silky feels after being washed, and also how resilient it is (it gets better going through the wash) . My second personal choice would be
Berroco Remix Light is the budget friendly, earth friendly, use-friendly option – it has so much yardage, two skeins of the main colour will make 3 towels, and 3 skeins will make 5. Plus it’s recycled, has a neat texture, is easy to knit with and wash.
Cascade Ultra Pima is the last on the list, but not the least. This silky smooth pima cotton is a staple, and is always a joy to knit with and wear. If you like a plain, flat aesthetic, this is your yarn of choice.
For the following yarn options you’ll probably want to go up to a 4mm/US6 needle.
Please don’t leave the crocheters out! Crochet has got to be a super fast, easy way to make cloths.
Yarn Options
Cascade Ultra Pima: MC: 2 skeins, CC: 1 skein.
Berroco Remix Light: MC 1 skein, CC: 1 skein.
Materials
Each cloth requires approximately 200m of yarn sport/dk weight yarn
Note: the pattern seems to have neglected to explain how to make an I-Cord (the loop at the tops of the cloth), so here is an I-cord tutorial for those of you who are not familiar with the technique. Alternately, you can skip the I-cord, make your cloth loop-free and just weave in your ends – there’s no rule that says a cloth must have a loop.
Main Colour: 100m required per washcloth. Contrast Colour: 24m required per washcloth.
Rico Creative So Cool So Soft is a 100% cotton bulky-weight cotton yarn is made up of a fine thread wrapped around a stand of soft as a cloud cotton. It knits up exquisutely soft and with a bit of texture to keep things casual, interesting and easier to work with (to see the texture better check out some finished projects). It has a pretty, matte surface texture, with zero shine. It’s Ideal for knitting oversize sweaters, cozy blankets, shawls, and crocheting baskets.
A cropped little top is the prettiest thing when paired with a summer dress or loose skirt/pants. It gives you just enough coverage with tons of casual, easy to wear style. This tops is knit at a loose, comfortable tension on 8mm/US11 needles, so you’ll whip it up quickly and it’ll breathe nicely!
Ursa is constructed from the top-down with raglan shaping for the sleeves and optional horizontal bust darts in 3 cup sizes. The pattern includes directions to try it on as you work and notations to help you tweak the size (including the length, if cropped isn’t your thing!) according to your preference. Also included in the pattern are links to custom video tutorials that will walk you through the techniques for half brioche stitch and German short rows.
Skill Level: Advanced Beginner/Intermediate
Size
To choose your size, measure the circumference around the fullest part of your bust, then add 2-6” (depending on how much ease you want) and choose the closest size. If you are between sizes, you can size up or down depending on whether you want more or less ease in the bicep (see full schematics illustration in the photos to the left).
Materials
Yarn Substitution
Yarn Substitution
If you want to make the project in a light, airy, fuzzy style, try holding 1 strand of Drops Air (3, 4, 4) [4, 5, 5] {5, 6, 6} balls, with 1 strand of Drops Kid Silk (2, 3, 3) [3, 3, 4] {4, 4, 5} balls. Use the needles recommended in the pattern.
For a linen summer version, use Quince & Co Kestrel: with Long Sleeves – (6, 7, 8) [8, 9, 10] {11, 12, 13} … for a top with short sleeves you can probably omit at least 2 skeins of yarn.
Construction
Column is worked seamlessly in circular from bottom up. The hem begins with preferred method CO, then it is worked in rib or stockinette stitches for your choice. The pieces of body and sleeves are worked together in the round after joining. The shape of yoke takes unique hybrid raglan with single and double decrease. Toward end, the neckline is formed by german short rows.
Skill Level: Advanced Beginner
Size
Materials
Yarn Substitution
If you want to make the project in it’s original light, airy, fuzzy style, try holding 1 strand of Drops Air 5 (5, 6) balls, with 1 strand of Drops Kid Silk 4(4, 4) balls. Use the needles recommended in the pattern.
Construction
The Gallant sweater in aran weight yarn is an advanced beginner, top down, raglan sweater knitting pattern. You will need to be familiar with basic top down sweater construction in order to make it. Its simplicity is what makes it so special. It is cropped and it features a simple mock neck. Worked in the round in stockinette stitch all the way through.
Skill Level: Advanced Beginner
Size
Materials
Yarn Substitution
If you want to make the project in it’s original light, airy, fuzzy style, try holding 1 strand of Drops Air 4(4, 5, 5, 6, 6, 7, 7, 8) balls, with 1 strand of Drops Kid Silk 3(3, 3, 4, 4, 4, 5, 5, 5) balls (use needle sizes suggested in pattern).
Construction
Erikka Slipover is worked seamlessly top down. First, the slipover is worked in rows while the shoulders are shaped with short rows. Thereafter, the body is worked in the round. Front and back are then divided and are finished separately. Decreases are worked at the front piece for a better fit. You pick up stitches for the ribbing around the slipovers neckline that is worked in the round. Erikka Slipover can be worked in 3 lengths, which result from the different lengths of armhole openings and 2 neckline variations. The short version can only be worked with a narrow neckline.
Skill Level: Advanced Beginner/Intermediate
Size
Materials
Yarn Substitution
If you want to make the project in it’s original light, airy, fuzzy style, try holding 1 strand of Drops Air 4(4, 4, 4, 4, 5, 5, 5) balls, with 1 strand of Drops Kid Silk. 2(2, 3, 3, 3, 4, 4, 4) balls.
Midsommar is a crescent-shaped shawl that requires no counting — just follow along with the easy set of drop stitch, eyelet, stockinette and garter stitch sections.
Skill Level: Advanced Beginner
Size: approximately: 90” x 20”
Materials
Yarn Substitution
This shawl would be absolutely gorgeous knit in an aran weight linen like Quince & Co Kestrel (you’ll need about 7 skeins, and 6mm/US10 needles are recommended).
The shawl starts with a single stitch and gradually increases by one new stitch on every right side row, until it’s the size you’d like, or you run out of yarn. When you’re done with the knitting just bind off and add a fringe!
This is a really simple project which makes for perfect comfort knitting. It’s easy enough for a novice and the side-to-side construction means you can simply bind off whenever you want – you’ll have the perfect triangle shape. Because of this ‘bias’ construction, the fabric is stretchy and will wrap and drape beautifully.
Skill Level: Beginner Friendly
Materials
Yarn Substitution
If you want to make this wrap but don’t want to use cotton, Berroco Vintage Chunky is a great alternative (you’ll still need a total of 7 skeins, and 6mm/US10 needles are recommended).
The 15th Street Wrap is a simple scarf but larger than life! Worked in bulky yarn, this wrap is the epitome of classic minimalism, combined with comfy coziness that every knitter dreams of in the middle of winter. This wrap is wider and longer than a regular scarf , which makes it perfect for looping around your shoulders while reading a book or wrapping up snugly against the winter weather. The simple construction and stitch pattern make the 15th Street Wrap perfect for both new knitters and experienced knitters looking for a relaxing project.
Skill Level: Beginner Friendly
Materials
Yarn Substitution
If you want to make this wrap but don’t want to use cotton, Berroco Vintage Chunky is a great alternative (you’ll still need a total of 10 skeins, and 6mm/US10 needles are recommended).
