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.
This FREE tank top is designed to be an easy summer knit, and is the perfect simple project for warmer weather. The deep V neck is flattering to wear without being too revealing, and the straps are wide enough to hide your bra straps (hello practical!). Throw it on with shorts or a breezy skirt on a hot day, pair it with jeans in Autumn, or even make up a woolly version to wear as a vest over shirts in the cooler months.
The pattern includes instructions to knit it flat on straight needles, as well as in the round on circulars (woohoo no seams!). And with clear and simple instructions, both options would be suitable for first-time garment knitters who have tackled the basics of knitting and purling, and are up for learning some fun new techniques! The body is knit from the bottom up, and the length is easily customizable with suggestions for a cute crop as well as a longer version, making it a fantastic wardrobe staple.
Size
XS (S, SM, M, ML, L, XL, XXL)
To Fit Bust: 76 (82, 88, 93, 99, 105, 112, 120) cm / 30 (32, 34.5, 36.5, 39, 41, 44, 47) inches
I figured we can all use something to look forward to, and the seasons’ changing is one of those things you can always bank on (at least in Canada – we have A LOT of weather). Anker’s Summer Shirt is a simple summer top, worked in one piece from the top down. The yoke is worked in sections of rib with increases in the round, followed by classic raglan increases when the stockinette stitch section begins. The sleeves are worked at the end, either on double-pointed needles or on circular needles using the Magic Loop technique. Anker’s Summer Shirt has no finishing other than weaving in ends.
To fit a bust circumference of 80-85 (85-90) 90-95 (95-100) 100-110 (110-120) 120-130 cm [31½-33½ (33½-35½) 35½-37½ (37½-39¼) 39¼-43¼ (43¼-47¼) 47¼-51¼ inches].
Total length: 52 (54) 56 (60) 62 (62) 64 cm [20½ (21¼) 22 (23½) 24½ (24½) 25¼ inches]
Ease: The shirt is designed to have approx. 0-5 cm – [0-2 inches] – of positive ease, meaning it is designed to be 0-5 cm – [0-2 inches] larger in circumference than your widest upper body measurement.
Measurements: The measurements for the finished garment are on the front page of the pattern (note that these measurements are only achieved if the correct gauge is kept). Before beginning your project, measure yourself with a measuring tape around your bust (or your widest upper body part) to determine which size will fit you the best. For example, if you measure 95 cm [37½ inches] you should knit a size M. A size M shirt has a finished circumference of 96 cm [37¾ inches], which in the given example would mean 1 cm [½ inches] of positive ease.
We worked up this little top (Ranunculus) as an experiment to see how far we could stretch one skein of Berroco Remix Light – it turns out it can go the distance! Remix Light is a very popular little sprig and summer yarn that ticks a lot of boxes:
it’s very light and has double the yardage of an average cotton summer yarn (100g/400m)
it’s machine washable
it’s soft and comfortable to wear
it’s comfortable and easy to work with
it’s eco-friendly, and made from a blend of recycled fibres: Cotton, Linen, Silk, Acrylic, and Nylon.
it’s made in the first world (France), so no slave labour involved, just unionized, properly paid EU workers
it’s affordable and only costs $16.47/ball
We made the smallest size in the short sleeve and it only took ONE ball. Most of the sizes, long and short sleeved, use two balls … making it a VERY affordable project. The pattern has instructions for both a short and a long sleeve version, and it is knit from the top-down, so you can make your sleeves any length you want.
Size
We made the short-sleeved version in Size 1 on 5.5mm/US9 & 4.5mm/US7 needles, and the combination of the needle size and the unique qualities of the yarn’s fibres made ours come out smaller than the pattern. Our tension was 18 sts & 26 rows = 4″/10cm (un-stretched) – this is a big difference to the pattern, which is a gauge of 14 sts & 20 rows = 4″/10cm.
Our garment ended up smaller than the pattern specifications: it measures 18″ across the chest (36″ bust) and 16″ high from the back of the neck to the bottom ribbing … a big drop from the pattern’s 46″ bust circumference. That said, I’m extremely happy with the finished project! It’s am amazing little top, and the size is just right for someone who wears a size XS or S. The fit is cropped, and after trying it on I’d say it’s a roomy fitting size small, or oversized XS. The fabric is very stretchy, it has a lot of give and a surprising amount of memory! It is very light and doesn’t have a ton of drape. We used the majority of 1 skein of yarn, and only had about 3g left (we used approx. 375m, or 5m more than the pattern suggested).
If you choose to follow our lead and use the yarn & needle combo we did (and your tension is the same) you can probably estimate the size will come out 20% smaller than the pattern recommends (ours was 22% smaller), so multiply the finished size by 0.78 got get a good idea of where yours will end up (see the measurements in bold below, I did the math for you).
We used Berroco Remix Light, a very light and airy bend of recycled plant and synthetic fibres – perfect for warm weather! Because we used up a good amount of our yarn, I have factored that into the yardage suggestions below and leaned on the side of caution so you won’t run out.
The pattern is written to be knit in a variety of yarn weights, from Lace to Worsted. Ideally, you want a solid or semi-solid coloured yarn, or a yarn that knits up in a very long, gradual ombre colourway, so you can see the details in the lace and textured stitches. The thinner the yarn, the lacier the sweater will be (yarn thickness goes from the thinnest at lace weight, then fingering, then DK, then worsted).
Sometimes you need to see a finished project on a real person to see how unexpectedly great it can be. The following are a few projects I just stumbled across that made me say YAAAAASSSSSS. Simple, unexpected little details can take a garment from an ordinary top to something special.
All of these projects work beautifully in Quince & Co Kestrel – an aran to bulky weight organic linen that loosens up completely for an easy summer garment.
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 6.5mm/US10 needles, so you’ll whip it up quickly and it’ll breathe beautifully. Linen tends to be VERY stretchy, I would go down two sizes in the pattern for a comfortable fit.
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.
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).
Please note that Linen (Quince & Co Kestrel) is very stretchy, especially knit at a looser tension like recommended in this pattern (on 6.5mm/US10.5 needles). I highly recommend going down two sizes in the pattern, as the fibre will relax after washing and your garment will grow.
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.
6.5mm/US10.5 needles (you can go down to 5.5mm/US9 for a tighter tension)
Another good yarn option that isn’t quite as precious as linen is the Rico So Cool So Soft, a super soft, bulky weight, 100% pima cotton yarn. For this yarn, choose your sizing like normal, and if you want you can go up to a 7mm/US10.75 needle with it, or if you want a looser texture go up to an 8mm/US11. If you want to make short sleeves you can probably omit at least 1 ball of yarn.
Shrugs were going hard when I first started out in this industry, and I’m really glad to see them creeping back into summer silhouettes. Their relaxed elegance make for the most comfortable, versatile summer cardie on the planet (especially paired with linen)! This one looks amazing over a casual top with pants, or pair it with a loose dress. They’re just the happiest cocoons you ever wore.
Birdie’s construction is simple – it’s just of two identical pieces worked flat and joined at center back (done with my favourite, the super-easy 3 needle bind-off), then closing the cast-on edges to form the sleeves makes it a refreshingly simple knit. Geometric stitch patterns provide a pleasing contrast to the soft hand of the fabric that Quince & Co Kestrel creates.
This top is just cool … I love the take on the peek-a-book back that keeps your beautiful body all yours … unless you want it otherwise, in which case you can definitely knit it shorter and share with flare (as the Toltec say, ALL bodies are beautiful, so enjoy your body exactly the way you please).
Francis is leverly constructed in one piece, this tee can be worn with the opening in the front or back. The garment is worked in a single piece from cuff to cuff in stockinette, with a garter stitch panel providing textural interest. Perfect for advanced beginners (the pattern comes with a free Project Tutorial to guide you).
Today’s project round-up focuses on the design work of Anne Hansen. Anne’s designs are simple and extremely well written.
Her summer tops are well suited to working with a high-quality linen, like Quince & Co Sparrow. The tees are generally knit seamlessly from the top-down, making them very easy to adapt to your body and style.
She also does really nice things to make her patterns easy to follow, like including a schematic, stitch counts, measurements are in imperial and metric, and the stitch patterns are both charted and written out line-by-line.
I love this cute little top (especially how emjsasha (photo above) styled hers! It’s worked from the top-down seamlessly, so you can make it as cropped or as long as you like. The stitch-patterns for the yoke are charted, as well as written out, round by round, and there is a schematic. The “unusual” sts (clusters, honeycomb-pattern) are explained in the pattern. The tension is tight enough that you should not have to wear a cami under the top is using Quince & Co Sparrow. (If you want a look like the one in the original design, try using a semi-solid colourway from Artfil Belle)
Skill Level: Intermediate
Sizes
Finished chest: 77(85, 92, 100, 108, 115, 125, 135, 149) cm OR 30.5(33.5, 36.5, 39.5, 42.5, 45.5, 49, 53, 59)”
Seven Senses is another pretty top knit from the top-down seamlessly, making it very easy to adapt to your body. The lace pattern of the yoke is charted, as well as written out, round-by-round. The pattern gives instructions for the special techniques (provisional cast-on, the short-rows, and the i-cord bind-off). All stitch counts are given, and there is a schematic.
Skill Level: Intermediate
Sizes
Finished chest measurements: 77(85, 93.5, 102, 110, 120, 132) cm or 30.5(33.5, 37, 40, 43.5, 47, 52)”
This airy, comfortable top can be worn all summer! The different textures make it a slightly more interesting project to work on (I like to think of it as a summer gansey). It’s made seamlessly from the top-down, so the sizing and style are adaptable. The shoulders are slightly shaped by short-rows, and the sleeves are picked up and worked in the round.The stitch-pattern repeat is written out row-by-row/round-by-round, and a schematic is included.
The Cumulus Tee from Petite Knit is a super simple and elegant top that’s great for summer knitting & wearing. It’s worked in stockinette stitch and has a rounded V-neck in the front. The sleeves are elbow length, and all edges are finished in i-cord. The Cumulus Tee is made in one piece from the top-down and requires no finishing work at the end, so chances are you’ll actually finish it THIS summer. It’s worked at a tight enough tension that you won’t need to wear a cami underneath – another summer bonus. Since it’s made from the top, you can make it as long or cropped as you like, and modify the length of the sleeves to suit your taste.
NOTE: technique tutorials for this project are available from the designer’s website HERE
I suggest using Quince & Co Sparrow for this project – a high-quality 100% organic linen from Italy. Sparrow is the nicest linen I’ve ever come across, and since I found it I’ve never been able (or inclined) to back. It knits up beautifully, wears beautifully, and washes beautifully and easily – it’s the base for my summer uniform (Gillespie).
The Cumulus Tee is designed to have approx. 3-9 cm [1¼-3½ inches] of positive ease. Before beginning your project, measure yourself to determine which size will fit you the best.
XS (S) M (L) XL (2XL) 3XL
Finished Bust circumference: 89 (94) 99 (104) 113 (123) 134 cm OR 35 (37) 39 (41) 44½ (48½) 52¾ inches
To fit bust circumference: 80-85 (85-90) 90-95 (95-100) 100-110 (110-120) 120-130 cm OR 31½-33½ (33½-35½) 35½-37½ (37½-39½) 39½-43¼ (43¼-47¼) 47¼-51¼ inches
Sleeve circumference: 30 (32) 34 (36) 38 (41) 41 cm OR 11¾ (12½) 13½ (14¼) 15 (16¼) 16¼ inches
Total length: 51 (52) 54 (57) 59 (60) 62 cm OR 20 (20½) 21¼ (22½) 23¼ (23½) 24½ inches
Coloree is a fantastic blend of bold color blocks and sweet little details. Knit with fingering weight Quince & Co Sparrow, knitters of all levels will enjoy the luxurious drape and softness of this summer-ready tank. We envision a multitude of color combinations for Coloree—from bold and energetic to soft and soothing, and everything in between!
Tank is worked in one piece, flat, from top-down. Yoke is shaped with side increases. Lower body is worked flat and buttons down the left side. I-cord edges worked at the armholes and neckline create delicate finishing. Shoulders are cast on using a provisional cast on and then front and back necklines are shaped by increasing sts with the cable cast on.
Fresia is a classic summer staple that’s sure to fly off your needles! Fresia’s understated silhouette gives way to intricate side panels, for the perfect everyday tank you’ll be reaching for to layer with outfits. Knit in handkerchief-soft Quince & Co Sparrow, we can’t wait to see which color you choose for your Fresia!
The hem of the tank is worked flat in two pieces from the bottom up and then joined to work the body in the round to the armholes. The body is then split and the front and back are worked flat, shaping the armholes and the neck, and then the shoulders are seamed using kitchener stitch.
German twisted cast on, knitted and cable cast on, wrap-and-turn short rows, picking up sts, Kitchener stitch, sewn bind off (links provided); increasing, decreasing, working in the round. Charts and line-by-line instructions included.
Delicate and flowing, this camisole balances meditative stockinette with compelling stitchwork. Knit in Quince & Co Kestrel , we love how this design leans into this linen yarn’s best qualities: its incredible drape, soothing sheen, and unique texture. Looking for a pattern that knits up quickly and is perfect for layering? Kama has you covered!
Yarn
Quince & Co Kestrel is a new take on a simple linen yarn. Quince and Co. took the same Belgium-grown organic linen that they use in their little Sparrow and spun it this time in a ribbon structure (actually its a ‘chainette’ – a small knitted tube). Its flat surface adds a slight texture to simple knit and purl stitches. But we think the best thing about it is its incredible drape. Like all things linen, woven or knitted, Kestrel only gets better as you wash and wear it.
This camisole is worked in one piece from the bottom-up. Body is shaped first by changing needle sizes, then with side decreases. I-cord edges worked at the armholes and neckline create delicate straps.
German twisted cast on, i-cord, kitchener stitch (links provided); increasing, decreasing, working in the round. Charts and line-by-line instructions included.
Hankering for a project that’s a bit more challenging? The Cloverdale tee features a classic A-line silhouette brought to life by easy slip-stitches, cap-sleeves, and a lovely Latvian braid at the neckline. The result? A bold, graphic hand-knit tee that’s warm weather-ready. All you have to do is choose your two favorite contrasting colorways and you’re good to go!
Cloverdale is designed with Quince & Co Sparrow, my go-to summer yarn – my summer “store uniform” is made with Sparrow. Sparrow is the best linen I’ve ever come across – its machine washable (I put it in the dryer on low heat), soft, comfortable durable, and I LOVE LOVE LOVE the sweaters I’ve made with it. This top is worked on small needles, so the tension is tight enough that you won’t have to wear a cami under it.
Construction
Tee is worked flat from the bottom up. A-line shaping decreases are worked up to the underarm, and then increases are worked for the sleeve caps. Front and back are seamed at the sides and shoulders. Sleeve openings feature a built-in i-cord edge. Neckline is finished with a Latvian braid.
Petaluma is an elegant and versatile top-down tee, an instant classic for your summer wardrobe. I love the sweet little details of this boxy tee: from its tailored shoulder shaping to its generous neckline. This top will be your go-to summer garment!
Petaluma is designed with Quince & Co Sparrow (which is re-stocked), my go-to summer yarn – my summer “store uniform” is made with Sparrow. Sparrow is the best linen I’ve ever come across – its machine washable (I put it in the dryer on low heat), soft, comfortable durable, and I LOVE LOVE LOVE the sweaters I’ve made with it. This top is worked on small needles, so the tension is tight enough that you won’t have to wear a cami under it.
Tee is worked seamlessly from the top-down, beginning with the upper back and front, worked flat, and then joined in the round below the armholes. Sleeve stitches are picked up around the armhole and sleeves are worked in the round. The shoulders and sleeve caps are shaped using German short rows. This design features tailored shoulder shaping, in which the shoulder ‘seams’ are shifted towards the back of the body.
Whenever I find something up to scratch for the crocheters I like to include it … there aren’t enough pretty patterns for crochet. This top is also a fairly simple piece, so you don’t need to be especially experienced to make it.
Zelie is a boxy, loose-fitting, simple summer crochet top that lets the yarn do all the work. The back and front are worked separately and seamed – that’s it, it’s just two pieces. It’s made with a simple half-double crochet stitch throughout. It’s a K.I.S.S. top (Keep It Simple Sister)! I also really like the way this yarn crocheted up – it’s like a colourful camo …. so you can blend seamlessly at the botanical garden.
Berroco Summer Sesame is a soft, light, and comfortable summer yarn with texture and colour. Its bright, happy shades of colors ebb and flow to make this self-striping worsted weight yarn a perfect summer choice. This cotton blend yarn is light to the touch, breathable, easy to work with, and machine washable. 100g/270 m (295 yds). 47% Cotton, 44% Acrylic, 9 % Nylon. Machine wash separately in cold water on delicate cycle. Lay flat to dry. Made in Italy.
These kits are a special-order but we are stocking this yarn in the store on a regular basis through the spring and summer – you have the option to order it any time (it will be available to purchase as long as the manufacturer makes it available to us). Your kit will ship or be available for pick-up once it arrives, and we will contact you. If you need your kit for a specific date please let us know and we can find out if it’s feasible.
