Maghreb Tee

Maghreb Tee by Kuki Knits

What is Being Made

The Maghreb Tee is a summer knitting pattern designed by Kuki Knits, inspired by Mediterranean traditional motifs from Northwest Africa. This is a top-down, seamless knitted tee featuring colorwork elements positioned on the yoke and bottom of the garment. The design is specifically created as an excellent starting point for colorwork beginners, utilizing only two colors throughout with no steeking required.

Construction Method

This garment is knitted in the round from the top down, a construction technique that eliminates the need for seaming and creates a seamless, professional finish. The yoke shaping uses yarn over increases to create the necessary expansion from the neckline outward. The colorwork is strategically placed in two distinct areas—across the yoke and along the bottom edge of the piece—making it manageable for knitters new to working with multiple colors.

Stitches and Techniques Used

• Colorwork: Two-color stranded knitting with no steeking, making this pattern ideal for beginners exploring color techniques
• Yarn Over Increases: Used throughout the yoke shaping to create smooth, decorative increases that expand the piece
• Seamless Construction: Knitted entirely in the round, eliminating seams and creating a continuous fabric
• Top-Down Shaping: Begins at the neckline and progresses downward, allowing for easy fitting adjustments

Size Range and Finished Measurements

The Maghreb Tee is available in nine sizes ranging from XS to 5XL, accommodating chest measurements from 32¼ inches (82 cm) to 60¾ inches (154.5 cm). The garment length varies slightly across sizes, ranging from 18½ inches (47 cm) to 21½ inches (54.5 cm). The pattern shown in the sample is size M, which fits a 37½-inch (95.5 cm) chest.

Materials: Yarn

The Maghreb Tee is designed to be knitted with Schachenmayr Soft Linen Mix, a DK-weight yarn composed of 70% viscose and 30% linen. This fiber blend creates a breathable, lightweight fabric ideal for warm-weather wear. The yarn is worked at approximately 102 yards per 50-gram skein (93 meters). Two colors are used: MC #02 Creme for the main color, requiring 2 to 4 skeins depending on size, and CC #73 Anis for the contrast color, requiring 4 to 9 skeins depending on size.

Materials: Needles and Tools

The pattern requires circular needles in two sizes to accommodate the different gauges needed for different sections. US 3/3.25 mm circular needles measuring 24 inches are used for certain sections, while US 6/4 mm circular needles of the same 24-inch length are used for others. Additionally, a set of double-pointed needles is referenced for working smaller circumferences, though the specific size is not fully detailed in the provided excerpt.

Skill Level

This pattern is rated as beginner difficulty, making it accessible to knitters who are new to garment construction and colorwork techniques. The use of only two colors, the absence of steeking, and the straightforward top-down construction method all contribute to its beginner-friendly nature.