Aegean Tee

Aegean Tee by Kuki Knits

What is Being Made

The Aegean Tee is a summer knitting pattern designed by Kuki Knits, inspired by Mediterranean traditional motifs from Greece. This top-down knitted garment features colorwork elements placed strategically on the yoke and bottom of the piece, making it an ideal introduction to two-color knitting for beginners. The design is available in nine sizes ranging from XS to 5XL, with finished chest measurements from 32¼ inches (82 cm) to 60¾ inches (154.5 cm).

Knitting Techniques

The Aegean Tee is knitted in the round using a top-down construction method, which allows knitters to try on the garment as they work and easily adjust the length. This pattern is specifically designed as a colorwork beginner project, utilizing only two colors throughout the design with no steeking required. The two-color approach simplifies the colorwork process, making it accessible for knitters new to working with multiple yarn colors. The piece is constructed seamlessly in the round, eliminating the need for seaming.

Stitches and Colorwork

While the pattern employs colorwork techniques, the beginner-friendly design keeps the stitch work straightforward. The colorwork is integrated into two specific areas of the garment: the yoke section at the top and the bottom ribbing or edging. This strategic placement of patterning allows new colorwork knitters to focus on mastering the technique in manageable sections rather than throughout the entire piece.

Materials and Yarn

Yarn: The Aegean Tee is designed to be worked in 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 summer wear. Each 50-gram skein yields approximately 102 yards (93 meters). The pattern requires two colors: MC (Main Color) #02 Creme in quantities ranging from 2 to 4 skeins depending on size, and CC (Contrast Color) #37 Kamelie in quantities from 5 to 10 skeins depending on size.

Needles and Tools

Needles: The pattern calls for 24-inch circular needles in US size 3 (3.25 mm) for ribbing and initial cast-on work. US size 6 (4 mm) circular needles measuring 24 inches are used for the main body knitting. Additionally, a set of double-pointed needles in US size 6 (4 mm) is required for working the neckline and sleeve caps in the round. Knitters should select needle sizes to match the gauge specified in the pattern.

Skill Level and Design Features

Rated as a beginner-level pattern, the Aegean Tee is designed to build foundational knitting skills while introducing colorwork in a manageable way. The top-down, in-the-round construction eliminates complex seaming, and the two-color limitation reduces the complexity typically associated with colorwork projects. This makes it an excellent choice for knitters transitioning from basic stockinette stitch projects to those incorporating pattern and color work.