Crown Tee

Crown Tee by Jenise Reid

What is Being Made

The Crown Tee is an advanced-level knitted top designed by Jenise Reid. This downloadable PDF pattern provides instructions for creating a fitted short-sleeved tee available in six sizes ranging from Extra Small to 2x Large, with bust measurements from 28 to 48 inches. The garment is crafted using lace-weight yarn, making it an elegant and delicate piece suitable for experienced knitters.

Yarn and Materials

Yarn: Malabrigo Lace, which is 100% Merino Wool. The yarn yields 400 yards per 50-gram skein. Yardage requirements vary by size, with Extra Small and Small requiring 2 skeins, while Medium, Large, Extra Large, and 2x Large each require 3 skeins. The pattern is shown in colorway 9 Polar Morn. For kettle-dyed yarn like the version pictured, the designer recommends purchasing a minimum of 3 balls per size to allow for color rotation across the body and manage potential color pooling. Solid-colored yarn requires only the yardage amounts listed above.

Needles: 3.75 mm circular needles are required for knitting the body of the garment. Additional circular needles or double-pointed needles (dpns) are needed for working the sleeves.

Notions: A yarn needle is necessary for weaving in ends upon completion.

Knitting Techniques and Stitches

The Crown Tee is constructed using fundamental knitting techniques suited to lace-weight yarn. The primary stitch pattern is stockinette stitch, which creates a smooth, classic fabric. This advanced project requires knitters to be comfortable working with fine lace-weight yarn and managing gauge across both flat and circular needle sections.

The garment is worked in the round for the body using circular needles, a technique that creates seamless construction and allows for efficient stitch management across larger circumferences. The sleeves are worked separately using either circular needles or dpns, depending on the knitter's preference and the sleeve circumference.

Gauge and Finishing

The pattern specifies a gauge of 6 stitches and 9 rows per 1 inch in stockinette stitch, measured after blocking and stretching. The designer notes that swatches may initially measure at 6.5 stitches per inch before blocking, but will relax to the specified gauge once wet-blocked. Proper gauge is essential for achieving the correct finished bust measurements across all size options.

Blocking and stretching are critical finishing steps for this lace-weight project, as they help the delicate merino wool fabric achieve its intended drape and dimensions.