Sanctuary

Sanctuary Yoke Tee by Stephanie Earp

What is Being Made

The Sanctuary Yoke Tee is a knitted top designed by Stephanie Earp featuring a distinctive yoke construction. This garment is available in 6 sizes, ranging from size 1 to size 6, with bust measurements spanning from 88 cm (34.5 inches) to 150 cm (59 inches). The design offers versatility for various body types and fit preferences.

Design Inspiration and Structure

The shaping of this yoke draws inspiration from the domed ceilings found in ancient buildings, spanning architectural styles from Mycenae to Isfalah. Rather than focusing on ornate decoration with color and gilt typical of historical examples, this knitted interpretation emphasizes the elegant structural elements of these classical architectural forms. This thoughtful design approach creates a visually interesting garment with purposeful shaping.

Knitting Techniques Used

The Sanctuary Yoke Tee employs intermediate-level knitting techniques suitable for knitters with some experience. The pattern utilizes yoke shaping as its primary construction method, which involves strategic increases and decreases to create the domed silhouette. The garment is worked using circular needles in the round, a technique that allows for seamless construction and efficient stitch management.

Stitches and Pattern Details

The pattern incorporates charted colorwork and written instructions to guide knitters through the construction. Key stitches referenced include knit (k) and knit 2 stitches together (k2tog), which are fundamental to the shaping techniques. The yoke and body are worked according to a detailed chart pattern that defines both the structural shaping and any colorwork elements. The pattern includes 6 pages of comprehensive instructions and charts to support knitters throughout the project.

Materials Required

This pattern calls for BC Garn Bio Balance yarn in fingering weight (4-ply), a blend of 55% organic wool and 45% organic cotton. The yarn is available in 50g skeins with 225 meters (246 yards) per skein. Depending on the size selected, knitters will need between 3 to 9 skeins of yarn. The pattern shown is worked in the colorway Marsh (BL005). The yardage requirements increase with larger sizes, ranging from 3 skeins for size 1 to 9 skeins for sizes 5 and 6.

Needles and Tools

The Sanctuary Yoke Tee requires two sets of circular needles in different sizes to accommodate the gauge changes throughout the project. Knitters will need:

• 3.5 mm / US 4 circular needles in both 16-inch and 32-inch lengths for the main body and yoke sections
• 2.75 mm / US 2 circular needles in both 16-inch and 32-inch lengths for ribbed sections or gauge-specific areas

Additional tools include a darning needle for weaving in ends, stitch holders or waste yarn for managing stitches during construction, and at least 1 stitch marker for tracking pattern repeats and shaping points.

Gauge and Blocking

The pattern specifies a gauge of 26 stitches and 29 rows over 10 centimeters (4 inches) when worked in the Yoke and Body Chart pattern on 3.5 mm needles, measured after blocking. Achieving proper gauge is essential for obtaining the correct finished measurements, and blocking is recommended to set the stitches and achieve the intended dimensions.

Skill Level

This pattern is rated as intermediate difficulty, making it suitable for knitters who have mastered basic techniques and are ready to tackle more complex shaping and charted patterns. The combination of yoke construction, circular needle work, and chart reading provides an engaging project for developing knitting skills.