Sonya Tee

Sonya Tee by Born & Raised Knits

What is Being Made

The Sonya Tee is a knitted short-sleeved top designed by Born & Raised Knits as a downloadable PDF pattern. This intermediate-level knitting project features a fitted yoke construction with a peplum detail, offering a modern silhouette suitable for everyday wear. The pattern is available in nine sizes, accommodating a range of finished bust circumferences with 0–1 inch of positive ease for a close, flattering fit.

Techniques Used

This pattern employs several intermediate knitting techniques that create visual interest and structural integrity:

• Knitting in the round: The Sonya Tee is constructed using circular needles to create seamless fabric, which is a hallmark of modern knitwear design and reduces finishing work.
• Stranded knitting: Also known as colorwork or Fair Isle knitting, this technique allows two colors of yarn to be carried across the fabric to create patterned sections, adding depth and visual complexity to the design.
• Peplum folds: A shaping technique that creates a flared ruffle at the waist or hip, adding feminine detail and volume to the garment silhouette.
• Yoke construction: The pattern uses a fitted yoke design that decreases stitches gradually from the neckline downward, creating a tailored fit across the shoulders and upper body.

Stitches Used

The Sonya Tee employs fundamental knitting stitches combined with increase techniques:

• Stockinette stitch: The primary fabric stitch, created by alternating knit and purl rows, producing a smooth, flat surface that serves as the foundation for the colorwork pattern.
• Ribbing: Used for the neckline and cuffs, ribbing is created by alternating knit and purl stitches in vertical columns, providing elasticity and a finished edge.
• Knit (k): The basic stitch that forms the primary fabric.
• Purl (p): The reverse of the knit stitch, used in ribbing and pattern work.
• Purl one through the back loop (p1tbl): A twisted purl stitch that creates a more refined edge, often used in ribbing for a polished finish.
• Make one (m1): An invisible increase method that adds one stitch without creating visible holes, used for shaping the garment.
• Yarn over (yo): An increase that creates a deliberate eyelet or decorative hole, adding texture and visual interest to the design.

Materials and Gauge

The Sonya Tee is designed to be knitted with 4-ply fingering weight yarn, a fine yarn that creates delicate, detailed fabric suitable for fitted garments. The pattern specifies Boon Classic yarn from Woolen Boon in two colors:

• Main Color (MC): 'Dress Blues' in Boon Classic, requiring 400–560 yards depending on size
• Contrast Color (CC): 'Hands Down' in Boon Classic, requiring 220–380 yards depending on size

Knitting needles required include US 5–6 circular needles in 16-inch and 24–32-inch lengths for the main fabric, and US 4 circular needles in 16-inch and 9-inch lengths for ribbing. The smaller needle size creates a tighter gauge in the ribbed sections, ensuring they hold their shape and provide proper elasticity.

Gauge is measured in stockinette stitch using Chart B, which guides the colorwork pattern. Achieving the correct gauge is essential for proper fit and is determined by swatching before beginning the project. Additional notions include a darning needle for weaving in ends and stitch markers for tracking pattern repeats and shaping points.

Pattern Details

The yoke length, including ribbing, measures approximately 9–10 inches depending on size. The pattern includes detailed sizing information across nine sizes, with finished bust circumferences clearly specified to help knitters select the appropriate size. The downloadable PDF format allows for easy reference during knitting, with charts and written instructions provided for both the colorwork sections and shaping details.