Tile Tee

Tile Tee by Annie Lupton

What Is Being Made

The Tile Tee is a relaxed-fit knitted cotton t-shirt designed by Annie Lupton, featuring a striking stranded colorwork pattern inspired by cross and star tile motifs. This intermediate-level knitting project creates a versatile warm-weather garment suitable for spring through fall wear. The design offers four size options with bust measurements ranging from 35 inches to 56.5 inches, accommodating a wide range of body types with 4 to 8 inches of positive ease for comfortable, easy-wearing fit.

Construction Techniques

The Tile Tee employs a thoughtful construction method that combines circular and flat knitting techniques. The garment begins at the bottom edge and is knit in the round, creating a seamless lower body. At the armholes, the pattern transitions to flat knitting for the top portion, allowing for shaping and armhole placement. Once the flat sections are complete, shoulders are seamed together using traditional seaming methods. The finishing process involves picking up stitches around the armholes and neckline to add refined edges, demonstrating intermediate-level technical skill.

Stitches and Colorwork Details

This design showcases stranded colorwork, a technique where two colors of yarn are carried across the fabric to create the cross and star tile pattern. The neckline and bottom edge feature two-color syncopated ribbing, which creates a visually interesting textured edge by alternating colors within the ribbed structure. This ribbing detail adds both aesthetic appeal and functional stretch to the garment's openings, ensuring a comfortable fit around the neck and waist.

Materials and Yarn Requirements

The Tile Tee is designed to be knitted with Quince and Co. Willet yarn in sport weight (also compatible with DK weight). The sample garment shown uses Size 2 with approximately 320 to 590 yards of main color yarn, depending on the chosen size. Knitters will need Size 5 (3.75 mm) circular needles measuring 34 inches or longer to accommodate the in-the-round construction for the lower body. The cotton fiber content makes this yarn an excellent choice for breathable, lightweight summer and transitional season wear.

Ideal for Intermediate Knitters

Rated as an intermediate project, the Tile Tee requires familiarity with circular knitting, stranded colorwork techniques, and basic seaming methods. The combination of in-the-round and flat knitting, along with the two-color pattern work, makes this an excellent project for knitters looking to expand their skills beyond basic stockinette construction while still maintaining manageable complexity.