Cattleya Tee

Cattleya Tee by Maloraé Designs

Project Overview

The Cattleya Tee is an intermediate-level knitted top designed by Maloraé Designs, available as a downloadable PDF pattern. This garment is crafted using fingering weight yarn and offers a refined, tailored fit suitable for knitters with some experience in garment construction.

What is Being Made

The Cattleya Tee is a short-sleeved knit top featuring a classic tee silhouette with ribbed detailing. The pattern includes eight size options ranging from size 0 through size 7, with finished bust circumferences spanning from 83 cm (32.5 inches) to 152 cm (60 inches). The garment is designed with approximately 5 cm (2 inches) of positive ease for comfortable wear. The tee features a length of 42 cm (16.5 inches) from underarm to hem, with minimal sleeve length of just 5 cm (2 inches) from underarm to cuff, creating a cap sleeve or flutter sleeve effect. The design incorporates button details, with 3 to 4 buttons (12 mm) depending on size.

Techniques Used

This pattern employs fundamental knitting techniques appropriate for intermediate crafters. The primary technique referenced in the pattern includes picking, which is commonly used in garment construction for adding stitches or creating design elements. The construction method involves working the body and sleeves using standard knitting techniques with careful attention to gauge and shaping to achieve the finished measurements.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The Cattleya Tee utilizes stockinette stitch (st sts) as the primary fabric throughout the garment body. Ribbing is incorporated for structural elements, particularly at the cuffs and waistband areas, providing elasticity and a polished finish. The pattern specifies a gauge of 26 stitches and 36 rows to 10 cm in stockinette stitch on 3.5 mm needles after blocking, which is essential for achieving accurate finished measurements.

Materials and Yarn Requirements

• Yarn Weight: Fingering weight (4-ply) yarn, specifically Shiva fingering from Eline et laines
• Main Color (MC) - Col Vif Argent: 600 to 1,100 meters (658 to 1,205 yards) depending on size
• Contrast Color (CC) - Col Lilas: 200 to 280 meters (220 to 310 yards) depending on size
• Needles: 3.5 mm (US 4) needles for the body and 3 mm (US 2.5) needles for ribbing
• Notions: Stitch markers, waste yarn for provisional cast-on or stitch holders, and 3 to 4 buttons measuring 12 mm in diameter

Sizing and Finished Measurements

The pattern offers comprehensive sizing across eight sizes (0 through 7). Key finished measurements include:

• Bust Circumference (A): Ranges from 83 cm (32.5 inches) in size 0 to 152 cm (60 inches) in size 7
• Upper Arm Circumference (B): Ranges from 29 cm (11.5 inches) in size 0 to 45 cm (17.8 inches) in size 7
• Length from Underarm to Hem (C): Consistent at 42 cm (16.5 inches) across all sizes
• Sleeve Length from Underarm to Cuff (D): Consistent at 5 cm (2 inches) across all sizes

Design Features

The Cattleya Tee incorporates a two-color knitting design, utilizing both a main color and a contrasting color to create visual interest. The use of fingering weight yarn allows for detailed stitch definition and a refined fabric drape. The minimal sleeve length combined with the fitted body creates a modern, contemporary aesthetic suitable for various styling occasions.