Elva Tee

Elva Tee by Juliana Lustenader

What is Being Made

The Elva Tee is a knitted short-sleeved top designed by Juliana Lustenader. This garment is available in nine sizes ranging from XS to 5XL, with bust measurements from 34 inches (86 cm) to 66 inches (168 cm). The sample pictured features a Size S fitted to a 38-inch bust model. This beginner-friendly knitting project creates a fitted, wearable tee suitable for various body sizes.

Techniques Used

The Elva Tee is constructed using knitting in the round, a fundamental technique that creates seamless garments. The body is worked circularly using longer circular needles, while the sleeves are worked on double-pointed needles (dpns). This method eliminates the need for seaming and creates a smooth, professional finish. The garment is worked in stockinette stitch in the round, which produces the classic smooth V-pattern texture commonly seen in fitted knit tops.

Stitches Used

The primary stitch construction relies on stockinette stitch in the round, which alternates knit stitches to create a flat, smooth fabric with characteristic texture on both sides. This fundamental stitch is ideal for beginners and produces an elegant drape suitable for a fitted tee silhouette.

Materials and Specifications

Yarn Weight and Yardage: The Elva Tee uses sock or fingering weight yarn, which falls into the 3-ply and 4-ply weight categories. The pattern was designed using Cashmere Treats' Bamboo Sock yarn in the colorway "Hyacinth." This yarn contains 65% Superwash Extrafine Merino, 20% Bamboo, and 15% Silk, offering a blend of durability, breathability, and luxury fiber content. Each skein provides 380 yards (348 meters) and weighs 100 grams (3.53 ounces).

Yardage Requirements by Size:

• XS: 876 yards (801 meters) – 3 skeins
• S: 1003 yards (917 meters) – 3 skeins
• M: 1114 yards (1018 meters) – 3 skeins
• L: 1244 yards (1137 meters) – 3 skeins
• 1XL: 1377 yards (1259 meters) – 4 skeins
• 2XL: 1531 yards (1400 meters) – 4 skeins
• 3XL: 1676 yards (1532 meters) – 5 skeins
• 4XL: 1860 yards (1700 meters) – 5 skeins
• 5XL: 2035 yards (1861 meters) – 5 skeins

Note: Adjusting the length of the garment will affect total yardage requirements.

Needles: The pattern calls for US Size #4 (3.5mm) needles. Circular needles measuring 32 to 60 inches accommodate the body, while double-pointed needles work the sleeves. Knitters should select needle size as needed to achieve the specified gauge.

Gauge

The pattern specifies a gauge of 26 stitches by 36 rounds over 4 inches (10 centimeters) in stockinette stitch in the round. Achieving proper gauge is essential for obtaining the correct finished measurements and fit of the garment.

Difficulty Level

This pattern is rated as beginner-friendly, making it an excellent choice for knitters new to garment construction. The straightforward stockinette stitch and circular knitting techniques provide an accessible introduction to creating fitted knitwear without complex stitch patterns or advanced shaping techniques.