Emma

Emma Chevron Lace Tee by Deb Hoss

What is Being Made

Emma is a short-sleeved knit tee featuring a chevron lace bodice worked from the bottom up. This design combines a fitted lace bodice with practical short sleeves and is part of designer Deb Hoss's lace series. The garment is available in seven sizes ranging from 30¼ inches to 53 inches in finished bust circumference, with the sample photographed in the 34-inch size. The bodice length has been extended to rest gracefully on the upper hipline, though knitters can easily customize the length to their preference.

Knitting Techniques Used

Emma employs several intermediate-level knitting techniques that create both structure and visual interest. The garment is constructed using a bottom-up method, with the bodice worked in the round before the fabric splits at the armholes. This circular knitting approach ensures seamless construction in the body section. The design incorporates lace shaping throughout the chevron pattern, with detailed shaping notes provided to guide knitters through the lace increases and decreases. Short row shaping is used to create proper fit and drape, while a three-needle bind-off joins the shoulder seams. Edge finishing is accomplished with several garter stitch rows worked at the neckline and armhole openings. Stitch pickup around the neckline allows for a clean, finished edge.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The core of Emma's design is a chevron lace pattern that repeats over 9 stitches and 8 rows. Once this fundamental repeat is mastered—which the designer notes is straightforward—the knitting progresses quickly. The lace pattern relies on yarn overs for increases and various decrease methods to create the characteristic chevron shaping. Specific decreases used include SKP (slip, knit, pass slipped stitch over), k2tog (knit two together), p2tog (purl two together), and p2tog tbl (purl two together through the back loop). These decreases, combined with yarn over increases, form the openwork chevron motif. Garter stitch provides a textured, non-curling finish at the edges and creates a subtle frame for the lace bodice.

Required Knitting Skills

• Long-tail cast-on for the initial stitches
• Decreases: SKP, k2tog, p2tog, and p2tog tbl
• Yarn over increases for lace creation
• Lace shaping with included guidance notes
• Stitch pickup around the neckline
• Short row shaping for garment fit
• Three-needle bind-off for shoulder seams

Materials: Yarn and Needles

Emma is designed for DK weight yarn, a versatile yarn weight that creates fabric with excellent drape and definition for lace patterns. DK weight provides the ideal balance for displaying the chevron lace motif while maintaining the light, airy quality the designer emphasizes. The specific needle size is not detailed in the provided content, though DK weight projects typically use US 4–6 needles depending on desired gauge and fabric density. Knitters should refer to the complete pattern for exact needle recommendations and yardage requirements for their chosen size.

Design Notes

Despite its elegant appearance, Emma is described as less complex than it looks, making it an accessible intermediate project for knitters ready to explore lace construction. The straightforward 9-stitch, 8-row lace repeat becomes intuitive quickly, allowing knitters to progress through the garment with confidence and enjoyment. The designer emphasizes that the even column structure of the bodice creates beautiful drape, and the extended length contributes to a flattering silhouette. The short sleeves add practicality to the design while maintaining the focus on the intricate lace bodice. This is an ideal project for knitters seeking to build lace skills while creating a wearable, light garment suitable for layering or warm-weather wear.