Globe Braid Bra

Globe Braid Bra by Taylor Owen

Garment Overview

The Globe Braid Bra is an ultra soft and cozy knitted undergarment designed for fall and winter layering. This intermediate-level knitting project is constructed from the bottom up, featuring decorative cable motifs on both the front and back panels. The design combines quick and simple construction techniques with strategic shaping through increases and decreases, making it an accessible yet visually interesting project for knitters with some experience.

Construction Method and Design Features

Knit from the bottom up using circular needles, this bra incorporates cable motifs as the primary design element on the front and back sections. The garment relies on increases and decreases of various types to create shaping and structure. The combination of these shaping techniques with the cable pattern creates visual interest while maintaining a straightforward construction process.

Stitches and Techniques

• Stockinette stitch – The primary stitch used throughout the garment, providing a smooth, classic knit fabric base
• Cable stitches – Featured on both front and back panels to add textural interest and visual dimension
• Ribbing – Used for edge finishing and structural support
• Increases and decreases – Multiple types employed throughout for shaping and fit

Yarn and Materials

This design is worked in DK weight yarn, specifically Green Mountain Spinnery's Cotton Comfort blend. This yarn is composed of soft cotton and fine wool fibers blended on carders using woolen preparation methods, then spun on worsted spinning machines to create a lofty, light, yet sturdy and stable 2-ply construction. The yarn's soft and springy nature makes it ideal for this undergarment project, providing comfort and recovery.

Needles and Tools

• Size A circular needles – Two sizes smaller than Size B, used for ribbing sections
• Size B circular needles – Available in 24", 32", or 40" lengths for the main garment construction

Sizing and Gauge

The Globe Braid Bra is available in nine sizes ranging from 30-32 inches to 62-64 inches in finished bust circumference. The pattern provides intended ease of -2" to 0", meaning the finished garment will fit close to the body or slightly smaller than actual bust measurements. The gauge is 20 stitches and 24 rows over 4 inches in stockinette stitch after blocking, with gauge varying slightly by size (30-32 through 62-64 inches). The sample shown in the pattern is size 30-32, designed for a 31" bust measurement.

Skill Level

This project is rated as intermediate difficulty, making it suitable for knitters who have mastered basic techniques and are ready to work with cable stitches and multiple shaping methods. The bottom-up construction and circular needle technique are standard intermediate-level skills.