Mariposa Tee

Mariposa Tee by Andrea Sanchez

What is Being Made

The Mariposa Tee is a delicate, lightweight summer knit top designed by Andrea Sanchez. This advanced-level knitting project creates a fitted tee that is worked seamlessly in the round from the top down. The garment features a raglan yoke construction, pleated waist and hip shaping, and distinctive flutter sleeves with short-row detailing. Available in ten sizes ranging from 28 inches to 44 inches bust (70 to 110 centimeters), the tee is designed to be worn with no ease for a close, elegant fit. The sample shown measures 32 inches (80 centimeters) in the bust.

Techniques Used

This advanced knitting pattern employs several sophisticated construction techniques to achieve its refined silhouette. The garment is knit in the round from the top down, which eliminates the need for seaming and creates a seamless, professional finish. The raglan yoke construction provides comfortable armhole shaping while maintaining visual interest at the neckline. Pleated waist and hip shaping create strategic shaping throughout the body of the tee, adding structure and definition. Short-row sleeves are used to craft the flutter sleeve details, a technique that creates curved shaping without increasing stitch counts dramatically. Rounds begin and end at the center back for consistent pattern placement.

Stitches Used

The primary stitch used in the Mariposa Tee is Stockinette Stitch, which creates the smooth, classic fabric base for this garment. The gauge is 28 stitches by 36 rows over 4 inches (10 centimeters) in Stockinette Stitch, providing a guide for achieving the correct finished measurements and drape.

Materials and Tools

The Mariposa Tee is knit using Dream in Color Wisp yarn, a luxurious blend of 50% merino wool and 50% silk. This fiber combination creates a delicate, breathable fabric ideal for warm-weather wear. The yardage requirement is 550 yards (503 meters) total, with skeins needed varying by size: 2 skeins for sizes 28 through 38 inches, and 3 skeins for sizes 40, 42, and 44 inches. The sample shown uses the colorway Tart.

Essential tools for this project include US 3/3.25mm circular needles in multiple lengths to accommodate different sizing stages. Smaller sizes require 16-inch (40-centimeter) and 24-inch (60-centimeter) circular needles, while larger sizes utilize 32-inch (80-centimeter) circular needles. The pattern also calls for two double-pointed needles (dpns), stitch markers for tracking pattern rounds, waste yarn for provisional cast-ons, and a tapestry needle for finishing.