Frou Frou Tee

Frou Frou Tee by KatyTricot

What is Being Made

The Frou Frou Tee is a children's knitted top designed by Ekaterina Blanchard, available in multiple sizes ranging from 12/18 months through 15 years. This garment features a distinctive keyhole slit neckline and is constructed as a seamless, one-piece design worked from the top down. The finished chest circumference ranges from 20 inches (50 cm) for the smallest size to 34½ inches (86 cm) for the largest size, with intended positive ease of 2-3 inches (5-7.5 cm) for comfortable wear.

Construction Techniques

The Frou Frou Tee employs a circular yoke construction method, a popular top-down approach that begins at the neckline and works downward. The pattern uses several advanced shaping techniques to create a well-fitted garment:

• Back and forth yoke shaping: The yoke is initially worked in rows (rather than rounds) to create the keyhole slit detail at the neckline
• Shoulder shaping lines: Integrated throughout the yoke to ensure proper sleeve cap fit and garment structure
• Short row shaping: Applied at the neck area to add depth and contour to the neckline opening
• Shadow wraps short row technique: A specific short row method employed to create invisible shaping transitions
• Transition to circular knitting: After the initial yoke shaping, the pattern transitions to working in the round while maintaining shoulder shaping to the armhole opening
• Divided front and back: At the armholes, the front and back pieces are worked separately to the base of the armholes before being rejoined
• One-piece body: The front and back are joined again and worked as a single piece to the bottom edge for a seamless finish

Stitches and Stitch Techniques

While specific stitch details are referenced in the pattern notes, the primary construction utilizes knit and purl stitches combined with decreases for shaping. The pattern incorporates short row wrapping as a key technique to create smooth, invisible transitions in the shoulder and neckline shaping areas.

Materials and Yarn Specifications

The Frou Frou Tee is designed to be worked in DK weight yarn, a lightweight yarn that creates a delicate, breathable fabric ideal for children's garments. Yarn quantities vary by size, ranging from approximately 320 yards (smallest size) to 803 yards (largest size). The pattern requires circular needles appropriate for DK weight yarn, as well as straight needles or double-pointed needles for the initial back-and-forth yoke sections. The lightweight yarn weight combined with the seamless construction creates a comfortable, flexible garment suitable for active wear.

Difficulty Level

This pattern is rated as beginner-friendly, making it accessible to knitters who are new to garment construction. Despite the sophisticated techniques like short row shaping and circular yoke construction, the pattern provides clear guidance for knitters building their skills in top-down sweater design.