Tillandsia

Tillandsia Knit Top by Laura Aylor

What Is Being Made

Tillandsia is a seamlessly knit, body-skimming A-line tee designed for intermediate knitters. This top features a modern silhouette with a swingy fit that drapes elegantly on the body. The garment is sized to be worn with 1 to 6 inches of positive ease at the bust, making it versatile for different styling preferences. Available in five sizes ranging from XS (to fit 30-33" bust) through XL (to fit 46-51" bust), the Tillandsia accommodates a wide range of body types.

Construction Technique

The Tillandsia is knit seamlessly from the top down, beginning with a yoke construction followed by raglan increases. This top-down approach allows knitters to try on the garment as they work and easily adjust the length to their preference. The seamless construction eliminates the need for finishing seams, resulting in a smooth, comfortable wear. The yoke and raglan shaping create a fitted shoulder area that gradually widens into the A-line body silhouette.

Stitch Techniques and Details

This intermediate-level pattern requires several key knitting skills and techniques:

• Long-tail cast-on – Used to establish stitches at the beginning of the project
• German short rows – Creates shaping and contour in the yoke area
• Raglan increases – Structured increases that shape the sleeve cap and upper body
• Backwards-loop cast-on – Used for adding stitches during construction
• Double yarn overs and working into both loops – Creates lace elements and texture
• Single yarn overs – Contributes to the lace pattern details
• Decreasing – Shapes the garment and creates refined edges

The most distinctive design feature is the deep borders of lace and texture that trim both the body and sleeves. These decorative borders add visual interest and a refined finish to the top, elevating the design beyond a basic tee.

Yarn and Materials

The Tillandsia requires approximately 750 to 1150 yards of fingering-weight yarn, depending on size. The yardage ranges from 750 yards for the XS size to 1150 yards for the XL size. The sample garment was knit in Julie Asselin Fino Simple, a luxury blend composed of 75% merino wool, 15% cashmere, and 10% silk. This fiber combination creates a soft, breathable fabric with excellent drape and a subtle sheen.

Knitters choosing a mostly non-wool yarn are advised to check their blocked row gauge, as different fiber content can affect how the fabric behaves after blocking. The pattern calls for US 4/3.5 mm needles, sized to achieve the specified gauge.

Gauge and Sizing

The pattern is worked at a gauge of 22 stitches and 33 rounds in 4 inches of lightly blocked stockinette stitch. Achieving accurate gauge is essential for proper fit, particularly with the positive ease measurements built into the sizing. The schematic provided in the pattern offers detailed measurements beyond the bust sizing, allowing knitters to compare the finished garment dimensions to their preferred fit.