Banding Striped Tee

Banding Striped Tee by Patty Lyons

What is Being Made

The Banding Striped Tee is a women's knitted pullover top designed as a quick-to-knit summertime garment. Available in eight sizes ranging from XS to 4X, with finished bust measurements from 30½ inches to 55½ inches and length options from 23 inches to 27¾ inches, this tee offers versatile sizing for various body types. The design features a distinctive construction method that combines horizontal and vertical knitting techniques for visual interest.

Construction Techniques

This intermediate-level knitting project employs a two-part construction method that sets it apart from traditional top-down or bottom-up garments. The base section is worked from side to side, creating horizontal striping as the knitter progresses across the width. Once the base section is completed and blocked to shape, stitches are picked up along one edge to knit the top section from the bottom up. This innovative approach allows the striped banding to run horizontally across the body, creating a flattering visual effect.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The Banding Striped Tee features a lace pattern as its primary stitch structure. The gauge is established at 18 stitches by 27 rows over 4 inches (10 centimeters) when working the lace pattern using the larger needles. The lace pattern creates an open, breathable fabric ideal for warm-weather wear while adding textural depth to the design.

Materials and Needles

Yarn: The pattern calls for Willow Yarns™ Coastal, a 100% combed cotton yarn in the Aran weight category. The colorway shown is Reflecting Pool (color code 73194-0005). Yardage requirements range from 5 balls for the smallest size (XS) to 8 balls for the largest sizes (3X and 4X), with each ball containing 149 yards and weighing 85 grams.

Needles: The pattern requires two needle sizes to create proper fabric texture and structure. US size 7 (4.5mm) needles are used for the main lace pattern work where gauge is established. US size 6 (4mm) circular needles measuring 24 inches are used for other sections of the garment, likely for ribbing or edging that requires a tighter gauge.

Notions: Stitch markers are required to help track pattern repeats and construction sections throughout the knitting process.

Designer Notes

Designer Patty Lyons emphasizes the importance of checking gauge before beginning the project, noting that taking time for this step will save time during construction. The designer describes this as a quick knit suitable for summer wear and encourages knitters to share their projects or ask questions through the Banding Striped Tee Ravelry Group community.