Braideen tee

Braideen Tee by Katherine Vaughan

What Is Being Made

The Braideen Tee is a women's knitted short-sleeve top designed by Katherine Vaughan. This intermediate-level project creates a lightweight summer garment available in four sizes: Small through Extra Large, with finished bust measurements ranging from 34 inches to 46 inches and lengths from 22.5 inches to 25 inches. The design features decorative cable trim that adds visual interest while maintaining the breathable quality essential for warm-weather wear.

Knitting Techniques and Stitches

The Braideen Tee employs several key knitting techniques to create its finished appearance. Stockinette stitch forms the primary fabric base, providing a smooth, classic knit surface. The garment incorporates cable stitches as decorative trim elements, specifically featuring two cable variations:

• C3/3r (Right Cable): Created by slipping 3 stitches to a cable needle and holding in back, knitting 3 stitches, then knitting the 3 stitches from the cable needle
• C3/3l (Left Cable): Created by slipping 3 stitches to a cable needle and holding in front, knitting 3 stitches, then knitting the 3 stitches from the cable needle

These cable patterns are strategically placed at the hem and sleeve cuffs, creating a simple but interesting textural contrast. The design philosophy recognizes that cables are particularly appropriate for summer garments when applied as trim to lightweight fabrics rather than throughout the entire piece. The pattern also includes standard finishing techniques such as binding off and the use of stitch holders or waste yarn for managing stitches during construction.

Materials and Tools

The Braideen Tee pattern calls for 5 to 7 hanks of South West Trading Company Yin yarn (the exact quantity depends on size), a premium blend composed of 60% wool, 20% silk, and 20% bamboo. Each hank provides 50 grams and 165 meters of yarn, offering excellent yardage for this project. The silk and bamboo content contributes to the lightweight, breathable qualities that make this tee ideal for warm weather.

The pattern requires multiple needle sizes to achieve proper gauge and construction: US size 5 (3.75mm) needles for the main fabric, US size 6 (4.0mm) needles (one size larger) for specific sections, and a US F/5 (3.75mm) crochet hook for finishing details. Additional tools include a cable needle for executing the cable stitches, a stitch holder or waste yarn for managing stitches, and a yarn needle for weaving in ends and seaming.

Gauge and Sizing

Achieving the correct gauge is essential for this project. The pattern specifies 19 stitches and 31 rows equal 4 inches (10 centimeters) in Stockinette stitch. This gauge measurement ensures that the finished garment will achieve the intended dimensions and drape properly. The pattern accommodates multiple body sizes through four distinct size options, allowing knitters to customize the fit to their measurements.