Cotton T Shirt

Cotton T-Shirt by Jo Sharp

What is Being Made

This is a women's knit t-shirt designed by Jo Sharp, available in three sizes to fit bust measurements of 80cm, 90cm, and 100cm. The garment features a classic short-sleeved construction with a ribbed neckline and moss stitch trim details. The t-shirt is designed with a fitted bodice and tailored sleeve shaping for a flattering, wearable everyday piece.

Techniques Used

The pattern employs several fundamental knitting techniques suitable for beginners looking to expand their skills. The construction begins with cast-on at the neckline, followed by ribbing to create the neckline edge. The main body is worked in stockinette stitch, the most common knit fabric structure. Strategic decreasing is used throughout the sleeves to create a tapered fit, with decreases worked at regular intervals (every 7th, 8th, or 9th row depending on size) to shape the arms gradually. The pattern incorporates moss stitch (also called seed stitch) for textural contrast at the cuff edges. Assembly involves joining seams at the bodice, underarms, and sleeves to complete the garment.

Stitches Used

• Ribbing (K1, P1): Used at the neckline for stretch and recovery, creating a neat, fitted neck opening
• Stockinette Stitch (St St): The primary stitch throughout the bodice and sleeves, creating a smooth, classic knit fabric
• Moss Stitch: Applied at the sleeve cuffs for textural detail and a finished appearance
• Decreasing (Dec): Single decreases worked at each end of rows to shape the sleeve cap and taper the sleeves
• Casting Off: Used to secure stitches and finish edges, including the neckline and sleeve cuffs

Materials and Tools

This pattern calls for Desert Garden Aran Cotton yarn in quantities of 10, 12, or 14 balls of 50g each (depending on size selected), providing approximately 668 yards of fiber. The aran weight yarn creates a medium-weight fabric suitable for a breathable, comfortable t-shirt. Knitting is worked on 6.50mm needles (US size 10.5, UK size 3), with both straight needles and 6.50mm circular needles required for different sections of the pattern. Additional notions include 2 stitch holders for managing stitches during construction. The pattern is presented as a downloadable PDF format, making it accessible for immediate use.

Difficulty Level

Rated as a beginner project, this t-shirt is an excellent choice for knitters developing fundamental skills. While it introduces shaping and multiple stitch types, the straightforward construction and clear row-by-row instructions make it manageable for those new to garment knitting.