Denim Shirt

Denim Shirt by Sian Brown

What is Being Made

This is a knitted denim shirt designed by Sian Brown as a downloadable PDF knitting pattern. The garment is a button-up shirt crafted using the denim knitting technique, which creates a fabric that mimics the appearance and durability of woven denim. The shirt features 12 buttons for closure and is available in seven different sizes to fit bust measurements ranging from 82cm (32 inches) to 112cm (44 inches).

Yarn and Materials

The Denim Shirt requires Rowan Denim DK yarn in the Memphis shade, with yardage ranging from 20 to 26 balls of 50g each depending on the size selected. This DK (double knit) weight yarn is specifically formulated to create authentic denim fabric through the knitting process. A single ball of Rowan Cotton Glace in Cream is included for embroidery details. The pattern calls for 3.25mm (US 3) and 4mm (US 6) knitting needles, allowing for proper gauge control between the ribbed edges and the main fabric body.

Techniques and Construction

This intermediate-level knitting project employs the traditional denim knitting technique, which involves working with indigo-dyed yarn that fades and shrinks during washing to create authentic denim characteristics. The construction method uses stocking stitch (stockinette stitch) as the primary fabric structure, combined with ribbed edging for a finished appearance. The pattern includes shaping techniques such as make 1 (m1) increases and skpo (slip, knit, pass slipped stitch over) decreases to achieve proper fit and garment shaping.

Stitches Used

• Knit stitch (k) – the fundamental stitch forming the primary fabric
• Purl stitch (p) – used for ribbed sections and textural detail
• Stocking stitch (st st) – the main fabric construction combining knit and purl rows
• Make 1 (m1) – an increase technique for shaping
• Skpo (slip, knit, pass slipped stitch over) – a left-leaning decrease for shaping
• Yarn round needle (yrn) – a yarn over technique for creating texture or eyelet details

Gauge and Finishing Details

The pattern specifies a critical gauge measurement of 20 stitches and 28 rows to a 10cm (4-inch) square over stocking stitch using 4mm needles before washing. After the denim yarn is washed—a crucial step in this technique—the gauge changes to 20 stitches and 35 rows to 10cm, reflecting the characteristic shrinkage and fading of denim fabric. This transformation is essential to achieving the authentic denim appearance and proper final garment dimensions.

Sizing and Fit

The Denim Shirt is offered in seven sizes with bust measurements ranging from 82cm to 112cm (32 to 44 inches). The actual finished bust measurements are generously sized from 95cm to 131cm (37½ to 52¼ inches), providing comfortable wearing ease. Length to shoulder ranges from 54cm to 60cm (21¼ to 23½ inches), and sleeve length varies between 44cm and 46cm (17¼ to 18 inches) across the size range.