Modesty Panel

Modesty Panel by Eirak

What is Being Made

The Modesty Panel is a delicate lace insert designed to extend the neckline of blouses or dresses while adding an elegant touch of lace detailing. This intermediate-level knit project creates a finished piece measuring 9 inches wide by 6 inches long (measured across the top and down the middle when unstretched) that fits bust sizes ranging from 28 inches to 42 inches. The panel can be secured by pinning directly to your bra or blouse, or alternatively, you can add 1/4-inch ribbon ties to each corner and the center bottom for a more permanent attachment option.

Techniques Used

This knitting project employs several intermediate-level techniques that add visual interest and shaping to the finished piece. The pattern utilizes make one increases (M1R and M1L) positioned strategically along the edges to create subtle shaping as the panel is worked. Yarn over increases (yo) are incorporated throughout the lace pattern to create the characteristic openwork that defines the design. Decreases using knit two together (k2tog) and slip, slip, knit (ssk) are worked in combination with yarn overs to form the lace motif repeats. The pattern also includes slip stitch techniques at the beginning of rows (sl1 wyib and sl1 wyif) to create clean, finished edges. An optional picot bind off using a 4mm crochet hook provides a decorative finished edge if desired.

Stitches Used

• Knit stitch (k)
• Purl stitch (p)
• Yarn over (yo)
• Knit two together (k2tog)
• Slip, slip, knit (ssk)
• Make one right increase (M1R)
• Make one left increase (M1L)
• Slip stitch with yarn in back (sl1 wyib)
• Slip stitch with yarn in front (sl1 wyif)
• Knit through back loop (k1 tbl)
• Purl through back loop (p1 tbl)
• Picot bind off (optional, worked with crochet hook)

Materials and Tools

This project requires less than 1 gram of 2-ply silk noil yarn, making it an economical choice for adding a luxury fiber accent to your wardrobe. The silk noil content provides a subtle sheen and delicate drape appropriate for a refined lace insert. You will need 3mm knitting needles (or needles sized to obtain the required gauge), and optionally a 4mm crochet hook if you choose to work the decorative picot bind off finish.

Gauge and Construction

The pattern is worked to a gauge of 46 stitches and 36 rows in 4 inches, which is typical for cobweb and lace-weight yarns worked on fine needles. Construction begins with casting on 25 stitches using a long tail cast on or another method with moderate stretch. The piece is then worked in rows following a charted lace pattern that increases from the initial 25 stitches to accommodate the expanding stitch multiples (multiple of 8 stitches, plus 11 on Row 2, and multiple of 8 stitches, plus 13 on Row 4) as the shaping progresses. Odd-numbered rows are worked as wrong-side rows with edge stitches slipped for a finished appearance.