Over the Top Tee

Over the Top Tee by Heidi Kirrmaier

What Is Being Made

The Over the Top Tee is a knitted pullover garment designed as an intermediate-level project. This top is engineered to fit with approximately 3.5 to 10 centimeters (1.5 to 4 inches) of positive ease around the chest, offering versatile fit options across a comprehensive size range from XXS through 6X. The design features asymmetrical shaping in larger sizes, with the front panel measuring 3.5 to 5 centimeters (1.5 to 2 inches) wider than the back on sizes XL and above, creating a distinctive silhouette that justifies the garment's name.

Size Range and Fit

The Over the Top Tee is available in 14 sizes, accommodating finished chest circumferences from 77 centimeters (30 inches) at XXS up to 176 centimeters (69 inches) at 6X. The pattern provides detailed schematic diagrams to assist knitters in selecting the appropriate size based on precise measurements rather than standard sizing alone. The design sample shown features size S with 6 centimeters (2.5 inches) of positive ease.

Knitting Techniques and Construction

This intermediate knitting project employs fundamental top-down construction methods typical of modern garment design. The pattern requires knitters to understand basic shaping techniques, including increases and decreases to create the fitted silhouette. The asymmetrical front panel in larger sizes demands attention to stitch placement and shaping sequences to achieve the intentional design variation.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

While specific stitch patterns are not detailed in the provided content, the Over the Top Tee is designed to showcase the qualities of delicate yarn weights. Knitters working with lace or fingering weight yarns held together, or single-strand sport or dk weight yarns, will likely encounter stitch patterns that benefit from the yarn's drape and sheen, typical of designs intended for silk and similar luxury fibers.

Materials and Yarn Requirements

The Over the Top Tee accommodates flexible yarn choices to suit different preferences and stash utilization. Knitters may work with either two strands of lace or fingering weight yarn held together simultaneously, or alternatively use a single strand of sport or dk weight yarn. The pattern sample was knitted using two luxury silk yarns: one strand of ITO Kinu (100% silk; 425 meters per 50 grams) in color #389 (white) combined with one strand of ITO Sershin (100% silk). This yarn pairing creates a refined, lustrous fabric appropriate for a sophisticated garment.

Tools and Equipment

Knitters will require needles appropriate to the chosen yarn weight and desired gauge. The pattern specifies exact yardage requirements for each size, though complete yardage information is not included in the provided content excerpt. Knitters should consult the full pattern document for precise yardage specifications to ensure adequate yarn quantities before beginning the project.

Difficulty Level

Classified as an intermediate knitting project, the Over the Top Tee assumes knitters possess foundational skills including cast-on techniques, basic stitch execution, and shaping methods. The intermediate designation reflects the garment's fitted construction and the need to manage asymmetrical shaping in larger sizes, making this project suitable for knitters with prior garment-making experience.