A Sweet Top to Show Off Colorful Yarns

Sometimes it can be hard to figure out what to do with self-striping and color changing yarns. And sometimes the best option is just to throw two different colorways together and make it even more stripey.

That was the approach used in the Caron Knit Chevron Tank. This lacy tank top uses an eyelet chevron pattern and changes colorways after two rows (since it’s knit flat, that makes it easy because you always change colors when you get back to the other yarn end).

There’s a little bit of shaping for the armholes and neckline, but most of the body is straight and easy to knit once you get the hang of the pattern. it also only has you working straight knitting on the back rows, so that makes it easy to keep up with where you are in the pattern, too.

The top comes in six sizes, meant to fit a chest measurement ranging from 28-34 inches (71-86.5 cm) on the smallest size to 56-62 inches (or 142-157.5 cm) on the largest size. That’s a pretty big range so check the pattern for the actual finished chest measurements of the design to make sure you’d be happy with that fit.

For example that smallest size has an actual chest measurement of 38.5 inches or 98 cm. If you’re on the smaller size of the range the pattern “fits,” you might find that to be bigger than you would like.

But if there is a size that fits the way you want, this is a cute top that would be a great introduction to yarn overs and decreases like you would use in lace knitting. It would also be a nice first garment, and it’s a perfect summer pattern because those yarn overs make it a little more breathable.

The colors are so fun but you could also use one multicolor and one solid if you like it a little less busy. Either way you can grab this free pattern from Yarnspirations.

[Photo: Yarnspirations]

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When my daughter was in early elementary school we were at Joann together (RIP) and she picked out some variegated pink and white blanket yarn for me to knit a blanket for her bed. Now probably 10 years later, it’s one of her favorite possessions. I note this because the blankets we give to little ones might seem simple on the surface, like something they need to keep warm, but they can turn into so much more.

Take the Pocketful of Love Blanket from Purl Soho. On the surface this is a pretty but also easy to knit blanket for a little one. It’s worked in garter stitch stripes using sport weight yarn (the sample is a superwash wool, but this would also be nice in cotton or a blend) and available in a crib or small throw size. Though of course because it’s garter stitch, it’s pretty easy to make it any size you want.

But what makes this blanket extra special is the little details. The slip stitch selvedges and I-cord bind off give it a crisp look that’s perfect with the garter stitch of the body.

And then there’s the pocket.

This is a big pocket. At 10 inches wide and 12.25 inches tall (that’s 25.4 by 31 cm) for the crib size and 12.75 by 14.25 inches (32.4 by 36 cm) for the throw, you can easily fit a favorite stuffed animal, toy or book into the pocket.

I love how even though it uses the same striped garter stitch pattern as the blanket, it’s stitched down so the stripes run the opposite way (horizontal when the blanket stripes are vertical), though of course you can match stripes if you’d rather.

I think this blanket has the potential to be greatly loved by the little one its given to, and by the knitter look for an easy, pretty baby blanket with a little extra useful twist.

Grab the free pattern from Purl Soho.

[Photo: Purl Soho]

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