Hold onto Summer with the Hipster Top Knitting Pattern

As I write this, summer is winding down and kids are going back to school, but I know that in a lot of the Northern Hemisphere it will still be warm for a long time, and it’s probably already getting warmer in the Southern Hemisphere.

So it’s basically the perfect time for anyone to knit a tee shirt.

Especially when it’s one that’s as full of cute details as the Hipster Top by Joji Locatelli.

Inspired by the stripes and design details of the Hip Stripes Shawl (Ravelry link), the top has the same narrow stripes in two colors, and the fun lace detail has been added to the shoulders of the cap sleeves.

The tee begins with that little bit of crossed stitch lace and then is worked down in pieces until it is joined for working in the round at the underarm. It makes for a totally seamless construction so all you have to do when you’re done is weave in your ends (if you want; I promise I won’t tell if you don’t).

The V-neck makes it easy and comfortable to wear, and the shirt is made with a light fingering weight yarn that’s a blend of yak and cotton, which sounds super interesting.

The pattern comes in 10 sizes, meant to fit a bust circumference ranging from 30 to 64 inches (76.2 to 162.5 cm), with positive ease of 2-4 inches (5-10 cm) built in.

This looks like a really easy pattern because once you get past that little bit of lace (there’s a video to help you along if you need it) it’s all stockinette down to the ribbing at the bottom of the top. And those little stripes are sure to make you knit this project at lightning speed because you’ll want to knit “just one more stripe!” all the time until it’s done. That’s just science.

You can find this pattern on Ravelry.

[Photo: Joji Locatelli]

More Summer Top Knitting Patterns to Finish Out the Season

Knit a Summer Top with a Textured Twist

Knit a Summer Top with a Little Frill

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Many times when I write these posts I will say something like “you can use any yarn you want” or “this would be a great stash-busting project.” That’s just how my mind works. And my stash, too, since I probably have sweater quantity of two or three yarns at most, but tons of singles and odd balls and leftovers.

Blankets are generally a really good way to use up those bits, but in this case, I think you’re going to want to plan it out a bit better.

Looking at photos of the Color Study Blanket from Purl Soho, it looks like it’s made with two yarns held together, and that block in the center is worked with one of each color from the adjoining sides to make a mixed up color.

But that’s not actually how it’s done. This is three separate colors (four, really, with the neutrals in the corners) chosen form a yarn with an expansive palette so they play off each other. The project calls for a worsted weight superwash wool, which is a great choice for a blanket that’s both warm and washable.

This pattern was originally designed by Laura Ferguson and was updated by Hiromi Glover. It is worked in one piece in garter stitch intarsia, which is a great way to learn the intarsia technique if you don’t already know it. It comes in crib or throw sizes.

Despite the introduction to this post, I am going to go ahead and say that, yes, of course you could do this blanket with scraps or odd balls or even just choose five colors that don’t blend together so easily. But I really do love the look of the color play, and I think it would be worth your time to find colors that play well together to get a similar effect.

This pattern is available for free from Purl Soho.

[Photo: Purl Soho]

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