Knitting pattern for summer - Broken Symmetry top

 

Hello fellow knitters!

I am thrilled to share my latest summer design with you all – the Broken Symmetry Top. This stylish and breezy top is perfect for those hot summer days, and it’s a project that you’ll love knitting and wearing.

Inspiration and Design

The Broken Symmetry Top draws inspiration from one of my previous designs, the Seychelles Tee. I loved the lacy stripes formed by elongated stitches in the Seychelles Tee, so I decided to incorporate a similar feature into this new design. However, this time, I wanted to add a twist. Instead of uniform stripes, the Broken Symmetry Top features asymmetrical and randomly ordered lacy stripes, adding an element of surprise and uniqueness to the garment.

The back of the top is knitted in plain stockinette stitch, providing a smooth and simple contrast to the intricate front. The result is a modern and eye-catching piece that will turn heads wherever you go.

Yarn ideas

The Broken Symmetry Top is knitted with DK yarn in a linen and cotton blend. This combination makes the top lightweight, breathable, and perfect for summer wear. Linen and cotton are known for their excellent drape and comfort, ensuring that the top keeps you cool and comfortable even on the warmest days.

My sample is knitted with King Cole Linendale DK yarn in shade Mushroom. 

The yarns include both cotton, linen and viscose fibres and has slightly lose spin, which helps to created beautiful drapery fabric. 

For inspiration and more yarn ideas you can see the project pages from my test knitting team on Ravelry: https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/broken-symmetry-top/people 

My favourite yarns for this project are as follow:

1. CotLin by Knit Picks  is 70% cotton and 30% linen blend, which comes in many beautiful shades. It is durable, wearable and soft yarn. 

2. CotLin Bare by Knit Picks is the same cotton linen blend which comes undyed. So you can not only knit yourself a lovely summer garment, but also customize the colour by dying it with plant based or even artificial dye. 

3. BC Garn Alino from Lovecrafts. It is 50% linen and 50% cotton blend with comes in both pastel and bright shades. 

4. King Cole Bamboo-Cotton DK from Lovecrafts. It is 50% bamboo and 50% cotton blend. I used this yarn for both adult and children projects and love the result! 

Summer Yarn sale

Construction and pattern

One of the best features of this design is its "minimum seams" construction. The top is designed to minimize seaming, making it easier and quicker to complete. The boxy silhouette and slightly cropped length add to the casual, yet stylish look of the top. Whether you pair it with high-waisted shorts, a skirt, or your favourite jeans, this top is versatile enough for any summer outing.

Thanks to the medium weight yarn and straightforward construction, the Broken Symmetry Top is a relatively quick project. The top is knitted seamlessly up to underarms and has the photo tutorial for elongated stitches. It is written for wide range of sizes from XS to 3XL

You can knit it up just in time for your next summer holiday! The pattern is suitable for intermediate knitters, but adventurous beginners looking to expand their skills will also enjoy the challenge.

I hope you love the Broken Symmetry Top as much as I do. It’s a fun and rewarding project that results in a stylish, unique garment perfect for the summer season. I can’t wait to see your versions of this top and how you style it for your summer adventures.

Knitting pattern for Broken Symmetry top is available from Ravelry and Lovecrafts

To celebrate the pattern release I happy to offer you 15% off the pattern on Ravelry with code BL15. Offer is valid until 15th of July, 2024.

P.S. Don’t forget to share your finished tops on social media using the hashtag #vitalinacraftdesign. I’d love to see your creations and feature them in my stories!

To see some behind the scene photos you can follow me on Instagram.

You are also welcome to join my Facebook knitting group to share your work and get some help with my patterns.

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Summer top knitting pattern - Seychelles tee

 My New Summer Design is Off the Needles! Please Welcome the Seychelles Tee! 🌸

I'm thrilled to introduce my latest creation, the Seychelles Tee! This stylish top is knitted with DK weight yarn in a bamboo and cotton blend, making it perfect for hot summer days. The cotton fiber helps the garment retain its shape, while the bamboo adds softness and breathability.

Design Features:

• Crop Boxy Silhouette: Trendy and flattering, perfect for pairing with high-waisted shorts or skirts.

• Round Neck: Classic and versatile for any look.

• Slightly Dropped Shoulder: Adds a relaxed and comfortable fit.

• Minimal Seams: Knitted in the round up to the underarms to minimize seaming, with neck and armhole bands also knitted in the round. Only the shoulder seams need to be sewn.

Unique Details:

• Elongated Stitches: These create beautiful lacy stripes on a stockinette background for a polished and stylish look.

Whether you’re heading on holiday or planning a city stroll, this top is easy to style with any outfit. Knit it in your favourite summer yarn and add a splash of colour to the lacy stripes for your own unique garment.

Pattern Details:

• Size Inclusive: Written for sizes from XS to 3XL.

• Photo Tutorial: Includes a handy photo tutorial for elongated stitches, making it easy to follow along.

✨ Why You’ll Love It:

• Breathable and Comfortable: Ideal for warm weather with a bamboo-cotton blend.

• Effortless Style: Pairs easily with your summer wardrobe.

• Quick Knit: Enjoy a satisfying and fun project.

The knitting pattern for the Seychelles Tee is now available on Ravelry . Grab your needles and yarn, and start your summer knitting adventure today!

To celebrate the pattern release enjoy special discount for blog readers  - 15% off on Ravelry with code BL15

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Knitted vest – styles, materials and knitting patterns

 Part 1

Why opt for knitted vest

I have been a big fun of wearing knitting vests for many years. As a perfect layering piece, any vest is so easy to style and so comfortable to wear in everyday life. It is such a versatile addition to both children and adults wardrobe. Knitting of vest has so many positives - it is really fast to knit as it has no sleeves, takes less yarn and it still gives you this feeling and satisfaction of a completed garment! 

Note: Cable Whisper vest (left) and Hoya vest (right)

Any vest is also essential garment for children wardrobe! They provide just the right amount of warmth without the bulk of sleeves, making them ideal for active play. Plus, they're super easy for kids to put on and take off, fostering a sense of independence. 

Over the years, I have designed a number of different vest for children and adults. So let’s discover the world of knitting vests and see what styles and options are available and how to style them in everyday life. First let talk about materials that would create a perfect vest for any occasion. 

Yarn choice

When it comes to yarn choices, the possibilities are endless! Opt for a warm wool blend for extra coziness or choose a soft cotton for a lighter feel. The beauty of vests lies in their adaptability to different styles and preferences. You can read more about yarn choices for any knitted garment in one of my previous posts Choosing Yarn for knitting project 

Let's talk about types of vests.

T-shape vest

T-shape vest is a lovely option, which creates an illusion of a vest with short dropped shoulder. It can be knitted as a one piece by adding a number of stitches on the lower edge of armhole as well as a number of rows in chosen stitch (ribbing, garter etc) can be added to the edge of vest along the armhole after front and back are completed and sewn together. This style of vest is easy to customize by playing with body and sleeve length. 

There are a few t-shape vest in my collection

1. Arlet vest 

This vest has classic t-shape silhouette, knitted as you go sleeve, round neck and fancy little pocket at front. The front of vest is decorated with beautiful easy to memorise cable in combination with fancy textured stitch. Knitting pattern for Arlet vest is size inclusive and written for sizes from XS to 5XL

Knitting pattern for Arlet vest is available from Ravelry and Lovecraft

2. Cable leasure vest 

Cable Leisure vest is beautiful unisex vest for children. Decorated with pretty cable at front, this vest is a great project for cable knitters. You can adjust the collar length to folded turtle neck and create a perfect winter vest with no need for scarf! Also by playing with the vest length up to underarms, you can update it to a tunic length or to a crop version. 

Knitting pattern for the vest is available from Ravelry and Lovectafts 

3. Crossbow vest 

Crossbow vest is fancy vest with illusion of 3D stitch but there are no cables. It takes a bit of time to finish it but knitting process itself is very simple as there are just knit and purl stitches involved and no increases or decreases. It has wide short sleeves and boat neck. 

Find this pattern on Raverly or Lovecrafts 

Classic vest with round neck 

A classic knitted vest normally has a simple timeless design, which makes it versatile wardrobe staple. In terms of shape, it often adopts a straightforward silhouette ranging from fitted to slightly relaxed. The style is often sleeveless, allowing for easy layering over different outfits.  

The choice of stitch pattern can vary, but classic vests often feature simple textured stitches, such as ribs or cables, contributing to a clean and polished look. It can be knitted with V-neck or a round neck. 

1. Cable Whisper Vest 

Cable Whisper vest is a great example of a classic vest with Aran stitches. It is knitted with DK weight yarn and makes a perfect transition from warm to cold season and vice versa. Both front and back of vest are decorated with beautiful cables combination. Other vest features are a round neck, side slits and slightly cropped length, which is easy adjustable by adding an inch or so before armhole shaping. The vest is worked flat from bottom up, collar and armhole bands are knitted in the round.

Pattern for Cable Whisper vest is on Ravelry and Lovecrafts 

2. Tonic vest

Tonic vest is another example of a classic knitted vest. It is knitted with 4-ply weight yarn in combination of stockinette, moss and fancy textured stitches. 

Knitting pattern is available from Ravelry and Lovecrafts

3. Lady Butterfly vest

Designed for kids, this beautiful vest is decorated with 3D butterfly at front and fancy bands around neck, armholes and along the bottom line. The front and back of vest are knitted in easy to memorise textured stitch, which makes the knitting process fast and enjoyable. 

Both vest and hat are knitted with sport/5-ply weight yarn

Knitting pattern for vest is available from Ravelry and Lovecrafts.

The matching hat is also on Ravelry and Lovecrafts 

Part 2 of Vests overviews is coming soon  :)

To see some behind the scene photos you can follow me on Instagram.

You are also welcome to join my Facebook knitting group to share your work and get some help with my patterns.

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Knitted sweater with textured stitch - Tiny Tiles sweater knitting pattern

Over the years and across generations, this project holds a special place in my heart. The original idea for this sweater came from my mother, who knitted it for me when I was a teenager. It became my favourite garment for many years, cherished for its colour, style, and perfect fit. I wore it until it developed holes on the elbows and cuffs, attempting repairs but unable to find an exact colour match. Now, I've knitted a similar sweater for my daughter, staying true to the beloved colour. Please welcome the knitting pattern for Tiny Tiles sweater.

The sweater is knitted with easy to memorise textured stitch, which makes the knitting process fast and enjoyable. Round neck, set in sleeves and straight silhouette are main features of this beautiful design. The bottom band and sleeve cuffs are knitted in double-layered stockinette fabric. 

Knitted with sport weight yarn, this sweater is perfect addition to spring/summer wardrobe. Adding a bit of length before armhole shaping or reducing it to crop fit allows to customize the sweater as per personal preference.  

Knitting pattern is written for sizes from 18 months to 16 years. Pattern is available from Ravelry and Lovecrafts.  

To see some behind the scene photos you can follow me on Instagram.

You are also welcome to join my Facebook knitting group to share your work and get some help with my patterns.

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