Perfect Knit Tshirt Knitting Pattern
Introducing: The Perfect Knit T-Shirt -- Free Knitting Pattern
This beginner friendly knitting pattern is worked in the round from the top, down. Both fun to make and wear, this top is designed to be the perfect, everyday knit t-shirt!
Perfect T-Shirt Knitting Pattern
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Skill Level
Easy +
In this pattern, you will need to know how to knit flat and in the round, increase, and pick up stitches. The neckline, sleeve cuffs, and hem are all finished using an I-Cord Bind Off.
Find help with this bind of method here: https://youtu.be/xZvfXSQaF-8
Materials
3, (4, 4, 5, 5), (6, 6, 7, 8) skeins / 696, (928, 928, 1160, 1160), (1392, 1392, 1624, 1624) yards Lion Brand Coboo Yarn (shown in White)
Size US 6 (4.0 mm) 32” circular knitting needles
Size US 6 (4.0 mm) double pointed needles or small circular needle to work sleeves and neckline
Stitch Markers
Stitch holder or scrap yarn
Tapestry Needle to weave in ends
Notes
This raglan style t-shirt is worked from the top, down. After the first few rounds are worked flat to shape the front neckline, this t-shirt will be worked in the round.
Finished Dimensions
| XS | S | M | L | XL | 2X | 3X | 4X | 5X | |
| Bust/Chest Circumference | 32 | 36 | 40 | 44 | 48 | 52 | 56 | 60 | 64 |
| Length | 22.5 | 23 | 23 | 23.5 | 23.5 | 24 | 24 | 24.5 | 24.5 |
XS, (S, M, L, XL), (2X, 3X, 4X, 5X)
Perfect T-Shirt knitting pattern is written for smallest size with changes for larger sizes in parenthesis. When only one number is given, it applies to all sizes. To keep track of your size, you may highlight or circle all numbers for your chosen size before you begin.
Help Choosing Size
This top is designed to be worn with 0-4” of positive ease at the bust. Model is 6' tall, has a 33” bust, and is wearing a size small with 3” of positive ease. For best fit, choose a size that is 0-4” larger than your corresponding bust measurement.
Gauge
22 stitches and 28 rows = 4” in stockinette stitch
Abbreviations
This pattern is written using U.S. English Terminology
BO = bind off
CO = cast on
K = knit
M = stitch marker
M1L = make one left. Pick up the bar between the stitch you just knit and the one you are about to knit with your left needle from front to back, knit through the back.
M1R = make one right. Pick up the bar between the stitch you just knit and the one you are about to knit with your left needle from back to front, knit through the front.
PM = place stitch marker
RS = right side
SM = slip stitch marker
SSK = slip slip knit (left leaning single decrease)
st = stitch
WS = wrong side
[ ] = work instructions within brackets as many times as directed
* = repeat the instructions following the single asterisk as directed
Perfect Knit T-Shirt Pattern
Cast On 94, (94, 94, 94, 96), (96, 96, 96, 96) stitches.
Set-Up Row: p2, PM, p2, PM, p20, PM, p2, PM, p42 (42, 42, 42, 44) (44, 44, 44, 44), PM, p2, PM p20, PM, p2, PM, p2.
Row 1 (RS): k1, M1L, [k to M, M1R, SM, k2, SM, M1L] 4x, k t o last st, M1R, k1.
Row 2 (WS): purl, slipping Ms as you pass.
Rep rows 1-2 eight more times. Then, repeat row 1 once more.
Neckline Join:
You will now join the neckline and begin working in the round.
Cast on 18 (18, 18, 18, 20) (20, 20, 20, 20) sts at the end of the row you just worked. Do not turn, with RS facing you and careful not to twist your work, join to work in round. PM to denote beg/end of each rd. [212, (212, 212, 212, 216), (216, 216, 216, 216) sts total].
Round 1: knit, slipping Ms as you pass.
2: [k to M, M1R, SM, k2, SM, M1L] 4x, k t o end of rd.
Repeat rounds 1-2 9, (13, 20, 25, 30), (35, 41, 46, 52) more times. [292, (324, 380, 420, 464), (504, 552, 592, 640) sts total].
Work even (knitting every row) until piece measures 7, (7.5, 8, 9, 10), (11, 12, 13, 13.5)” from original CO edge.
Separate for Body:
You will now separate the sleeves from the body of the tee and begin working the body in the round.
Next round: removing Ms as you pass, k to 1st M, remove M, k1, place next 62, (70, 84, 94, 104), (114, 126, 136, 148) sts on st holder or scrap yarn, CO 6 sts, k next 84, (92, 106, 116, 128), (138, 150, 160, 172) sts, place next 62, (70, 84, 94, 104), (114, 126, 136, 148) sts on to st holder or scrap yarn, CO 6 sts. Continue knitting body sts to join in round. PM to denote beg/end of each round.
You now have your body sts joined in the round and your sleeve sts on scrap yarn. [180, (196, 224, 244, 268), (288, 312, 332, 356) sts total].
Work the body sts even in stockinette stitch until piece measures 13.5, (13.5, 13, 12.5, 11.5), (11, 10, 9.5, 9)” from underarm CO sts.
BO using a 6 stitch I-Cord bind off.
An I-Cord Bind Off gives this simple t-shirt a beautiful finished edge! This is my favorite tutorial for the i-cord bind off.
Sleeves:
Using double pointed needles or shorter circular needle, slip the 62, (70, 84, 94, 104), (114, 126, 136, 148) sts set aside for a sleeve onto your needle. Pick up and knit 9 sts at the underarm, k around arm opening even in stst until sleeve measures 1.5”. End the final row at the center of the underarm.
BO using a 6 stitch I-Cord bind off. Repeat for second sleeve.
Neckline:
1: beg at left side of back neckline, pick up and knit 23 sts along left sleeve, 12 sts along left side of front neckline, 19 (19, 19, 19, 21) (21, 21, 21, 21) sts across the center front, 12 sts up the front neckline, 23 sts along right sleeve, and 43 (43, 43, 43, 45) (45, 45, 45, 45) sts along the back center.
BO using a 4 stitch I-Cord bind off.
Finishing:
Weave in all ends to secure.
Block by soaking in warm water and lay flat to dry.
Enjoy!