Simply Stockinette Tee Knitting Pattern
Hello fellow knitters! Today I am sharing a pattern to make this beautiful, Simply Stockinette Tee. If you’ve been reading my site for a while, you have probably noticed that I love designing knitting patterns of items that are traditionally not knit. Last week I shared my pattern for Cotton Summer Shorts [ linked here ] and last winter I designed a Bomber Hat [ linked here ] with the same concept in mind! I believe that the beauty and wonder of hand-knit goods can be brought to every garment!
This t-shirt is a pattern that I have had in mind for some time but couldn’t quite get the fit right. I wanted to have a soft drape but still a shirt that wasn’t see through or too airy. To achieve this, I used Manos Del Uruguay Algeria yarn [ linked here ]. This yarn is 75% superwash merino and 25% polyamid which gives just a little added flexibility and durability to the fibers — just what I was looking for!
Worked in one piece using simple increases and decreases, this shirt is a relaxing pattern to make and knits up quite quickly because of its simplicity. I like my clothes to fit a bit loose, so for reference, the size I am wearing is medium. This pattern is sized in Small, Medium, Large, and X-Large.
The yarn is linked in this image below. The best deal that I have been able to find on this yarn is through Amazon. If you are making this tee in a size small, order two skeins, if you make it in size medium-xl order 3 skeins. The exact color that I used seems to have been discontinued but if I were to make it again I would use the color Atlantico, Nobuk, or Fondo del Mar for a darker top.
If you would like to use a less expensive yarn or prefer not to use a variegated, hand painted yarn, I have linked Cascade Heritage Sock Yarn in the images below. This yarn is about half the price but a similar fiber content.
To access this pattern for free, keep scrolling. To purchase the printable PDF of this pattern click [here].
PATTERN:
CLICK HERE to get the ad-free, printable pattern PDF
Pattern Description: Introducing the Simply Stockinette Tee! This top is simple to make and perfect for summer. Worked flat in stockinette stitch, this piece knits quickly with subtle seed stitch detailing to add texture!
Skill Level: Intermediate
Materials:
Manos Del Uruguay Alegria yarn 890-1335 yards (2 100g
skeins for sz small, 3 100g skeins for sizes m-xl)
Tapestry needle
Gauge: 14 stitches = 2” in stockinette stitch.
Sizes:
This project can be made in sizes Small, Medium, Large, and X-Large. In the pattern, different stitch numbers will be denoted as such: sm [m, lg, xl]. If not denoted, stitch count or measurement remains the same between all sizes.
Finished Measurements:
Chest: approx, 38 [40, 42, 44] inches
96.5 [101.5, 106.5, 111.5] cm
Length: approx, 22.5 [23.25, 24, 24.5] inches
57 [59, 61, 62.25] cm
Notes:
This project will be worked flat in one piece starting at the front hemline, working upwards, shaping each shoulder and neckline, and joining again to work down the back. Slip the first stitch of each row purl-wise to maintain a selvadge edge.
Abbreviations:
ssk: Slip, Slip, Knit (left leaning decrease).
k2tog: Knit 2 stitches together (right leaning decrease).
m1r: Make one right, (right leaning increase). Insert left needle in the bar between the stitch just worked and the stitch to be worked from back to front, knit through the front.
m1l: Make one left, (left leaning increase). Insert left needle in the bar between the stitch just worked and the stitch to be worked from front to back, knit through the back.
sl1: slip 1 stitch purl-wise.
PM: Place new marker
SM: Slip marker
PATTERN INSTRUCTIONS
Cast on 126 [140, 154, 168] stitches.
Work 1” in (k1, p1) seed stitch.
Continue in stockinette stitch until piece measures 14 [15, 16, 17]” from cast on edge ending with a purl row.
Neckline Shaping for Left Front:
1: Knit 58 [65, 72, 79], k2tog, k1, cast off 4 stitches, ssk, k to end of row.
2: Purl.
3: sl1, ssk, k across.
4-5: Repeat 2-3
6: Purl.
7: sl1, ssk, k to last 2, m1l, p1, k1.
8: sl1, p1, k1, purl across.
9: sl1, ssk, k to last 3 st, m1l, k1, p1, k1.
10: sl1, p1, k1, purl across.
11: sl1, ssk, k to last 4 st, m1l, (p1, k1) 2x.
12: sl1, (p1, k1) 2x, purl across.
13: sl1, ssk, k to last 5, m1l, k1, (p1, k1) 2x.
14: As row 12.
15: sl1, ssk, k to last 6, m1l, *p1, k1. Rep from * to end of round.
16: sl1, (p1, k1) 3x, purl across.
17: sl1, ssk, k to last 7, m1l, k1, *p1, k1. Rep from * to end.
18: sl1, (p1, k1) 3x, purl across.
19: sl1, ssk, k to last 9, sl1, *p1, k1. Repeat from * to end.
20: sl1, (p1, k1) 3x, purl across.
Repeat rows 19-20 until 50 [50, 57, 57] stitches remain on needle for left front.
21: sl1, k to last 9 st, sl1, *p1, k1. Repeat from * to end.
22: sl1, (p1, k1) 3x, purl across.
23: sl1, ssk, k to last 9, sl1, *p1, k1. Repeat from * to end.
24: sl1, (p1, k1) 3x, purl to end.
Repeat rows 21-24 ten more times, 40 [40, 47, 47] stitches remaining for left front.
Repeat rows 21-22, 6 [8, 9, 10] more times.
25: sl1, m1r, k to last 9, sl1, *p1, k1. Repeat from * to end.
26: sl1, (p1, k1) 3x, purl across.
Repeat rows 25-26 five more times, 45 [45, 52, 52] stitches for left front.
27: sl1, m1r, k1, m1r, k to last 9, sl1, *p1, k1. Repeat from * to end.
28: as 26.
Repeat 27-28 five times, 55 [55, 62, 62] stitches for left front.
Neckline Shaping for Right Front:
Starting from neckline/center
2: purl.
3: sl1, k to last 3, k2tog, k1
4-5: repeat 2-3.
6: purl.
7: sl1, p1, m1r, k to last 3 st, k2tog, k1.
8: sl1, purl to last 3, k1, p1, k1.
9: sl1, p1, k1, m1r, k to last 3, k2tog, k1.
10: sl1, purl to last 4 st, *p1, k1. Repeat from * to end.
11: sl1, p1, k1, p1, m1r, k to last 3, k2tog, k1.
12: sl1, purl to last 5, k1, (p1, k1) 2x.
13: sl1, (p1, k1) 2x, m1r, k to last 3, k2tog, k1.
14: sl1, purl to last 6, *p1, k1. Repeat from * to end.
15: sl1, p1, (k1, p1) 2x, m1r, k to last 3, k2tog, k1.
16: sl1, purl to last 7, k1, (p1, k1) 3x.
17: sl1, (p1, k1) 3x, m1r, k to last 3, k2tog, k1.
18: sl1, purl to last 8, *p1, k1. Repeat from * to end.
19: sl1, (p1, k1) 3x, p1, sl1, k to last 3, k2tog, k1.
20: sl1, purl to last 8, *p1, k1. Repeat from * to end.
Repeat 19-20 until 50 [50, 57, 57] stitches remain for right front.
21: sl1, (p1, k1) 3x, p1, sl1, k to end.
22: sl1, purl to last 8, *p1, k1. Repeat from * to end.
23: sl1, (p1, k1) 3x, p1, sl1, k to last 3, k2tog, k1.
24: sl1, purl to last 8, *p1, k1. Repeat from * to end.
Repeat 21-24 ten times, 40 [40, 47, 47] stitches remaining for right front.
Repeat 21-22, 6 [8, 9, 10] more times.
25: sl1, (p1, k1) 3x, p1, sl1, knit to last st, m1l, k1.
26: sl1, purl to last 8, *p1, k1. Repeat from * to end.
Repeat rows 25-26 five times, 45 [45, 52, 52] stitches total for right front.
27: sl1, (p1, k1) 3x, p1, sl1, k to last 2, m1l, k1, m1l, k1.
28: as row 26.
Repeat rows 27-28 five times, 55 [55, 62, 62] stitches for right front.
Join for Back:
1: sl1, (p1, k1) 3x, p1, sl1, k to end of right front, cast on 28 [42, 42, 56] stitches, join and continue knitting stitches set aside for left front starting from inside edge, knit until last 9, sl1, *p1, k1. Repeat from * to end.
2: sl1, (p1, k1) 3x, purl to last 7, k1, (p1, k1) 3x.
3: sl1 (p1, k1) 3x, p1, sl1, k to last 9, sl1, (p1, k1) 4x.
Repeat rows 2-3 until piece measures 4.5 [5, 5.25, 5.5]” from stitches cast on for back neckline, ending with a purl row.
4: sl1, (p1, k1) 3x, k2tog, k to last 9, ssk, k1, (p1, k1) 3x.
5: sl1, (p1, k1) 3x, purl to last 7, k1, (p1, k1) 3x.
6: sl1, (p1, k1) 2x, p1, k2tog, k to last 8, ssk, (p1, k1) 3x.
7: sl1, (p1, k1) 2x, purl to last 6, (p1, k1) 3x.
8: sl1, (p1, k1) 2x, k2tog, k to last 7, ssk, k1, (p1, k1) 2x.
9: sl1, (p1, k1) 2x, purl to last 5, k1, (p1, k1) 2x.
10: sl1, p1, k1, p1, k2tog, k to last 6, ssk, (p1, k1) 2x.
11: sl1, p1, k1, p across to last 4, (p1, k1) 2x.
12: sl1, p1, k1, k2tog, k to last 5, ssk, k1, p1, k1.
13: sl1, p1, k1, purl to last 3, k1, p1, k1.
14: sl1, p1, k2tog, k to last 4, ssk, p1, k1.
15: sl1, p across.
16: sl1, k across.
Work in stockinette stitch as done in rows 15-16 until piece measures 13 [14, 15, 16]” from back armpit.
Work an additional 1” in (k1, p1) seed stitch. Cast off in knit.
Neckline:
Pick up in the selvadge: 6 stitches for center front, PM, 122 [124, 126, 128] for right front, PM, 30 [44, 44, 58] for back neck, PM, 122 [124, 126, 128] for left front, PM. Round will be worked in this order with last marker placed denoting end of round.
1: (k1, p1) seed st around.
2: ssk, p1, k1, k2tog, SM, (p1, k1) until next marker, SM, ssk, (p1, k1) until 2 before next marker, k2tog, SM, (p1, k1) until end of round.
3: k2, p1, k1, SM, (k1, p1) to next marker, SM, k1, (k1, p1) until last stitch before marker, k1, SM, (k1, p1) until end of round.
4: ssk, k2tog, SM, (p1, k1) to next marker, SM, ssk, (k1, p1), until 2 before next marker, k2tog, SM, (p1, k1) to end of round.
5: k2, SM, (k1, p1) to next marker, SM, (k1, p1) until 2 before next marker k2, SM (k1, p1), until end of round.
6: ssk, SM, (p1, k1) until 2 before next marker, k2tog, SM, (p1, k1) to end of round.
Cast off in knit.
Finishing:
Sew both side seams through selvadge edge. Leave 1” of seed stitch at botton edge open. Weave in all ends.
Soak in warm water and lay flat to dry.
Let me know if you have any questions! I hope you enjoy this pattern as much as I do 🙂
With Love, Kaitlin
Great simple shirt.that dresses up or down. Thanks so much for sharing SMILE
It really is! Knits are just so versatile and comfortable 🙂
I really love it, but could I join it in the round instead of doing it flat? I just dont like that much purling! 🙂 I have the perfect yarn for this.
It would mess with the neckline how it currently is! You’d have to modify it some. I wanted to make it so that it required the least amount of picking up stitches as possible! If you want to make a tee in the round you might be best off working top-down!
So, to do it in the round, do you suggest starting with the neckline?
I actually wouldn’t recommend making this design in the round. IF you really wanted to make it (mostly) in the round.. You could start at the bottom edge, work up, and then separate at the underarm to work the front and the back separately and end with a three needle bind off. I don’t have this pattern written for that though so no guarantees. I plan on releasing some more t-shirt style patterns worked in the round this summer though so stay tuned! You can go ahead and email me for more information or questions.
Hi Kaitlin-
Just found you via Pinterest with your herringbone scarf. Like Liz, can you provide any modifications to the pattern to work this one in the round? I’ve heard eliminating 2-4 stitches for each side seam, but too new to knitting to know what else to change. I’d pay for an ‘in the round’ version on Ravelry.
Top down and in the round would be great. Please consider modifying pattern and offering on Ravelry.
For this style the top must be worked flat but I’ll definitely have more in the round styles in the future! 🙂
Hello, I’m loving this pattern, in fact I’m finishing my 1st one and have started on a second one, so thanks. But I have some problems, on neckline shaping for right front, I found liberty 4&5 to be missing, but I kinda winged it. Now on join for back, line 11 is missing and I’m not sure about winging this one as just not sure how many times the (p1 k1) should repeat for that line, so could you tell me what join for back line 11 should be please?
I’m so glad you like it! Somehow, these rows got cutoff in print formatting — I updated it and it should be good to go, thanks for letting me know!
It’s such a simple but beautifully drapey top, I’m doing it in variegated cotton (and one very light version in a fine/sport weight) as I live in a very hot climate and it’s now my go-to spring summer top
Hi there! This is a lovely pattern that I’d like to make for a friend’s birthday gift next year. There is one confusing thing though. Nowhere in the pattern does it explicitly stated where to place stitches on hold for one half of the front when shaping the neckline (or how many stitches). I was messaging with a user on Ravelry who made the garment and she suggested placing the stitches prior to the four that are to be cast off on the first row of the neck shaping on hold, which makes sense to me. Is this correct?
I guess the thing that was confusing to me (aside from there being no instruction to place x-number of stitches on a stitch holder) was the distinction between right front and left front. In my mind, those refer to the garment as it would be worn, but if the first section of stitches is to be held (as stated in the paragraph above) then the directions refer to right front/left front as the knitter would see them while knitting the garment, not as the wearer would see them while wearing it. When I’ve made sweaters before, the directions always referred to the garment as it would be worn.
Any clarification you can provide would be very helpful.
Lovely pattern, incidentally. I plan to make it in Knit Picks’Chroma Twist yarn in the Hollyhock colorway.
Thanks.
V
Hi Vera, thanks for reaching out to me. I am sorry you are having some confusion with this pattern.
First, when you separate for the left front and right front, it doesn’t say where to place the stitches on hold for one half because you actually can leave them on your needle while you work the other half (you can place on a holder if you need but they can simply be left along without being worked).
To elaborate further, for size Small on row 1, you knit 58 sts, k2tog, k1, CO 4, ssk, k to end. At this point you will have 60 sts on either side of 4 cast off sts (60 sts for right front, 60 sts for left front). Then, when you continue onto row 2 you are purling up until the stitches that you cast off.
When you get to the right front, the reason you start in the center and begin with a purl row is that the last row you worked when you were setting up the right/left fronts was a knit row.
For the left vs right fronts, I have seen this written both ways. I refer to left vs right as it appears on your needles. Thanks for your input and I’ll update this in the pattern PDF.
This tee will look lovely in the Chroma Twist! You have a very lucky friend.
Feel free to reach out if you have any more questions.
Hi! I’m super excited to give this a try! What size needles did you use or do you have any suggested size to start with? I’m using the same Alegría yarn. Thank you so much for the free pattern!
Hi Kaitlin!
I’ve had this pattern pinned to my Pinterest for years, and the yarn on my wishlist on Amazon for awhile as well. I’ve just received the yarn (like you said, it was discontinued, but I managed to find 5 hanks!) and can’t wait to get started on this GORGEOUS top. I will follow it to a “T” 😉
Thank you for the free pattern, and hope you and yours are safe and healthy during these uncertain times.
🖤 Becks
Aw yay I’m so glad you were able to find it!! I love to hear that. I hope you enjoy the pattern. Hope you are able to stay safe and healthy as well <3 happy knitting!