Nestled Leaves is a sleeveless summer tee featuring a leafy lace panel that runs down the center front and back of the garment. The lace is framed by reverse stockinette stitch, allowing the leaf motif to become the focal point of the design.
 
Although the finished lace has plenty of visual interest, the stitch pattern is created with familiar knitting techniques, including knits, purls, yarn overs, and decreases. The pattern includes both charted and written lace instructions, making it a good project for knitters who want to become more comfortable working lace.
 
Nestled Leaves is worked flat from the bottom up in two pieces and then seamed. There is no waist shaping, giving the tee a clean, straightforward silhouette. Short rows shape the shoulders, and the neckline and armholes are finished by picking up stitches and working 1x1 ribbing in the round.
 
The pattern includes nine finished chest sizes from 30 to 62 inches and is designed to be worn with approximately 3.25 inches of positive ease.
 
Originally designed in a lightweight linen and cotton blend, Nestled Leaves creates a breathable fabric with beautiful drape that works especially well for spring and summer wear.
 
WHAT YOU’LL LEARN
How to work a repeating lace motif from either charted or written instructions
How yarn overs and directional decreases create a leafy lace pattern
How to use stitch markers to keep track of individual lace repeats
How to combine a lace panel with reverse stockinette stitch
How to shape armholes while maintaining an established lace pattern
How to use short rows to shape the shoulders
How to join shoulders with a 3-needle bind off
How to seam a garment using mattress stitch
How to pick up stitches and finish neck and armhole edges with 1x1 ribbing
 
The pattern specifically recommends placing markers after each 16-stitch repeat, and the lace itself is a 32-row repeat.
 
Nestled Leaves was originally published by Knit Picks as part of the Perennials: Knit Tops for Summer collection. The photography shown here was created for the original Knit Picks publication. The pattern rights have since returned to designer Joy Friedman and Nestled Leaves is now available directly from Top of the World Knits.
 
SIZES
Finished chest circumference: 30 (34.5, 38, 42, 45.5) (49.5, 54, 58, 62) inches
Designed to be worn with approximately 3.25 inches of positive ease.
 
YARN
Fingering-weight yarn
 
Yarn Used: Knit Picks Lindy Chain, 70% Linen / 30% Pima Cotton, 180 yds / 50 g
5 (6, 6, 7, 7) (8, 9, 9, 10) skeins
 
When substituting yarn, keep in mind that the original chain-constructed linen/cotton yarn creates a lightweight fabric with significant drape. A traditionally plied cotton or linen yarn may create a heavier, denser garment.
 
NEEDLES
US 1 / 2.25 mm straight or circular needles, 32 inches or longer, or size needed to obtain gauge.
 
GAUGE
23 sts and 38 rows = 4 inches / 10 cm in Nestled Leaves Pattern, blocked
23 sts and 42 rows = 4 inches / 10 cm in Reverse Stockinette Stitch, blocked
 
SKILLS NEEDED
Knit and purl stitches, yarn overs, directional decreases, reading written or charted lace instructions, working flat, short-row shaping, picking up stitches, working ribbing in the round, 3-needle bind off, and mattress stitch finishing. The pattern uses wrap-and-turn short rows for the shoulder shaping.
 
Please Note
Digital knitting pattern only. No physical item will be shipped.
 
After purchasing this pattern, feel free to email me at joy@topoftheworldknits.com if you'd like a copy added to your Ravelry library. Just include your Ravelry username, and I'll take care of the rest.