The Branched Tee

I know it was originally billed as the braided tank, but then I realized that I already have a free tank pattern and maybe people would want something different. Then after reading the harlot’s rant about tee shirts I decided to fill the void. So, here it is:

Materials: 7 (7, 9, 9, 11) skeins of Debbie Bliss Cashmerino Aran color 300005, 90 m; US 8 (5.0 mm) needles, cable needle, tapestry needle

Gauge: 18 sts and 24 rows is 4" (10 cm)

Sizes: To fit bust 34 (36, 38, 40, 44)”

Abbreviations:
k2tog = knit 2 together
ssk = slip slip knit 2 slipped sts together
C1R = sl 1 st to cn hold in back k1, p1 from cn
C1L = sl 1 st to cn hold in front p1, k1 from cn

Note: This tee is worked in one piece from the bottom of the front, additional stitches are cast on for the sleeves and cast off again, and then the piece is knit down the back. There are no shoulder seams, just seem up either side and down the sleeves.

Branched Cable Pattern (11 sts):
Set up row RS (work only once at the bottom of each branched cable): p2 k1 p2 k1 p5
Row 1 (WS): p5 k1 p2 k1 p2
Row 2 (RS): p5 C1L C1R p2
Row 3: p6 k2 p3
Row 4: p2 k1 p3 C1R p3
Row 5: p4 k1 p3 k1 p2
Row 6: p2 k1 p2 C1R p4
Row 7: p5 k1 p2 k1 p2
Row 8: p2 C1L C1R p5
Row 9: p6 k2 p3
Row 10: p3 C1L p3 k1 p2
Row 11: p2 k1 p3 k1 p4
Row 12: p4 C1L p2 k1 p2

Tee (all one piece): Cast on 78 (82, 86, 90, 100) sts. Work 1.5" in a 1x1 rib. RS: k23 (30, 32, 34, 39) sts, work set up row of branched cable pattern twice, k23 (30, 32, 34, 39) sts. Continue in pattern, working only rows 1-12 of the branched cable pattern after the set up row until piece measures 12 (12, 15.5, 15.5, 19)" from CO edge. At the beginning of next RS rows cast on 27 (27, 29, 30, 34) sts. Next row (WS) cast on 27 (27, 29, 30, 34) sts work to newly cast on sleeve sts p 14 (14, 16, 17, 21) work row 1 of branched cable pattern k2. Next row (RS)work across left sleeve in body in pattern as set. k 14 (14, 16, 17, 21) work set up row of branched cable pattern k2. Note: the sleeves will not be on the same row of the branched cable pattern. Continue working in pattern as set until piece measures 14 (14, 17.5, 17.5, 21)" from CO edge. Start V-neck shaping as follows: RS Work until 1 of the 2 center cable patterns has been worked and join a second ball of yarn. From here on work each side of front with its own ball of yarn. Work 1 WS row. Decrease row RS: work until 2 sts before cable pattern k2tog, work both center cable patterns ssk work to end. Work this decrease row every RS row 13 (13, 14, 15, 16) more times. 83 (87, 94, 98, 113) sts remaining. Continue until neck edge measures 7 (7, 9, 9, 11)". Work 1 RS row of left front only. Turn and work only the 11 branched cable pattern sts until band measures 7 (7.5, 8, 8.5, 9)" from where it attaches to front. End with a row of the cable pattern that matches where knits and purls are on the other center cable pattern. Graft together the 11 sts of the two center cable patterns creating a neck band. Attach yarn to right side and work across sleeve and body pick up and purl 48 (48, 50, 52, 54) sts work to end of row. Continue in pattern working picked up sts in st st until sleeve measures 14 (15, 17.5, 17.5, 21)" from CO edge of sleeve. At beginning of next two rows cast off 27 (27, 29, 30, 34) sts. Work until the length of the back measures the same as the front from the bottom of the sleeve until the edge of the ribbing. Work 1x1 rib for 1.5". Cast off all sts.

Finishing: Sew up seams on sides of body and sleeve.

I finally finished the much anticipated branched tee. Or at least I assume it was anticipated... please don’t damage my ego by informing me it was otherwise.

Tuesday, June 19, 2007