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how to knit a bra top video tutorialHey awesome knitter!  Today I am super excited to share with you a brand new Girly Knits design, which is a free pattern (woohoo!) that comes with a step-by-step video tutorial (double woohoo!).  In the video that you’ll find below I walk you through each step in the pattern, so even if you are a beginner knitter, you will be able to make this bra top!

The pattern uses worsted weight yarn and is knit in the round as one piece, so it will knit up quickly with minimal finishing. This design is quite simple and straight forward as well, so if you want to add a stitch pattern, do a different type of ribbing, do something fun with the straps, etc., I encourage you to do so and make this bra top uniquely your own!  And in case you are wondering what a bra top is, it could be a bralette (if you don’t require a lot of support!) or it could be a cropped tank top – either way you wear it, it’s super cute and comfy!

I like wearing my knitted bra tops with a bra underneath, and think it’s perfect for lounging around in (shown below with my “Cables and Curves” skirt pattern), as a crop top with a skater skirt for going out in (how I’m wearing it in teal below and in the video paired with a cardigan), or as PJs! (shown below paired with my “Gorgeous Shorties” pattern).

girly knits knitted bra top optionsThe bottom ribbing portion of the bra top is totally customizable to suite your desired length of the top, and your choice of worsted weight yarn is up to you.  To give you an idea of some options, the 1st top has 3″ of 1×1 ribbing and is made with Knit Picks Chroma Worsted in Avalon, the 2nd top has 5″ of 2×2 ribbing and is made with Knit Picks Swish Worsted in Marine Heather, and the 3rd top (which I make in the video) has 7″ of 1×1 ribbing and is made with Naturally Caron Country in Deep Purple (stash yarn, unfortunately this yarn has been discontinued!)  I have a 35″ bust and made the size Small for all of the tops pictured above.

I hope you enjoy this pattern, and when you finish it, please be sure to post pictures of your bra top on Ravelry!  You can find the pattern page here.  I’m also hosting a knit-a-long for this bra top where you can share your progress, connect with other knitters, and ask questions in the Girly Knits Fan Club forum page here.

Alright, here we go!  You will find the video, materials needed, and pattern below 🙂

If you would like a .pdf download of this pattern, which includes extended sizes, instructions for knitting this top on straight needles, and using any yarn/gauge/measurements you’re working with, check out my new updated version of this pattern on Ravelry called the “Get if Girl” Bra Top!

Materials:

200-300 yards of worsted weight yarn

My favorite yarn for this project was Knit Picks Swish Worsted (shown in Teal).  I used 2 balls (approx 220 yards) for the Small Size with 5″ of ribbing.

US 5 (3.75 mm) 24” circular needle

US 7 (4.5 mm) 24” circular needle and set of 2 double pointed needles

Gauge: 19 sts and 27 rows = 4″ in Stockinette Stitch using larger needle

Make sure to check your gauge!  The size 5 needle is only used for the ribbing.  If you need to change needle sizes from the size 7 to get the Stockinette Stitch gauge, use a needle 2 sizes down for the ribbing.

Notions: Stitch markers, tapestry needle

Sizes: Women’s XS (S, M, L, XL, 2XL) to fit a 32 (34, 36, 38, 40, 42)” bust.  If you are between sizes I would recommend going a size down.

Finished measurements: 27 (28.75, 31.25, 32.75, 34.5, 37)” circumference at underarms.

Abbreviations:

k: knit

p: purl

rnd: round

st(s): stitch(es)

M1L: make 1 by picking up bar between sts through front and knit through back loop

M1R: make 1 by picking up bar between sts through back and knit

dec: decrease

ssk: (slip 1 knitwise) twice, insert LH needle into slipped sts and k2tog through back loop

ssp: (slip 1 knitwise) twice, slip sts back onto LH needle and p2tog through back loop

k2tog: knit 2 sts together

p2tog: purl 2 sts together

RH: right hand

LH: left hand

RS: right side

WS: wrong side

Directions:

Bottom Band:

With smaller needle [CO 58 (62, 68, 72, 76, 82) sts, place marker] twice – 116 (124, 136, 144, 152, 164) sts. Join, taking care not to twist sts. (video: 1:48)

Work in 1×1 (k1, p1) or 2×2 (k2, p2) rib for desired length. See info below picture showing all 3 tops for how long I made the ribbing for each top. (video: 3:37)

Bust:

Change to larger needle and knit 5 rnds, working to last st before start marker on the 5th rnd: (video: 5:59)

Inc Rnd: M1R, k1, slip marker, k1, M1L, k to 1 st before side marker, M1R, k1, slip marker, k1, M1L, k to end – 120 (128, 140, 148, 156, 168) sts. (video: 8:02)

Rep Inc Rnd every 6th rnd 2 more times, starting Inc Rnd 1 st before the start marker as before – 128 (136, 148, 156, 164, 176) sts after all inc rnds.

For the 38”, 40”, and 42” bust, or if you have a D+ bust (or if you want more coverage!), work 3 more rnds, or desired length of back. (video: 11:21)

BO Back:

K4, BO with a firm tension until there are 3 sts left before the side marker – 72 (76, 82, 86, 90, 96) sts left on needle. Cont the row as follows (you will already have 1 st on your RH needle): (video: 11:52)

Ssk, k to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1 – 70 (74, 80, 84, 88, 94) sts. (video: 13:11)

Next Row: Purl.

Dec Row: K1, ssk, k to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1 – 68 (72, 78, 82, 86, 92) sts.

Repeat last 2 rows two more times, removing markers as needed – 64, (68, 74, 78, 82, 88) sts.

Next row: P32 (34, 37, 39, 41, 44) sts, place marker to mark center, p to end. (video: 14:57)

Wearer’s Left Cup:

The Wearer’s Left Cup and strap will be worked first, then you will work the Wearer’s Right Cup and strap.  If you want to work the cups simultaneously, you can join a 2nd ball of yarn at the center to work the other cup at the same time, referring to the instructions for Wearer’s Right Cup.  The basic formula for the decreases is that you will decrease at the underarm every RS row, and at the neckline every row.

Row 1: K1, ssk, k to 3 sts before center marker, k2tog, k1 – 30 (32, 35, 37, 39, 42) sts. (video: 15:42)

Row 2: Turn work and P1, p2tog, p to end – 29 (31, 34, 36, 38, 41) sts. (video: 17:10)

Repeat last 2 rows until 6 sts remain.  If you end after working a WS row, k across.  If you end after working a RS row don’t do anything.  If you end with 7 sts after a working a WS row, k4, k2tog, k1.

Straps:

Work in i-cord for desired strap length. (video: 18:13)  I made my straps about 11” long – I would recommend checking the strap length of a tank top that is adjusted to fit you, then do a little extra.  It’s easier to take out length if they are too long then to add it after cutting your yarn!  BO and leave a 5″ tail for sewing straps to top. (video: 21:27)

Wearer’s Right Cup:

Join yarn at center of Bra Top (the first row will be on the RS of your knitting) and work as follows: (video: 22:10)

Row 1: K1, ssk, k to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1 – 30 (32, 35, 37, 39, 42) sts.

Row 2: P to last 3 sts, ssp, p1 – 29 (31, 34, 36, 38, 41) sts.

Repeat last 2 rows until 6 sts remain.  If you end after working a WS row, k across.  If you end after working a RS row don’t do anything.  If you end with 7 sts after a WS row, k1, ssk, k to end.

Work strap same as other strap.

Finishing:

Pin straps to back edge of bra top.  Try on and adjust strap placement and length as needed. Using a tapestry needle, sew straps to back edge of bra top. (video: 24:27)

Weave in ends and enjoy!  If you liked this pattern, make sure to check out more of my patterns at girlyknits.com/patterns!

83 Comments on How to Knit a Bra Top Video Knitting Tutorial and Free Pattern

  1. Great tutorial. I have 2 grandkids, one teen, the other pre-teen, and I’m always looking for projects that fit their “girly” attitudes! As a relatively new knitter, this one seems gloriously doable. I’ll let you know when I’ve finished it & will follow you on ravelry.

  2. I love your designs, and I plan on making at least one but probably several of your bra tops. I’m thinking of investing in a good set of interchangeable knitting needles and I liked the ones you were using in your video “How to Knit a Bra Top”. Do you have/remember what brand they were? I would appreciate it very much if you would get back to me with any information. Oh, and thank you so very much for sharing your patterns with us and making your tutorials. Your time and talent is greatly aprreciated. Thanks, Shirley Murdock

    • Hi Cathy! Unfortunately I don’t have a straight needle pattern – it would require a bit of work to modify it. What problems are you having with using a circular needle? Maybe I can help!

  3. Hi Lauren,

    I absolutely love the bra top. I plan on starting one tomorrow. I have a pretty color yarn however it is 100% cotton. I noticed the one you use is wool. Do you think it will make a difference in the pattern? Do i have to cast on more sticthes?

    • Hey Bianca! Sorry for the late reply! You can definitely use cotton yarn, just make sure you are getting the gauge, and note that it does tend to stretch out more so it might be a bit baggy after wearing it, but will return to it’s original shape after washing. Thanks! Lauren

  4. Hello Lauren!

    Thank you very much for sharing this pattern and tutorial, I’m in love with it! I’ve finally found some time to dedicate myself into making this and I’m about to do the cups!
    I was wondering, I’d like to make an halter – tie behind neck top instead, would I need to change any of the cup pattern in order to do this or should I just keep going as it is?

    Thank you so much!!!

    Love,

    Chiara

  5. Enjoyed your tutorial. I was wondering if you could continue rubbing on the upper portion of the back, and also if you had tried an x (crisscross) style I-cord for more support?

    • Hi Cathy! In the very beginning when casting on it says to place the start and side markers – it basically is dividing the knitting evenly in half. Thanks! Lauren

  6. Hi Lauren.

    I am so amazed by both your well-written pattern and the tutorial! I am an advanced beginner and the pattern was totally doable. I’ve never knit anything fast before, but I finished this in three days. There were a couple of things I wasn’t familiar with and a couple more I wasn’t confident about and I just went right to the spot in the tutorial you referred me to in the pattern. I made the i-cord on the circular needles since they are, in essence, just long double-pointed needles. Thank you so much! I’m going to have a happy 17 year old when I give it to her for her birthday.

  7. Thanks so much for this pattern! My 21 yr old daughter asked me to make it for her. 🙂 I was just wondering how many stitches you used for your I-cords? Or did I totally miss that in the patten?

    • Hi Kristy! Yes it’s in the pattern right before “straps” – 6 sts! Would love to see how it turns out! That’s so nice you’re making this for her 🙂

  8. I actually like this I was wondering if you could use this has a work out top.. My daughter is turning 9 this Nov and I am looking for something to make that she can use to get use as a work out outfit its hard to find clothes for her due to how tall she is and how skinny she is.

  9. May I ask, about the BO back part? It is said to k4 then BO until 3 sts left before the marker, but how could urs turned to have 76sts on ur left hand after the marker? mine is exactly 4sts after the marker🤕

    • Hi Eva! It would be 76 sts total, the front stitches, and including the 8 sts still on the back (4 on each side). Does that help?

  10. Hi Lauren-

    I’ve used this pattern many times, always with good results. I was planning on making it as a Christmas present for my friend who is a 32A. She has trouble finding bras that fit- will the smallest size be too big, or do I need to modify the cups?

    Jasper

  11. Hi! I know this is a rather late comment to add, but here it is anyways. Do these tops work for plus-sized girls? I want to make this, but my predicament is taht my bust isnt as large as most biggr girls. just having issues with this.

  12. Thanks for the tutorial. I’m new to knitting and referred to it many times. The bralet turned out great. Fingers crossed that my 16 year old likes it. I made it as a surprise.

  13. Hi,
    I’m trying to figure out what size to make for my daughter. She measures 30 around her under bust area and wears a 32DD bra. I’m definitely stumped as to what size would work best. Any guidance you could offer would be much appreciated!
    Thanks!
    Susie

    • Hi Susie! That’s about my size – I made the small with some extra rounds before binding off and starting the cup shaping (there are notes in the pattern about that). Hope that helps!

  14. I have started knitting Tank Top for my Grand Daughter 13 Years old
    And finally I have finished the 2 Purl 2Knit Rib and it really looks
    Beautiful and will be starting with the larger Needles and hope now
    It turns out good. So far it looks beautiful and hope I finish it I sure will let you k ow.

    Thank you and have a nice day.

    Zarina Jiwani. From Vancouver, British Columbia.

    Thank you so much if

    • Hi Jess! By bigger I mean the size 7 needle (the size 5 is the smaller). If you have 2 separate circular needles, you would just start knitting with the bigger one and at the end of the round your knitting would be transferred to that needle. If you are using just one size needle for the entire bra top, which some people have done, you would just keep going. If you were to do that I would recommend using the size 7 needle, or whatever size needle needed to get the gauge. Hope that answers your question!

  15. Hi, thank you for making this nice pattern available! I wanted to ask, why do you change to larger needle size when swithing to the knit stitch on top? What is the rationale behind this?
    Thanks for your help!

    • Hi Laura! Ribbing is usually worked 1-2 needles sizes down from Stockinette Stitch. Switching from knit to purl when ribbing loosens up the tension a little bit, so going down in needle size makes the ribbing look more uniform with Stockinette Stitch. If you looked at ribbing using a smaller needle size vs the same needle size as the St st part, you would see the knit stitches look uniform vs the ribbing stitches looking bigger that the St st stitches. You could use the same needle size for the ribbing, it just might look not as neat/not fit the body as it should. Hope that answers your question! -Lauren

  16. I was wondering about this section and I’m moderately certain I came to the right answer but thought I should run it by you first !

    « For the 38”, 40”, and 42” bust, or if you have a D+ bust (or if you want more coverage!), work 3 more rnds, or desired length of back. (video: 11:21) »

    Are these 3 more rnds just normal knit rnds or are they increase rnds? And if they are increase rounds, are they 3 rnds then is that (5 k rnds + incr rnd)x3 or just 3 incr rnds?

    I’ve made 5 of these tops now and with my last one i just added a couple more normal knit rounds and it seemed to work??? But as of yet I have no way of knowing for sure as I don’t have double-ended knitting kneedles with me and I’m not a fan of doing i-cord on circular kneedles – long story short, project is incomplete so I can’t try it on right now.

    You have such a wonderful website, thank you so much for all the content you provide !

    • Hi Moe! Just regular knit rounds, no extra increases needed 🙂 . Happy you are enjoying the pattern and my website! -Lauren

    • Hi Gabrielle! You put them on when casting on – in the instructions when it says “PM”, that means “place marker”. Hope that answers your question! -Lauren

  17. hi where can you buy the circular knitting needle from, I’m finding it hard to identify the correct kind of needle that you can change the point size
    thank you

  18. Thank you so much for this tutorial!! It was so fun and easy to make!! Im gonna do the same top in other colors. You made my quarantine less boring :)))

    Greetings from Chile

  19. Thanks for making this, I have almost finished my first attempt but found it is much too big so I think I’m going to take it all out and start over. I have a 40″ bust but the XL left me with about 33 stitches of excess material in the back. Any suggestions for how many stitches I should start with instead?

    • Hey Julia! I’m wondering if you weren’t getting the gauge? The finished measurement of the XL has about 5″ of negative ease, so it shouldn’t have that much excess fabric. You could just cast on 33 sts less which is right between the XS and the S, it would be up to you which size you choose to make. I’m sorry to hear you finished it and it didn’t fit you! Hopefully it works out on round 2 🙂

    • Hey Alyssa, you could but it might turn out smaller – the most important thing is that you get the gauge with the needle size you’re using!

  20. I inherited some very fingering weight yarn from my grandmother, and I’d like to use it to handknit a bra for myself from your pattern. Do you have instructions for converting this pattern to a different gauge? Thanks

  21. Hi,
    I am using 100% mercerized cotton and started off with the band on my 24 inch circular size 5 needles, however the needles seem WAY too long for the amount of stitches. How can I fix that? (I am making a size XS by the way).
    Thanks!

    • Hi Lia! So for the XS the bottom band is exactly 24″ so I can see why it might feel a little tight, especially at first. If you happen to have a shorter cord (not sure if yours in interchangeable or not) that would work, or you can use the magic loop method until it loosens up. Hope that helps!

  22. jsut finished this in ombre wool for my daughter its super easy and super cute ,,, going to find something else of yours to knit now

  23. Thank you for the wonderful pattern, I have 370 yards of rainbow nebula from frostyarn (DK – superwash merino). Can I use that? I am petite so expect the amount to suffice. Also, to be clear, we just need 2 DPNS of size 7 for the icord right, not 4 dpns.

  24. Hi! What do I do with the four stitches we knit before the back bind off? This is my first time knitting a top so I’m lost!

  25. Hi there, I know this is an old pattern but I’m just now making it and I loved it but the back is curling on the top portion. How can i fix that?
    Thanks!
    Tracy

  26. I was excited to knit this bra top for 2 of my adult daughters. I tensioned the back band bind off too much and that bind off edge curls outward. I haven’t blocked it yet and it will be a birthday present for one of my daughters in a few days. Hopefully the fit on her will take care of that curling edge. Have you had similar outcomes? Other than that I love this pattern!

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