video tutorial

Jun 18
2021

How to Knit Lace on an LK150 Knitting Machine using the Needle Beetle

by Lauren

Hello! Today I have a new video tutorial where I will be showing you how to knit lace on your LK150 knitting machine using the Needle Beetle by Kris Krafter. The Needle Beetle is an automatic needle selector and will help you knit lace by selecting which stitches you will need to transfer each row for your lace pattern, eliminating potential mistakes and making the transfers much easier to see. The Needle Beetle selects repeats of 8, so you can use it with any pattern that is a multiple of 8 stitches. Check out the video to learn more about the Needle Beetle and see it in action to fully understand how it works and can help you knit lace.

In this demo I show you how to read a lace chart and translate that to the Needle Beetle. I walk you through every row of a 26 row lace chart which is the lace pattern featured in my two newest designs, “Awesome Blossoms” Lace Sweater and Dress and “Lace for Days” Leg Warmers. After the lace demo, I show you how to do a latched up ribbed edge, a technique used in the leg warmers pattern. To give you an idea of how quickly you can knit lace on a knitting machine using the Needle Beetle, the picture below is the front of the sweater which I knitted in only one day!

LK150-lace-knitting-pattern-using-needle-beetle

“Awesome Blossoms” is a machine knitting pattern that can be either a sweater or a dress, and is based off of an existing hand knitting pattern I designed years back called “Take a Bow”. This sweater is updated from the original design to have a crew neckline and sloped shoulders so that you can add sleeves. I’ve added an additional .pdf to “Take a Bow” so you can make these mods with the hand knitting pattern – if you have purchased the pattern you should have received an update! I love this design as a drop shoulder sweater with sleeves, and I hope you do too. The yarn I used for this sweater is a gorgeous DK Merino Silk blend which unfortunately is discontinued, but a yarn that has the same fiber content and is just as beautiful is Knit Picks “Gloss DK” which I used for another one of my machine knit samples as well as the original hand knit version.

awesome-blossoms-magenta-lace-sweater-with-sleeves-lk150-machine-knitting-pattern-2

awesome-blossoms-magenta-lace-sweater-with-sleeves-lk150-machine-knitting-pattern-3

I hadn’t thought of this dress design being a beach cover up before, but this cotton yarn I used from Knitcrate inspired it! This yarn is so much fun – it is a Pima Cotton with a subtle variegation that almost makes it look tie dyed when knit up, especially in lace. It was a limited edition yarn called Uru Yarn Cotton Basic that is now sold out, but I’m wondering if there’s something similar out there? If a yarn comes to mind let me know! I’ve also seen knitters make this dress into a graduation dress, a wedding dress (!), and an everyday top, it’s so versatile! Any DK yarn will work with this pattern (as long as you’re able to get the gauge stated) so I encourage you to go ahead and use your favorite.

This is another version of “Awesome Blossoms” with just a touch of lace, that is included as an option within the pattern. This version is nice in that it knits up faster with less lace, and that you can just wear a bra with it without worrying about having to wear a tank top underneath. Which version do you prefer? One knitter pointed out that this lace pattern looks like tulips which was inspiration for the name, do you see them?

“Lace For Days” is a leg warmer pattern that features the same lace pattern as above, but on a much smaller scale if you want a quick win! Wear them under boots, over tights, or to lounge around in to make your legs look pretty. Available in 5 sizes to fit Girls-Adult, this is both a hand knitting and machine knitting pattern and you will get both when you buy the pattern. They feature Skacel Knitting’s “Simplicity” Metallic which has just a hint of glimmer to give your legs some extra sparkle.

A couple other things I mention in the video are the handheld steamer I use, and an invite to join my machine knitting facebook group!

I hope you enjoy this tutorial and and learned something new about using the Needle Beetle. If you do make any of these designs, please share photos on Ravelry or Instagram where I’m @girlyknits, I would love to see what you make! To see all of my LK150 machine knitting patterns, check them out here.

Happy Knitting!

💜 Lauren

Apr 16
2021

Bow Back Sweater and Dress Patterns!

by Lauren

knit picks high desert peek a bow back sweater knitting pattern

If you are familiar with my knitting patterns, you will know that there’s nothing I love more than bows and back interest, and especially when the two come together! This is a design I have been wanting to create for the longest time, and I’m so excited to have it available now as both a hand knitting and machine knitting pattern, and as a sweater and dress! The hand knitting patterns are called “Peek a Bow” sweater and dress, and the machine knitting patterns are called “Put a Bow on It” sweater and dress.

knit picks bow back sweater knitting pattern

The beauty of this design is that the middle bow is strategically placed so that it will cover your bra closure, so you can show off your backside while still wearing a bra. The keyholes and bows are added once the sweater is complete so you can ensure they hit the right spot. If you want to show just a smaller peek of your backside, you can alternatively make 1 keyhole (pictured right), which is another version in the pattern that is just as cute, or no keyhole at all. Part of what makes this design so adorable is the puff sleeves, so even without the keyholes it’s the perfect girly sweater!

These patterns call for a worsted weight yarn, and I’ve used a variety of them to show you the possibilities. I always encourage knitters to use their favorite yarn though I’m happy to share mine – as long as you can get the gauge with your yarn (19 sts and 27 rows = 4″ in Stockinette Stitch) you are good to go!

knit picks high desert yarn in lupine and dusk

This super fun pink/purple color combo used for the hand knitted sweater is a brand new yarn from Knit Picks. It is called “High Desert” Worsted, and is a 100% American grown and spun wool yarn. I had the honor of being among the first to be able to try it out. I received the Lupine and Dusk colors, and had so much fun knitting with it! It’s surprisingly soft, and has a great bounce to it. And these colors! So girly and fun.

malabrigo bow back dress knitting pattern

For the pink hand knitted dress, I used Malabrigo Worsted. This yarn is so soft and luxurious, and has the most beautiful variegation of color! I used the Pink Frost color which is a gorgeous dusty pink and a perfect match for this girly design.

bow back dress with puff sleeves lk150 machine knitting pattern

For this machine knitted dress, I used Knit Picks Brava Worsted. I love that this yarn is so affordable and easy to care for – you can put it through the washer and dryer without worry, and it looks and feels great for a 100% acrylic yarn. I also love that it comes in so many fun colors, and especially the heathers. For this dress I used Dove Heather with Cobblestone Heather, and also made dresses using Fairy Tale and Wine (for a Christmas Dress!) that you will find on the pattern page!

fuzzy bow back sweater with puff sleeves lk150 machine knitting pattern

Lastly, for the machine knit version of the sweater, I used Caron “Latte Cakes” which has become one of my favorite yarns to work with. It is so unbelievably soft and fuzzy, and surprisingly holds up in the wash as well! I’ve had some favorite fuzzy store bought sweaters that sadly only survived one wash so I was skeptical when I first bought this yarn. I threw a swatch in to see what would happen and was delighted to see that it came back exactly the same! I also used this yarn for my favorite Winter hat and it has held up great.

I also made the machine knit sweater with Knit Picks Brava Worsted in Tide Pool with Lion Brand Heartland in Great Smoky Mountain for the bows. This sweater has more of a sporty look which is super fun – the possibilities are endless with mixing and matching yarns and bow colors!

I hope you enjoy these new bow back designs! I had so much fun creating them, and I can’t wait to see what you come up with! If you make a bow back dress or sweater, please make sure to share it on Ravelry or tag me on Instagram so I can see, there’s nothing I love more than seeing your creations!

Happy Knitting!

💜 Lauren

P.S. I also created a video showing you how to make a bow on a knitting machine, and I show you exactly how I create the keyholes and attach the bows to the back of the sweater/dress which you can reference if you’re making the hand knitted versions too. Hope you enjoy!

Mar 10
2021

How to Knit a Top and Skirt Set on a Knitting Machine – Beginner LK150 Tutorial

by Lauren

sweater top and skirt lk150 machine knitting pattern

Hi There! I’m so excited to be back today with another machine knitting tutorial! I’ve just come out with a brand new 5-part video series covering all the techniques used to make my new top and skirt set design “You Glow Girl“. This pattern comes in 10 sizes ranging to fit a 32-50″ bust and 34-52” hips, which you can find on Ravelry here! If you get the pattern you can make it alongside me in this video series where I walk you through every step. This set is also available as a hand knitting pattern here.

The yarn I use in the demo and pictured here is Lion Brand “Date Nights” in the Lapis color. It is so sparkly and fun and I absolutely loved knitting with it! It also has great elasticity which is perfect for this fitted design.

We start by making the Top, and in Video #1 we make the front of the Top. The techniques I cover are how to cast on and knit mock ribbing, how to knit the increase rows at the bust and customize the length of the top, how to bind off for the underarms, shape the underarms, put the left side and neckline on hold, and how to shape the neckline. I then show you how to knit the short row shoulder shaping, how to scrap off the shoulder and neckline, and lastly how to knit the other side mirroring the shaping and short rows.

In Video #2, we make the back of the Top and I show you how to knit this optional keyhole. I show you how to scrap off half of your knitting to create the keyhole, tips for customizing your keyhole size, how to do the short row shoulder shaping, place your back neckline stitches on hold, shape the back neckline, and scrap off the shoulder and back neckline. I then show you how to rehang your other side and mirror the shaping and holding. Lastly, I show you how to join the shoulders using a 3-needle bind off to prepare for knitting the neckband.

In Video #3, we knit the neckband! I’ve seen a lot of requests for how to knit a neckband on an LK150, and am so happy to be able to show you how it’s done in this tutorial. I cover every detail of how to pick up the neckband of your sweater, including how to pick up selvedge stitches, held stitches, the ratio at which to pick them up, and how to pick up before and after the scrapped off neckline stitches to ensure a smooth transition. I then show you how to knit the neckband and offer tips for fixing dropped stitches. Lastly I show you how to join the other shoulder using a 3-needle bind off, seam the neckband to the inside of your sweater top, and lastly seam the neckband edges together.

In Video #4, we talk about the sleeves! I cover how to knit the two decrease rows at the top of the sleeve on your knitting machine to create the puff sleeve look, how to bind off, and exactly how I seam the sleeves to the Top using mattress stitch.

Lastly, in Video #5 we cover how to knit the skirt waistband. I show you how you can use ravel cord to help you pick up your waistband, how to knit the waistband, pick up and hang the first row of the waistband, join the picked up row, then how to bind off using a backstitch bind off to finish the waistband. I then explain how the skirt is seamed together and lastly offer tips for inserting elastic into your waistband for extra support if you desire.

I’ve also made this set using Lion Brand “Pound of Love” in Maize (pictured right), which turned out super cute as well!

If you would like the pattern for just the top, it’s available that way too. The tops pictured below were made using Knit Picks “Brava Worsted” in Cobblestone Heather and Eggplant. I am wearing the 3rd size in the pattern, and the purple top is made in the 8th size.

I hope you enjoy this new design! To see all of my LK150 machine knitting patterns, check them out here.

Happy Knitting!

💜 Lauren

sweater top lk150 machine knitting pattern

Oct 14
2020

How to Knit a Lace Dress on a Knitting Machine – Beginner LK150 Tutorial

by Lauren

Hey there! I’m super excited to be back again today with another machine knitting tutorial! This time we’ll be knitting lace which is so much fun! There are so many interesting things you can do with your knitting machine, and lace is one of those techniques that it so rewarding and fun to watch take form.

In this video tutorial, I’ll be walking you through all of the techniques used in my new dress design “Wild Irises”, which is available as a Girls Dress Pattern and Adult Dress Pattern. Not only is this a machine knitting pattern, it is a hand knitting pattern as well and you will get both when you purchase the pattern!

In the video tutorial, I first show you how to cast on and do a decorative picot hem. Then I walk you through every row of the lace chart and how to read the symbols. Next I show you how to scrap off and rehang your knitting to create a gather, then how to finish your knitting with a picot edging. Lastly I show you how to add I-Cord straps directly onto your knitting, and all of the finishing techniques I used for the dress.

Here is the chart below for you to follow along with while watching the video tutorial. In the video I take you through each lace row and explain what the symbols mean, so no worries if it doesn’t make sense yet!I hope you enjoy this tutorial and that you have as much fun as I did knitting this lace pattern! If you do make this dress, please share photos on Ravelry or Instagram where I’m @girlyknits, I would love to see what you make! 😊 To see all of my LK150 machine knitting patterns, check them out here.

Happy Knitting!

💜 Lauren

Here are the links mentioned in the video:

Girls Dress Pattern: https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/wild-irises-girls-dress

Women’s Dress Pattern: https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/wild-irises-lace-dress

Yarn Used in Demo: Lion Brand Low Tide

Yarn used for other Dresses: Knit Picks Brava Worsted

7-Prong Transfer Tool

Handheld Steamer

Here is a list of times of everything demonstrated in the video in case you’re looking for help with a specific technique:

Casting on with waste yarn – 4:42

Using ravel cord – 5:35

Joining main yarn to knit picot hem – 5:45

Eyelet row for picot – 6:11

Fold and hang hem – 7:22

Joining row – 8:01

Knitting lace chart – 8:43

Row 0 – 9:24

How to do a double decrease – 10:36

Row 2 – 16:23

Row 4 – 21:23

Row 6 – 26:08

Row 8 – 28:33

Row 10 – 30:48

Row 12 – 34:40

Row 14 – 36:30

Row 16 – 38:16

Row 18 – 39:04

Row 20 – 40:30

Rows 22-31 – 42:05

Removing waste yarn – 43:02

Row 32 – 43:29

Rows 34-45 – 47:10

Rows 46-66 – 49:27

Steam blocking your lace – 51:40

Gathering the skirt – 53:47

Scrapping off with waste yarn- 53:56

Removing work from machine – 54:35

Rehanging knitting – 54:49

How to hang 2 stitches together – 55:34

Knitting gathered row and bodice – 56:33

Removing waste yarn from gather – 57:25

Eyelet row for picot edge – 57:54

Last row to prepare for chain bind off – 58:55

How to do a chain bind off – 59:34

Seaming picot edge – 1:01:33

I-cord straps – 1:04:32

Picking up stitches for straps – 1:05:15

Setting up to knit in I-cord – 1:05:56

Binding off straps – 1:06:43

Finishing straps and tying knot – 1:07:48

Seaming strap to inside of picot – 1:08:37

Conclusion – 1:10:51

Jul 15
2020

How to Knit Shorts and Pants on a Knitting Machine – Beginner LK150 Tutorial

by Lauren

Hey Guys! I’m super excited to be back with another machine knitting tutorial! This time we’re talking about shorts and pants, woohoo! I have two brand new designs, “Cozy Up With Me” Shorts and “Cozy Up With Me” Pants. They come in sizes 0-26 and have tons of options for making them custom to you. The techniques used for both designs are the same so you can use this video tutorial for either pattern. And, if you’re a hand knitter, I’ve got you too! These are also available as knitting patterns (featured in fun colorful yarns!) as “Ombre All Day” Shorts and “Ombre All Day” Pants.

In the video I demonstrate making the size Small Shorts, and walk you through every step including how to cast on with waste yarn, knit and join the bottom leg bands (including how to do a picot hem), how to bind off for the crotch, shape the front and back, do short rows at the top of the shorts, knit the waistband, add an eyelet for a drawstring, how to fold and join the waistband on the machine, and bind off using a backstitch bind off. I then show you how to seam the 2 legs together, and finally demonstrate the steps for knitting an i-cord drawstring on your machine. I hope you find this video tutorial helpful and that you learn some new things!

The yarn I use in this tutorial is Lion Brand “Touch of Alpaca” in Blush, the grey shorts pictured use Knit Picks “Brava Worsted” in Cobblestone Heather, and the yarn I used for the knitted pants is Lion Brand “Pound of Love” in Charcoal (and I only used 1 skein!) These are all great options that come in beautiful heather colorways, but any worsted weight yarn you like will work.

If you make either the of these designs please post a photo on Ravelry, or tag me on instagram, @girlyknits! There is nothing I love more than seeing your creations! To see all of my LK150 machine knitting patterns, check them out here.

Here is a list of times of everything I demonstrate in the video 😊 :

Casting on with waste yarn – 2:59

Using ravel cord – 4:05

Joining main yarn to knit the bottom band – 4:25

Knitting a row of eyelets for a picot hem – 5:07

Picking up and joining the hem – 6:10

Joining Row – 7:26

Knitting the inseam and tips for length – 7:55

Binding off crotch – 8:49

Decreasing at front and back – 11:28

Additional back decreases – 12:16

Removing waste yarn – 13:55

Short Rows – 14:14

Knitting the waistband – 17:44

Eyelet for drawstring – 19:25

Picking up row to join waistband – 20:36

Joining waistband – 24:15

Backstitch bind off – 24:46

Removing shorts from machine – 26:56

Seaming inseam – 27:15

Seaming backs together – 28:50

I-cord drawstring – 30:45

E-wrap cast on – 31:05

Drawstring tips – 32:35

Conclusion – 33:39

💜 Lauren

May 19
2020

How to Knit a Bra Top on a Knitting Machine – Beginner LK150 Tutorial

by Lauren

Hey y’all! Today I am super excited to share my very first machine knitting tutorial! This past Fall I took an intensive machine knitting course at FIT here in New York, and have been obsessed ever since. I purchased an LK150 knitting machine and have had so much fun learning what I can create with it. You can finish most projects in a day which is AMAZING!

I wanted to create a tutorial for the beginner machine knitter, covering some basic techniques that you can do with your machine. I’ve adapted one of my most popular knitting patterns, the “Girly Knits Bra Top”, as it is a great piece to learn and practice on, and it’s super cute!

In the video I show you step by step how to make this design, including casting on, doing mock ribbing, increasing, decreasing, putting your knitting on hold to work one side at a time, and knitting in I-cord (so fast and fun!) I also cover seaming your bra top and using Kitchener stitch to join the front to the back. See the bottom of this post for the times in the video of each technique! The yarn I use in the video is Lion Brand “Pound of Love” in Oxford Grey.

If you don’t have an LK150, no worries at all! These techniques apply to any flat bed knitting machine, and if you get the pattern, I have instructions for adapting this pattern for any yarn/gauge you’re working with. The pattern is called the “Get it Girl” Bra Top which you can find on Ravelry here! To see all of my LK150 machine knitting patterns, check them out here.

I didn’t want to leave anyone out, so this pattern is available as a hand knitting pattern too! As this pattern is based off of the “Girly Knits Bra Top“, it is very similar, though this pattern now includes extended sizes, a different back making joining the straps easier, instructions for knitting the pattern flat if you don’t have circular needles, tips for measuring your bust to adjust the pattern to fit your personal cup size, and instructions for how to adapt this pattern to any yarn/gauge. Want to use fingering, sport, or bulky yarn, or create a size not listed in the pattern? No worries! I have included a guide for calculations you can do so you can plug your numbers into the pattern and make it work for you.

I also have a new pattern for a tank dress that uses the same machine knitting techniques covered in the video, available as a machine knitting and hand knitting pattern called the “Dream On” Tank Dress. For this dress I used Knit Picks “Brava Worsted” in Cobblestone Heather.

I hope you enjoy this tutorial! If you make either the “Get it Girl” Bra Top or the “Dream On” Tank Dress, please post a photo on Ravelry, or tag me on instagram, @girlyknits! There is nothing I love more than seeing your creations!

Here are techniques and times in the video 😊:

Casting On: 4:10

Ravel Cord: 7:10

Mock Ribbing: 8:38

Folding and Joining Mock Ribbing: 10:25

Knitting Joining Row: 13:00

Decrease at Left Side: 14:04

Knitting Body of Bra Top: 14:54

Increasing: 15:15

Removing Waste Yarn: 17:55

First Underarm Dec Row: 19:00

Putting Left Side in Holding: 19:40

Decreasing at Underarm and Neckline on Right Side: 20:40

I-Cord Straps: 25:22

Removing Straps from Machine: 27:45

Working Left Side: 28:48

Working Left Strap in I-Cord: 32:35

Finished Front: 33:45

Remove Back from Machine: 34:40

Seaming Sides using Mattress Stitch: 35:29

Joining Strap to Back using Kitchener Stitch: 38:10

Weaving in Ends: 41:52

💜 Lauren

Apr 9
2020

My Online Courses with Interweave are Free Right Now!

by Lauren

Hi There! I’m super excited to share with you that my 2 courses I taught for Interweave, “Learn to Knit: My First Hat and Glove Set” and “Learn to Knit Cables: Mug Cozy and Cowl” are currently free!

During this challenging time I was thinking about what I could do to help. I was thinking about all of you currently at home looking for an activity to do with your kids or in search of a new skill to focus on to calm your nerves. I reached out to Interweave asking if they would consider making my courses available for free, and to my delight they agreed!

These courses are great for all ages, with step by step video instructions on how to knit a hat, fingerless gloves, a mug cozy, and cowl. I have added these patterns to Ravelry so that you can add your projects, but please note that the patterns are included for free as part of the course!

If you are already a seasoned knitter, I invite you to share this post with somebody you know who has been wanting to learn, or who has a child who might enjoy taking up knitting. I learned to knit when I was 9 and it has been a lifelong gift!

Sending love to you and hoping you are staying safe and healthy during this time.

💜Lauren

P.S. For a fun look at the behind the scenes of filming these two courses, check out my other blog post here 😊

Sep 17
2015

How to Knit Toe Up Socks Video Tutorial

by Lauren

Hey There! Today I am super excited to teach you how to knit toe up socks! Toe up socks are awesome because you can truly try them on as you go to ensure perfect fit, and you can customize the sock height based on how much yarn you have left 😉

There are 3 main techniques used to knit toe up socks which I show you in the video below – Judy’s Magic Cast On, Increasing for the Toe, and a Short Row Heel.

Screen Shot 2015-09-07 at 12.55.19 PM — Judy’s Magic Cast On

Judy’s Magic Cast On – This cast on method truly is magic! This cast on will create a seamless toe, and the stitches are ready to knit like normal as soon as you cast on! (video: 2:36)

Screen Shot 2015-09-07 at 1.09.33 PM — Increase for the Toe

Increase for the Toe – I show you my favorite way to increase for the toe, by knitting into the front and back of the first and last stitch on each side of the sock. A total of 4 increases are made for each increase round, which will occur every other round until the total number of stitches for the foot are reached. (video: 5:10)

After increasing for the Toe, you will just be knitting in the round until you are ready to start the heel. You generally want to start the heel when the sock measures 1.5-1.75″ less than your total foot length.

Short Row Heel – I love this heel method because it creates a really clean, simple heel. Short rows are used to turn the heel so that you can start knitting the leg of the sock. If you are scared of knitting short rows, have no fear – I walk you through every step of the heel in the video! (video: 10:54)

After working the short row heel, you are ready to knit in the round again until you reach your desired height of sock! Woohoo!

Are you ready to knit up some super awesome socks?! The 3 techniques I show you in the video are the exact techniques I used for all of the socks in my brand new sock collection “Look at Those Legs!” You can find the entire collection of 5 patterns on Ravelry here or click the images below for more info about each pattern. 🙂

I hope this tutorial was helpful for you and that you’re excited about knitting socks! 🙂

♥Lauren

Feb 1
2015

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

by Lauren

Hey 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).

The 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!

Aug 7
2014

New Summer Collection “Boardwalk Beauties”!

by Lauren

I am so super excited to share with you my brand new collection of knitting patterns “Boardwalk Beauties”! It is a collection of 5 sunshine loving designs that you will not only love knitting, but will love wearing when you’re out having fun in the sun! Inspired by everything lovely about Summer and my favorite new fashion trends, you will love these fashionable tank top, t-shirt, and skirt designs. They are all knitted with lightweight summery fibers like cotton and bamboo to keep you cool in the warm weather. I hope you love these patterns as much as I loved designing them!

Below you will find a video of me doing a show and tell of the collection, going into more detail about the inspiration behind the collection, and the different ways you can customize each design!

These patterns can be purchased through my Girly Knits pattern stores on Ravelry and Etsy, as well as through my website, girlyknits.com! They are $7 each, or can be purchased as a full collection for only $21 here. Here are all of the patterns in the collection and their descriptions below:

“She’s Electric” Aztec Pattern Bodycon Skirt

Be the belle of the boardwalk this Summer is this electrifyingly cool skirt! The unique Aztec inspired texture of this skirt will not only turn heads, it is a blast to knit too! The skirt is deceptively simple, composed of simple knit and purl patterns that create a beautiful knit fabric that will fit and flatter your curves. The skirt is finished off with a fold-over waistband to enclose an elastic that will make this skirt fit you like a glove. Made with Knit Picks Shine Sport, you are sure to emit extra super shiny electric waves! In the words of Oasis “She is electric, can I be electric too?” the answer is YES! Just knit this skirt 😉 For more details and to instantly download this pattern, check it out on Ravelry.

“Sunshine and Lollipops” Braided Strappy Back Tank Top with Geo Lace Edge

Sunshine, lollipops and rainbows everything that’s wonderful is what I feel a-when I’m wearing this tank top…hehe well that is how I feel when I wear this tank top, and I hope you feel wonderful and bust out into song when you wear it too! There is lots to love with this sunshine seeking tank top with it’s super chic chunky geo lace edge and unique braided straps that show off your beautiful back! Braiding these straps will bring back memories of Summer Camp and friendship bracelets and all that is wonderful about Summer. An option is also included for a trendy t-strap back, as well as a cropped or regular length fitted tank to give you lots of options to suite your unique preferences. For more details and to instantly download this pattern, check it out on Ravelry.

“Bow Crazy” Chevron Lace Open Back Tank Top with Bow

Go crazy with your love for bows and everything girly with this pretty little lacy flirty oh-so-cute tank top! With sweet and feminine details like a lace ruffled waist, a picot neckline, and cable braided straps, this tank top is sure to make you feel pretty. With the option of making a festival ready solid tank top, or a retro-inspired beach ready striped tank top, you can let your imagination run wild with the adventures you will have when you rock it! Knit with a lustrous mercerized cotton, this tank not only keeps you cool in it’s sassy open-back design, but keeps you looking cool in it’s fashionable chevron lace pattern. The bow on the back is a super sweet touch that will make you go bow crazy! For more details and to instantly download this pattern, check it out on Ravelry.

“With Sprinkles on Top” Ice Cream Bow Back T-Shirt

What is your favorite flavor of ice cream during the Summer? Vanilla with multicolor sprinkles? Mint with chocolate sprinkles? Plain chocolate? Show it off in this super fun perfect for Summer t-shirt! Made with Knit Picks Comfy Sport, it is not only knit with a lightweight cotton yarn, it is soft, comfy, and machine washable too! The ice cream intarsia chart is a blast to knit and wear, and the bows on the back offer some flirtiness and flair. Adorn the bows with your favorite buttons and your back will be the talk of the town. The bow on the back is a super sweet touch that will make you go bow crazy! For more details and to instantly download this pattern, check it out on Ravelry.

“Heart to Heart” Embellished Tank Top with Heart Cut Out Back

If you want to sparkle this Summer and show off the amazing knitting superstar you are, “Heart to Heart” is your one stop tank top! Featuring two of fashions hottest trends, jewel embellished necklines and heart cut out backs, you will have everyone saying “Who is that girl? I want to know her!” Knit with your choice of sugar cane or cotton yarn, you will be keeping cool and looking fabulous. Warning: I would recommend making 2 of these beauties, because you just know your BFF is going to want one too! For more details and to instantly download this pattern, check it out on Ravelry.

Thanks so much for checking out the “Boardwalk Beauties” collection! These patterns can be purchased through my Girly Knits pattern stores on Ravelry and Etsy, as well as through my website, girlyknits.com! They are $7 each, or can be purchased as a full collection for only $21 here. I hope you enjoy!

♥Lauren