knitting fashion

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

by

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!

New Girly Knits Pattern “Ruffle Me Up” Lace Caridgan

by

“Ruffle yourself up in girly cuteness in this colorful lacey ruffley cardigan! Made with Lion Brand’s stunning “Amazing” color changing yarn, the cardigans beautiful textured lace panel ruffle is made even more interesting with variations of color in the yarn. The ruffle gathers at your natural waist to flatter your figure, and is long enough to just cover your bum. This cardigan can be worn open for easy style, buttoned, pinned, or even with a knitted belt. This design is a great way to spice up an outfit, and would be just as cute in a solid color for everyday wear. I hope you enjoy this pattern and when finished prance around and spin in it in girly delight!”

This pattern was designed, made, and modeled by me, and is now available on Ravelry here!

 

 

 

  

  

 

New Girly Knits Pattern “Blossoming Beauty” Daisy Lace Tank and Dress

by

“Just as flowers bloom in the Spring and Summer, so can your knitting! No need to put your yarn and needles away with this design, made with 100% cotton in an airy daisy lace pattern, it makes the perfect layering garment for the warmer months! It can be worn over a tank with a cardigan and jeans, or as a cover up for your bathing suit at the beach! With 4 different length options from a cropped tank to a dress and everything in between, plus a choice of regular or racer back, you are sure to make this sweet summery design work for you! Enjoy the sweet breeze as you blossom into the beauty you are, enjoy!”

This pattern was designed, made, and modeled by me, and is now available on Ravelry here!

  

This design was inspired by Girly Knits facebook fans! I did a poll on what girls wanted me to design with the Patons Grace neon orange yarn, which turned out to be a tank top, then gave them options of tank tops and they liked a racer back lace striped tank best. Check out the poll here!

  

New Girly Knits Pattern “Putting on the Glitz” Lace Hem Evening Dress

by

“Put on the glitz and head down to the Ritz in this sparkly glamorous dress! With it’s curve hugging silhouette, scooped out neckline, and strategically placed zig-zag lace pattern you are sure to stop traffic! Made with Vanna’s Glamour, this dress knits up into a super sparkly fabric that will keep you shining as the radiant goddess you are all night long. The braided straps and lace hem are additional fashionable details that are sure to turn heads. I hope you show your friends how very sexy knitting is and get compliments for you awesome knitting skills at your next formal event rocking this dress! Enjoy!”

This pattern was designed, made, and modeled by me, and is now available on Ravelry here!

 

 

 

  

New Girly Knits Pattern “Pretty Little Knickers” Lace Lingerie Set

by

“Indulge in the luxury of making and wearing your very own fine hand knit lingerie with this elegant and classy 3 piece set. Each piece is trimmed with a sophisticated lace pattern and sweet picot edge, with the addition of a luxurious velvet ribbon bow for function and flair. Made with Karabella’s Vintage Cotton with a mercerized finish, this set is durable despite it’s delicate and dainty appeal. The camisole needn’t only be reserved for the bedroom, as it will work beautifully into your wardrobe! I made this set while watching Seasons 1 & 2 of “Pretty Little Liars”, which infused the design with drama, scandal, and gorgeousness! Enjoy!”

This pattern was designed, made, and modeled by me, and is now available on Ravelry here!

 

 

 

  knitted-camisole-and-boyshorts

Interview with Jess, Awesome Knitter of the Month!

by

I had so much fun with last month’s interview with Carrie, that going forward I am planning on doing an interview with an awesome knitter every month!  This month’s interviewee is Jess, an incredibly talented and fashionable knitter, who I discovered when she purchased my “Meow” eyemask pattern!  You can tell that she has a lot of fun with her knitting which I love; all of her projects are super playful with a sense of humor inserted into them!  I hope you enjoy learning more about Jess and her love for knitting, and are inspired by her projects!

All of the images of Jess’s hand knit items below link to her project page on Ravelry, where you can find the pattern she used and knit it up too!  Enjoy!

Jess lives in a studio apartment in Brooklyn with her cat and tons of yarn. When she isn’t knitting, she is practicing at and managing a yoga studio in Manhattan. She hopes to someday combine the two and be able to yoga and knit at the same time. You can follow her knitting adventures at http://kittenstrength.blogspot.com/

When did you learn to knit and who taught you?

I learned to knit from my best friend’s mom when I was 18.  I think she knit our whole lives, but really started getting into it when we were in high school.  I remember she loved to knit just for decoration, she had this huge wicker basket by the front door that she filled with mohair mittens, it was the cutest thing.

I really wanted to learn, even though I thought it looked so hard and my best friend refused to join me because she’s allergic to wool.

At first it was really hard to catch on, every time I made the smallest mistake I would have to wait until the next time I saw my friend’s mom to fix it for me.  That’s so funny to look back on now because I mess up constantly and can pretty much get myself out of any knitting jam 🙂

After I learned, I put it down for a little while until I went to college.  I picked it back up in college because it was a really relaxing/familiar thing to do…also, one of my roommates was Pam Allen’s daughter (the former editor in chief of Interweave) so it was also something I could bond over with my roommates. 🙂

Who is your favorite person to knit for?

I love knitting for all my friends and family, but i really REALLY love knitting for their kids and babies.  The finished products are always so sweet and they are really fast projects 🙂

 

What are your 3 favorite knitting projects that you’ve made so far?

It was hard to pick just 3! I loved looking back at the things I made, and the story behind them…but I would say my favorites are a fish bathmat I made, thigh high legwarmers and a where the wild things are sweater & crown.

The bathmat and thigh highs were total labors of love, they took forever and were made with leftover yarn. 🙂

The sweater i really love because its one of the first things I made that I can really put into my everyday wardrobe.  I’m always surprised when I can actually make a piece of clothing that I can wear in public! 🙂

What is your favorite yarn?

I don’t know if I could pick a specific brand, but the type of yarn I always gravitate towards is a nice rustic, wool, worsted weight yarn.

Featured right is Knit Picks Wool of the Andes Worsted Yarn.

What is your favorite stitch?

Stockinette! Classic. 🙂

What is your favorite knitting book?

Not sure these count as books, but every single Rowan magazine is my favorite. Everything is styled so beautifully!

If you could design the “perfect” sweater, what design elements would it have?

I think my perfect sweater would be something heavy (worsted or bulky) probably a cardigan that I can double as a coat that I could wear all the time.  I don’t mind knitting in pieces (I kind of like seaming, I know crazy).

Probably something classic stockinette, nothing too fancy like cables…a good everyday sweater.

What environment do you like to knit it?

I love knitting everywhere and I do pretty much knit any chance I get.  Living in New York City I take the subway a lot and that is probably where my knitting comes most in handy. It’s nice to have something to kind of block out the craziness of the city (and the other people on the train) 😉

Recently I started knitting while walking down the street, I’m not sure I’ll keep this up though because people really look at me funny.

 

What do your friends and family think about your knitting habit?

They have gotten used to the fact that I knit all the time, they have actually mentioned that it’s weird to see me without my knitting!  Haha.

But I think they all love it, because they are always asking for handknit things 🙂

Looks like Jess’s cat loves her knitting habit too!

What do you feel is the most awesome part about knitting?

It’s hard to pick the most awesome part, there are so many things I love about knitting.

But I would have to say the thing I love most about knitting is that it is something I have more or less mastered on my own. It’s also one of the few things that I can say I feel really confident about and I know I am good at. I love that I can do it anywhere and everywhere (and have!)  Making something beautiful from a few sticks and string will never cease to amaze me.

 

Check out even more of Jess’s fabulous hand knit projects here.  Thanks Jess! -Lauren