Tween Layer Top
Everyone knows that tweens can be difficult to buy and craft for; they have such eclectic taste! Thankfully, you can put an end to wondering what to make them by using free knitting patterns that are basic wardrobe staples - like this Tween Layer Top. Your favorite tween will love mixing and matching this classic top with colorful tanks and tees.
Knitting Needle Size7 or 4.5 mm, Circular Knitting Needles
Yarn Weight(4) Medium Weight/Worsted Weight and Aran (16-20 stitches to 4 inches)
Sizes: XS (S, M, L, 1X)
Bust: 28 (34, 38, 44, 48)”
Length: 26 (27, 28, 29, 30)”
MATERIALS:
RED HEART® “Super Saver®”: 3 (3, 4, 5, 5) skeins in 972 “Pink Camo”.
Knitting Needles: 5mm [US 8]; 4.5mm [US 7] circular needle, 24” long size
Stitch holders.
Yarn needle.
GAUGE: 16 sts = 4”; 22 rows = 4” in K3, p2 rib, slightly stretched. CHECK YOUR GAUGE. Use any size needles to obtain the gauge given.
STITCH EXPLANTIONS:
K3, p2 Rib
Row 1 (WS): K2,*(p3, k2); repeat from * to end.
Row 2 (RS): P2, *(k3, p2); repeat from * to end.
Repeat Rows 1 and 2 for K3, p2 rib.
Note: In order to avoid color pooling that can result from a variegated yarn, use two balls simultaneously, working 2 rows with one ball then 2 rows with a second ball.
TOP INSTRUCTIONS
Body Dimensions
Sleeve Dimensions
BACK
With larger needles, cast on 57 (67, 77, 87, 97) sts.
Starting with Row 1, work in K3, p2 rib until Back measures 18½ (19,19½, 20, 20½)” from beginning, end with a wrong side row.
Shape Armhole Keeping in K3, p2 rib pattern, bind off 2 (3, 4, 5, 6) sts at beginning of next two rows, then dec 1 at each side every other row 1 (2, 3, 4, 6) times – 51 (57, 63, 69, 73) sts.
Work even until armhole measures 4½ (5, 5½, 6, 6½)”, end with a wrong side row.
Shape Neck
Next Row (Right Side): Work 11 (13, 16, 18, 20) sts, slip center 29 (31, 31, 33, 33) sts to a stitch holder for neck, join second ball of yarn and work last 11 (13, 16, 18, 20) sts.
Work both sides at same time with separate balls of yarn.
Bind off 3 sts at each neck edge once, then dec 1 st at neck edge every other row 2 (2, 3, 3, 3) times – 6 (8, 10, 12, 14) sts.
Work even until armhole measures 7 (7½, 8, 8½, 9)”, end with a wrong side row.
Shape Shoulder
Bind off at each shoulder edge 3 (4, 5, 6, 7) sts twice.
FRONT
Work same as for Back until piece measures 17 (17½, 18, 18½, 19)”, end with a wrong side row.
Shape Neck
Next Row (Right Side): Work 21 (26, 31, 36, 41) sts, slip center 15 sts to a stitch holder for neck, join second ball of yarn and work last 21 (26, 31, 36, 41) sts.
Work both sides at same time with separate balls of yarn.
Bind off at each neck edge 3 sts once, then dec 1 st at neck edge every other row 8 (8, 8, 8, 6) times.
AT THE SAME TIME, when Front measures 18½ (19, 19½, 20, 20½)” from beginning, shape armhole same as for Back.
Work even on 6 (8, 10, 12, 14) sts until Front measures same as Back to shoulder, end with a wrong side row.
Bind off at each shoulder edge 3 (4, 5, 6, 7) sts twice.
SLEEVES
With smaller needles, cast on 37 (42, 47, 52, 57) sts.
Work in K3, p2 rib until piece measures 1½”. Change to larger needles and continue to work in K3, p2 rib, inc 1 st each side every 4th row 4 times – 45 (50, 55, 60, 65) sts.
Work even until Sleeve measures 5 (5½, 5½, 5½, 6)” from beginning, end with a wrong side row.
Shape Cap
Bind off 2 (3, 4, 5, 6) sts at beginning of next 2 rows – 41 (44, 47, 50, 53) sts.
Continue to work in K3, p2 rib, dec 1 st each side every other row 3 times – 35 (38, 41, 44, 47) sts.
Dec 1 st each side every 4th row until Sleeve Cap measures 5½ (5½, 6, 6½, 6½)” from beginning, end with a wrong side row.
Bind off 4 sts at beginning of next 2 rows.
Bind off remaining sts.
FINISHING
Sew shoulder seams.
Neckband:
With right side facing and circular needle, join yarn at right shoulder seam, pick up 15 sts down Back right neck, knit across 29 (31, 31, 33, 33) sts on Back stitch holder, pick up 15 sts up left Back neck edge, pick up 45 (48, 50, 53, 55) sts down left Front neck edge, knit 15 sts from Front stitch holder, pick up 45 (48, 50, 53, 51) sts up right Front neck edge – 164 (172, 176, 184, 188) sts. Place marker for beginning of round.
Work in K2, p2 rib for 1½ “.
Bind off in rib.
Set in Sleeves. Sew side and Sleeve seams.
Weave in ends.