The Striped Mohair-Style Sweater Tee is a delightful and cozy project that showcases the versatility of brushed DK yarns through broad stripes. Perfect for layering or a standalone statement piece, this pattern is suited for knitters who are ready to explore color changes and delicate shaping.
Skill Level
Intermediate. This project involves working with multiple colors, changing yarns, and requires a good understanding of basic knitting techniques.
Materials
- Total brushed DK yarn: Approx. 900–1050 yd / 825–960 m in 4 colors: plum, buttercream, moss, and soft coral (roughly equal amounts).
- Needles: US 7 / 4.5 mm straight or circular needles; US 6 / 4 mm circular needle for ribbing.
- Notions: stitch markers, tapestry needle, scissors.
Abbreviations — US Terms
- k – knit
- p – purl
- st(s) – stitch(es)
- RS – right side
- WS – wrong side
Special Stitches
No special stitches are required for this pattern; it utilizes basic knitting techniques.
Gauge
Gauge is not essential for this project, but maintaining consistent tension will ensure even stripes and a balanced drape.
Finished Size
The final measurements for the sweater tee are approximately 22 in / 56 cm in width and a length of your choice depending on how far you’d like to continue working from the cast-on edge.
Pattern Notes
This project is worked in rows for the main body sections and in the round for the sleeves and neckband. You’ll be using a broad stripe sequence, which adds a playful dimension to your work. When changing colors, ensure that you only carry yarns up one stripe before breaking them to keep the tension correct and avoid bulk.
Crochet Instructions
Back
- With the smaller needle and plum yarn, cast on 100 sts.
- Work K1, P1 ribbing for 2 in / 5 cm.
- Switch to the larger needle. Begin working in stockinette stitch (knit all sts on RS rows and purl all sts on WS rows) while following the broad stripe sequence.
- Change colors only at the beginning of a RS row, carrying no yarn up more than one stripe. Break and rejoin yarn as needed.
- Continue until the back measures 21 in / 53 cm from the cast-on edge.
- Bind off all sts loosely.
Front
- Work exactly as the Back until it measures 21 in / 53 cm.
- Bind off all sts.
Shoulders and Sides
- Block both panels to approximately 22 in / 56 cm in width.
- Place the front and back panels together with RS facing. Seam 7 in / 18 cm at each shoulder, leaving an approximately 8 in / 20 cm center neck opening.
- Seam the side edges from the hem upward, leaving the top 8 in / 20 cm open on each side for the armholes.
Short Sleeves
- With the larger circular needle and RS facing, pick up 72 sts evenly around one armhole.
- Join to work in the round.
- Knit 8 rounds in stockinette.
- Switch to the smaller needle. Work K1, P1 ribbing for 1 in / 2.5 cm.
- Bind off stretchily. Repeat for the second sleeve.
Neckband
- With the smaller circular needle and RS facing, pick up approximately 84 sts evenly around the neck opening.
- Join in the round and work K1, P1 ribbing for 1 in / 2.5 cm.
- Bind off loosely.
Finishing
- Weave in any ends carefully on the WS.
- Block gently to measurements without crushing the brushed yarn. You can achieve a relaxed fuzzy tee with broad color sections and short drop-shoulder sleeves.
This pattern serves as a perfect way to experiment with color and create a stunning piece for your wardrobe. If you’re interested in further knitting adventures, you may also enjoy exploring the keyhole scarf pattern for a complementary project.
Tips for the Best Result
- When changing colors, make sure to twist the yarns around each other where they meet to avoid holes.
- Use stitch markers to mark each color change, helping you keep track of your stripes cleanly.
- If you find your stitches uneven at the seams, consider blocking more aggressively to even everything out.
Common Mistakes
- Uneven Stripes: Ensure you are carrying the yarn correctly when you switch colors.
- Seam Alignment: Take time to line up your seams properly for a more polished look. Using a sewing guide can help keep everything straight.
This project allows for significant customization in terms of color choice and length. Explore the different hues, and feel free to check out the autumn color block chunky scarf pattern for additional inspiration on color combinations.
Embrace your creativity, and have fun knitting this stylish tee!
