Diamond Back Drop Sleeve Tee

With a diamond lace pattern down the back, a unique ribbing for finishing, a square neckline, and a split hem, this boxy tee is anything but ordinary! It is, however, quite simple to work up. 

Because there is no waist or bust shaping, this top wears just as well with negative ease as it does with positive ease. All you have to do is decide if you want a snug fit to hug your curves, or if you’d prefer an easy, breezy loose fit, and knit the size according to the bust sizing of your choice. Not sure how to do that? Just measure your bust, and choose a size that is either slightly smaller than, the exact same size as, or slightly larger than your own bust.

You’ll start with a provisional cast on, and work the back from the shoulders to the underarm. Then you’ll pick up and work the front shoulders, cast on the middle front stitches, and work the front to the underarm. When the back and front lengths match, you’ll join and work in the round until you reach the split hem, which will be worked flat after making faux side seams. You’ll then pick up stitches for the sleeves, and the neckline finishing. 

Sizes

XS (S, M, L) (XL, 2X, 3X)

Bust sizes: 30.5 (34.5, 39, 42.5) (46.5, 51, 54.5)" / 77.5 (87.5, 99, 108) (118, 129.5, 138.5)cm

sample shown in XS worn with -1 ½” / 3.5cm ease; could be worn up to +2” / 5cm ease, as desired. 

Yarn

Old Rusted Chair Squish (Fingering weight) 

Oldrigional #81

100% Superwash Merino

438 yds / 100 g / 4 ply

859 (986, 1100, 1223) (1345, 1481, 1608) yds 

196 (225, 251, 279) (307, 338, 367)g 

2 (3, 3, 3) (4, 4, 4) skeins

Needle 

I highly recommend using a set of interchangeable needles so the needle tips can be switched instead of changing the whole needle, cord and all, but fixed circulars would also work.

US2/2.75mm 16” circular needles

US4/3.5mm circular needles in a length shorter than your bust circumference

Gauge

27 sts x 38 rows = 4”/10cm

stockinette, blocked

Tools

Scrap yarn for Provisional Cast On

Extra cable same length or one size longer (or extra fixed circular, scrap yarn, or holder) 

Stitch markers (2)

Removable stitch markers (4)

Tapestry needle

Stitch Patterns

Stockinette

Cable Twist Lace

Sailor’s Rib

Tutorials provided for Provisional Cast On and Jeny's Surprisingly Stretchy Bind Off (in pattern)

Pattern has been tech edited.

Email me at jentollknits@gmail.com with Diamond Back Tee Test in the subject line if you're interested in testing this pattern.