Ashby Tee Top Knitting Pattern

Ashby Tee in Blue Sky Fibers Skinny Cotton

What is Being Made

The Ashby Tee is a classic summertime knit top designed by Sarah Smuland for use with Blue Sky Fibers Organic Cotton Skinny yarn. This women's garment is available in five sizes ranging from XS to XL, with finished chest measurements from 34" to 50". The tee features a loose, comfortable fit ideal for warm weather wear, with finished lengths ranging from 5" to 6½" depending on size.

Construction Techniques

The Ashby Tee employs a hybrid construction method that combines circular knitting with flat knitting. The body is worked in the round from the cast-on up to the armhole, which creates a seamless construction and ensures consistent fabric throughout the lower portion of the garment. Once the armholes are reached, the pattern transitions to working back and forth in rows to shape the front and back pieces separately. This technique change at the yoke creates subtle visual interest while maintaining structural integrity.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The primary stitch pattern used throughout the Ashby Tee is a k1, p2 rib (knit one, purl two rib), which is worked consistently in the round during the body section. This ribbed stitch creates the characteristic stretchy texture that contributes to the garment's loose fit. The gauge for this pattern is 25 stitches and 19 rows over 4 inches when measured unstretched in k1, p2 rib on size 9 (5.5mm) needles. During the yoke shaping, the pattern incorporates decreases using p2tog (purl two together) to reduce stitches and create the neckline shaping. The neck finishing transitions to a k1, p1 rib (knit one, purl one rib) for a tighter, more refined edge.

Materials and Tools

The Ashby Tee is designed specifically for Blue Sky Fibers Organic Cotton Skinny yarn, which is 100% organic cotton with a yardage of 150 yards per 65-gram hank. The yarn quantity required ranges from 6 hanks for the smallest size (XS) to 10 hanks for the largest size (XL). The pattern shown features color No. 305 in Pink.

Needles required include a 32" circular needle in size 9 (5.5mm) for working the body in the round and a 16" circular needle in size 9 (5.5mm) for working the neckline. Both needle sizes should be selected to obtain the specified gauge. Additional tools needed are stitch holder(s) or waste yarn for holding stitches, stitch marker(s) for marking the beginning of rounds, and a tapestry needle for finishing and weaving in ends.

Difficulty Level

This pattern is rated as Advanced Beginner, making it suitable for knitters who have mastered basic techniques but are ready to tackle more complex shaping and construction methods. The combination of circular knitting, the transition to flat knitting, and the stitch decreases for yoke shaping provide good learning opportunities without overwhelming newer knitters.