Sleeveless Dress Knitting Pattern

Sleeveless Dress in Noro Kanzashi

What is Being Made

This is an intermediate-level sleeveless knitted dress sized for Small/Medium with finished bust measurements of 34-38 inches (86-96 centimeters). The garment features a length of 34 inches (86 centimeters) and an underarm width of 41 inches (104 centimeters), making it a classic fitted silhouette suitable for layering or warm-weather wear.

Knitting Techniques Used

The Sleeveless Dress in Noro Kanzashi employs fundamental knitting techniques appropriate for intermediate crafters. The construction begins with casting on stitches and working in stockinette stitch, which alternates knit rows on the right side with purl rows on the wrong side to create a smooth, classic fabric texture. Strategic increases are incorporated throughout the pattern using the make-one (M1K) technique to shape the garment and achieve the desired fit. The pattern includes working even sections where stitches are continued without increases or decreases, allowing for consistent fabric development.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The primary stitch used in this design is the stockinette stitch, created by alternating knit and purl rows. Make-one increases (M1K) are strategically placed to add shaping, particularly in the back panel where increases occur at regular intervals to create a flattering silhouette. The pattern also references slip stitch techniques in the glossary, which may be employed for finishing edges or seaming. Yarn-over stitches are mentioned as part of the standard knitting abbreviations, providing additional texture options within the design.

Materials and Tools

This project requires 4 balls of Noro Kanzashi yarn, each weighing 150 grams, in colorway #03. The yarn is worked using one pair of size US 9/5.5mm knitting needles. The pattern recommends using LYKKE needles and hooks for optimal results. The gauge is established at 10½ stitches and 19 rows to 4 inches (10 centimeters) over the pattern using size US 9/5.5mm needles, making it essential to check gauge before beginning to ensure proper finished measurements.

Pattern Construction

The back panel is constructed by casting on 64 stitches and working in stockinette stitch with strategic increases. The pattern shows increases occurring at specific rows—Row 5 includes two make-one increases with 17 stitches, 30 stitches, and 17 stitches between them. Additional increase rows appear at Row 15 and Row 25, with varying stitch distributions to create shaping. Sections of work even instructions allow the fabric to develop between increase rows, building the dress from the bottom up with a structured approach to garment shaping.