Speedwell Camisole Top Knitting Pattern

Speedwell Camisole in Juniper Moon Findley

What is Being Made

The Speedwell Camisole is a stylish knitted tank top designed by Janine Le Cras as part of The English Garden Collection. This versatile garment features a delicate lace insert and is engineered to transition seamlessly from professional settings—perfect worn under a work suit—to casual evening occasions. The camisole is available in seven sizes ranging from XS to 3X, with finished bust measurements from 32 inches (81.5 cm) to 52 inches (132.5 cm) and front lengths varying from 18 inches (45.5 cm) to 19¾ inches (50 cm).

Techniques Used

This knitting project employs several intermediate techniques to create its refined appearance. The camisole is constructed in the round using circular needles, which creates seamless fabric and allows for efficient stitch management. The pattern incorporates a lace insert, which requires working decreases and yarn overs to create openwork sections. Wrap stitches are used as a decorative or structural element within the lace pattern. The pattern provides both written instructions and charted instructions for the lace insert, allowing knitters to choose their preferred method of working the detailed stitch sequences. Finishing details include attaching ribbon trim using a sewing needle and thread.

Stitches Used

The Speedwell Camisole utilizes fundamental knitting stitches combined with lace-specific techniques. The base fabric is worked in stockinette stitch, which creates a smooth, polished appearance ideal for a professional camisole. The lace insert incorporates the following stitch techniques:

• Yarn overs (yo) — create the openwork characteristic of lace patterns
• Knit two together (k2tog) — a right-leaning decrease used to balance yarn overs
• Slip, slip, knit (ssk) — a left-leaning decrease for directional lace shaping
• Purl two together (p2tog) — decreases worked on wrong-side rows
• Purl two together through the back loop (p2tog tbl) — a specialized decrease for specific lace effects
• Wrap stitches — a technique involving slipping stitches, passing one over the others, and then working a yarn over sequence to create textured or decorative elements

Materials

The Speedwell Camisole is knitted using Juniper Moon Farm Findley yarn in color #31 Periwinkle. Yarn requirements vary by size: sizes XS, S, M, L, and 1X each require 1 ball of yarn, while sizes 2X and 3X each require 2 balls. Knitting is performed on US #3 (3.25 mm) circular needles measuring 24 inches (60 cm), with the option to use longer needles for larger sizes to accommodate the increased stitch count. The pattern requires a gauge of 24 stitches and 36 rows over 4 inches (10 cm) in stockinette stitch worked in the round. Additional notions include a tapestry needle for weaving in ends, stitch markers for tracking pattern repeats, scrap yarn or a stitch holder for holding stitches, 1 yard (1 meter) of 1-inch (2.5 cm)-wide ribbon for the finished edge, and a sewing needle with matching thread for attaching the ribbon trim.