Stacy Charles Fine Yarns Genevieve Bargello Tee Knitting

Stacy Charles Fine Yarns Genevieve Bargello Tee

What is Being Made

The Genevieve Bargello Tee is a knitted short-sleeved sweater designed by Teresa Chorzepa, available in six sizes ranging from X-Small to 2X. This garment features a sophisticated colorwork design with a bargello stripe pattern, creating a visually striking tee suitable for layering or wearing as a standalone piece. The finished bust measurements range from 32½ inches (X-Small) to 55 inches (2X), with lengths varying from 23 inches to 25½ inches depending on size.

Techniques Used

This knitting project employs several advanced techniques to create its distinctive appearance. The garment is worked flat on straight needles, meaning pieces are knitted in flat rows rather than in the round, allowing for easier colorwork management. The construction follows a bottom-up approach, where the body and sleeves are knitted starting from the lower edges and progressing upward. The design incorporates seamed construction, with individual pieces joined together after completion. The pattern features lace elements integrated into the overall design, adding delicate texture and visual interest. Stripes are created through the bargello pattern, which uses multiple yarn colors to produce geometric striped effects that build upon each other.

Stitches Used

The Genevieve Bargello Tee utilizes fundamental knitting stitches combined in strategic patterns. Garter stitch forms the foundation of much of the garment, created by knitting every row when working flat, or alternating knit and purl rounds when working in the round. This creates a textured, reversible fabric with horizontal ridges. The Crest of the Wave Pattern serves as the primary stitch pattern, providing the distinctive bargello effect with its undulating visual rhythm. Decreases are accomplished using K2tog (knit two together) and ssk (slip, slip, knit) techniques, which are essential for shaping the armholes, neckline, and sleeve caps. These decreases are worked strategically throughout the pattern to create proper garment fit and silhouette.

Materials and Specifications

This pattern calls for S. Charles Collezione RITRATTO yarn, a luxurious blend comprising 53% viscose, 28% kid mohair, 10% nylon, and 9% polyester. The yarn is supplied in 1.75-ounce (50-gram) balls, each containing 198 yards (180 meters). Three colorways are used: color #133 black gold serves as the main color (MC), requiring 3 to 4 balls depending on size; color #132 gold rush (A) is used as an accent, requiring 1 to 2 balls; and color #134 copper canyon (B) provides additional contrast, requiring 1 ball across all sizes. Knitting is performed on size 5 (3.75mm) needles, with straight needles for the flat-worked body and sleeves, plus a 16-inch (40cm) circular needle for the neckband. Additional supplies include stitch markers for tracking pattern repeats and a yarn needle for seaming and weaving in ends.

Gauge and Construction Details

Achieving proper gauge is essential for this project's success. The Crest of the Wave Pattern should measure 21 stitches and 23 rows over 4 inches (10 centimeters), while garter stitch sections should measure 18 stitches and 35 rows over the same 4-inch span. The significant difference in row gauge between pattern stitches reflects the density variations created by the lace and textured elements. Armhole depth ranges from 4½ to 6 inches depending on size, and the neckline is shaped through strategic bind-offs and decreases worked over multiple rows to create a comfortable, well-fitted neckline opening.