Tahki Yarns Postcards Tee Knitting Pattern

Tahki Yarns Postcards Tee

What Is Being Made

The Postcards Tee is a short-sleeved knitted sweater designed by Irina Poludnenko. This garment is constructed using a distinctive log cabin building technique, where the front and back pieces are identical and created by progressively adding blocks of knitting around a central starting block. The finished sweater features a crew neckline and is available in six sizes ranging from Small to 3X, with finished bust measurements from 36 inches to 56 inches and lengths from 21½ inches to 24 inches.

Techniques Used

Log Cabin Construction: The Postcards Tee employs a unique log cabin method of garment assembly. Rather than knitting traditional flat pieces that are later seamed together, this pattern begins with an initial cast-on block and progressively adds new blocks by picking up stitches along the edges of previously completed sections. This technique creates a geometric, modular appearance and allows for integrated shaping throughout the construction process.

Bottom-Up and Seamed Construction: The garment is worked flat on straight needles, beginning from the bottom and building upward. Blocks are added in a specific sequence, with stitches picked up along bind-off edges and side edges to create larger rectangular sections. The front and back pieces are worked identically and are later seamed together. A 16-inch circular needle is used for any necessary ribbing or finishing work.

Integrated Shaping: Shoulder shaping is incorporated directly into individual blocks through strategic decreases worked on right-side rows at regular intervals (every fourth row). This eliminates the need for complex seaming at the shoulders and creates a structured, tailored fit.

Stitches Used

Stockinette Stitch (St st): This is the primary stitch used throughout the entire garment. Stockinette stitch is created by knitting all stitches on right-side rows and purling all stitches on wrong-side rows, producing a smooth, classic fabric with a distinctive V-pattern texture on the right side. The pattern specifies a gauge of 19 stitches and 32 rows over 4 inches in stockinette stitch, which is essential for achieving the correct finished measurements.

Decreases: Single decreases are worked at specific points to shape the shoulders and neckline. These decreases are performed on right-side rows at regular intervals (every fourth row) and are positioned at the beginning or end of rows depending on the shaping direction required.

Materials

Yarn: The Postcards Tee is knitted using Tahki Yarns RIPPLE, a 100% mercerized cotton yarn. Mercerized cotton provides a lustrous finish, excellent drape, and breathability, making it ideal for a lightweight tee suitable for warm weather wear. Each ball contains 1.75 ounces (50 grams) and yields 142 yards (130 meters).

Color Palette: The pattern calls for four coordinating colors from the Tahki Yarns RIPPLE line:

• Color #01 Pearl (A) – the primary color, requiring 2 to 4 balls depending on size
• Color #12 Clover (B) – a secondary color, requiring 2 to 4 balls depending on size
• Color #10 Pewter (C) – an accent color, requiring 1 to 3 balls depending on size
• Color #07 Fog (D) – an accent color, requiring 1 to 3 balls depending on size

Needles and Notions: The pattern requires one pair of size 6 (4mm) straight needles for the main construction, one size 6 (4mm) circular needle measuring 16 inches long for finishing, stitch markers to indicate important positions during construction, and a yarn needle for weaving in ends and seaming pieces together.

Knitters should take time to check their gauge before beginning, as achieving the specified 19 stitches and 32 rows over 4 inches in stockinette stitch is crucial for obtaining the correct finished measurements.