Valley Yarns 40th Anniversary Cirro Tee Crochet Pattern

Valley Yarns 40th Anniversary Cirro Tee

What is Being Made

The Cirro Tee is a short-sleeved lacy crochet sweater designed by Linda Permann for Valley Yarns' Guest Designer Series. This garment is crafted as a modern, fitted tee available in six sizes ranging from Small (35" finished chest) to 3XL (56.5" finished chest). The finished length, including edging, measures between 22" and 23.5" depending on size. The sweater is designed to be worn with 2-3" of ease for comfortable wear.

Construction Method

The Cirro Tee is worked bottom-up in four separate pieces: front, back, and two sleeves. Each piece is crocheted flat before being seamed together for stability and structure. This construction approach allows for precise shaping and easier customization during the building process. Optional waist shaping sections are incorporated throughout the pattern to provide a contemporary, tailored fit.

Crochet Techniques and Stitches

This advanced-beginner level project features a two-row lace repeat pattern that is easy to memorize once established. The stitch pattern alternates between single crochet and chain-space stitches to create an open, airy lace fabric. The pattern uses:

• Single crochet (sc) stitches as the primary structural element
• Double crochet (dc) stitches for height and drape
• Chain stitches (ch) to form the characteristic openwork lace spaces
• Foundation single crochet (FSC) for the cast-on edge, providing a stable, professional starting point

The pattern incorporates stitch marker placement in shaping sections to help track decreases, which can be challenging in lace patterns. Crafters are instructed to place markers as directed, remove them when encountered in subsequent rows, work the marked stitch, and reposition the marker for the next shaping section. Careful stitch counting along every row in shaping sections is recommended for best results.

Materials Required

The Cirro Tee is made using Valley Yarns Northfield Hand Dyed by Malabrigo, a premium yarn blend consisting of 70% Merino wool, 20% Baby Alpaca, and 10% Silk. Each skein provides 248 yards at 100 grams. Yardage requirements range from 3 skeins for the smallest size to 5 skeins for larger sizes (2XL and 3XL). The sample shown is worked in the color Polar Morn.

A Size H-8 (5.0 mm) crochet hook is used to achieve the specified gauge, though any hook size that produces the correct gauge is acceptable. Additional notions include removable stitch markers for tracking shaping sections, a yarn needle for seaming and weaving in ends, t-pins for blocking, and a blocking board to set the finished pieces to their proper dimensions.

Gauge and Finishing

The pattern requires a gauge of 14 stitches and 12 rows equal 4 inches in pattern. Taking time to crochet and measure a gauge swatch before beginning the project is essential for achieving the correct finished measurements. The gauge swatch is worked in the two-row repeat pattern and should be blocked before measuring to account for the lace structure's behavior after finishing.

Once all four pieces are completed, they are seamed together using the yarn needle. The finished sweater is blocked using t-pins and a blocking board to shape the lace pattern and ensure even dimensions across all pieces.