INTRODUCTION

Lycka

by Stefanie Schuster

Imagine having a lazy day, relaxing by a lake, lying under a roof of big branches. The sun is tickling your nose when the leaves gently sway in a smooth breeze that gives you a soft chill. It was a day like this that inspired me to design the Lycka Cotton Tee. Lycka is Swedish for "happiness", and that’s exactly what I felt in that moment.

Lycka is a light and airy summer top with simple straight lines, a rounded back and a triangularly-shaped lace rib pattern at the front. The partial shadow provided by the roof of leaves inspired this unique but very easy lace rib pattern that extends the v-neck shape to create a feminine and flattering look.

The top is knitted flat from the bottom up in two pieces. The sleeves are formed by casting on additional stitches once the underarm is reached. The rounded back is shaped by using short rows and the back neck uses a tiny i-cord bind off.
Front and back are knitted separately and are then joined at the shoulders using the three-needle bind off. Finally, the sides are seamed together.

Using a variety of techniques, knitting this top is a very interesting knitting experience that rewards you with a very soft and comfy summer wardrobe staple.

model: Stefanie Schuster

photos: Marco Polchow

SIZE

Women's XS[S, M, L, 1X, 2X, 3X]
shown in size S with 4 inches/10 cm of positive ease

FINISHED MEASUREMENTS

Bust circumference: 33.75[38.25, 41.75, 47, 49.75, 54.25, 57.75] inches/ 85.5[97, 106, 119.5, 126.5, 138, 146.5] cm
Front length: 20[20.5, 21, 21, 21.25, 21.5, 21.75] inches/ 51[52, 53.5, 53.5, 54, 54.5, 55] cm

MATERIALS

Yarn
Garnstudio Drops Safran [100% combed cotton; 175yds/160m per 1.8 oz/50g skein]; color: 20 Rust; 4[5, 5, 5, 6, 6, 7] skeins

Recommended needle size
[always use a needle size that gives you the gauge listed below - every knitter's gauge is unique]
US #4/3.5mm circular needle, 24-inches/60 cm long
Extra needle of similar size for 3-needle BO.

Notions
2 stitch markers
yarn needle

GAUGE

22 sts/38 rows = 4 inches/10 cm in stockinette stitch

PATTERN NOTES

[Knitty's list of standard abbreviations and techniques can be found here.]

The tee is knitted flat in two pieces from the bottom up, then joined at the shoulders using 3-needle bind off. The sides are then seamed.

When working short row shaping at the BACK, pick up and work all wraps with wrapped sts as you pass them.

For larger sizes, the wide and airy lace triangle at the front starts lower than pictured in the sample.

Lace Rib Pattern (multiple of 3 sts)
Row 1: (K1, yo, k2tog) to end.
Rep this row for patt.

Tiny I-cord Bind Off
CO 1 st onto LH needle using knitted cast-on. *K2tog tbl, sl first st on RH needle to LH needle; rep from * until the required number of sts have been bound off.

DIRECTIONS

BACK
CO 94[106, 116, 130, 138, 150, 160] sts.
Knit 5 rows.

Short row shaping:
Next row [RS]: K 44[50, 55, 62, 66, 72, 77] , pm, work Lace Rib over next 6 sts, pm, k 2[2, 3, 3, 3, 3, 3] , w&t.
Next row [WS]: Purl to m, sl m, work Lace Rib over next 6 sts, sl m, p 2[2, 3, 3, 3, 3, 3] , w&t.

Next row [RS]: Knit to m, sl m, work Lace Rib over next 6 sts, sl m, knit to wrapped st, pick up and knit wrap together with wrapped st, k 1[1, 2, 2, 2, 2, 2] , w&t.
Next row [WS]: Purl to m, sl m, work Lace Rib over next 6 sts, sl m, purl to wrapped st, pick up and purl wrap together with wrapped st, p 1[1, 2, 2, 2, 2, 2] , w&t.
Rep last 2 rows 18[21, 14, 17, 19, 21, 22] times more. 3[3, 6, 4, 2, 2, 4] sts rem between wraps and each end of row.

Size M, L, and 3X Only:
Next row [RS]: Knit to m, sl m, work Lace Rib over next 6 sts, sl m, knit to wrapped st, pick up and knit wrap together with wrapped st, k -[-, 2, 1, -, -, 1] , w&t.
Next row [WS]: Purl to m, sl m, work Lace Rib over next 6 sts, sl m, purl to wrapped st, pick up and purl wrap together with wrapped st, p -[-, 2, 1, -, -, 1] , w&t.

All Sizes
Next row [RS]: Knit to m, sl m, work Lace Rib over next 6 sts, sl m, knit to wrapped st, pick up and knit wrap together with wrapped st, knit to end.
Next row [WS]: Purl to m, sl m, work Lace Rib over next 6 sts, sl m, purl to wrapped st, pick up and purl wrap together with wrapped st, purl to end.

Cont working in St st and Lace Rib as set until piece measures 13.5[13.5, 13.5, 13.25, 12.75, 12.75, 12.25] inches / 34.5[34.5, 34, 33.5, 32.5, 32.5, 31] cm, measured along the side edge and ending after a WS row.

Shape sleeves:
Note: Cast on sts are worked into St st.
Next 2 rows: Cast on 14[14, 15, 14, 13, 13, 14] sts onto LH needle using backward loop cast-on, patt to end. 122[134, 146, 158, 164, 176, 188] sts after both rows have been completed.

Work even in patt until piece measures 6.5[7, 7.5, 7.75, 8.5, 8.75, 9.5] inches/ 16.5[17.5, 19, 20, 21.5, 22.5, 24] cm from sleeve cast-on, ending after a WS row and slipping first st of every row purlwise.

Next row [RS]: Sl 1, k 36[41, 46, 50, 51, 57, 63] , BO 48[50, 52, 56, 60, 60, 60] sts using tiny i-cord bind off ( 37[42, 47, 51, 52, 58, 64] sts rem on LH needle), knit to end. Place rem 37[42, 47, 51, 52, 58, 64] sts of each shoulder on holders or waste yarn.

FRONT
CO 94[106, 116, 130, 138, 150, 160] sts.
Knit 5 rows.

Work even in St st until piece measures 7.25[6.5, 6, 4.5, 3.5, 2.75, 1.5] inches/ 18.5[16.5, 15, 11.5, 9, 7, 4] cm from cast-on.

Begin Lace Rib pattern:
Row 1 [RS]: K 44[50, 55, 62, 66, 72, 77] , pm, work Lace Rib over next 6 sts, pm, knit to end.
Row 2 [WS]: Purl to marker, sl m, work Lace Rib over next 6 sts, purl to end.
Rep last 2 rows once more.

Row 5 [RS]: Knit to 3 sts before m, pm, work Lace Rib patt over next 3 sts, remove m, work Lace Rib patt to m, remove m, work Lace Rib patt over next 3 sts, pm, knit to end.
Row 6 [WS]: Purl to m, sl m, work Lace Rib patt to next m, sl m, purl to end.
Rows 7-8: Work even in St st and Lace Rib patt as est.
Rep last 4 rows 12[14, 15, 18, 19, 21, 23] times more, then rep Row 5 once more. 2[2, 4, 2, 3, 3, 2] sts remain in St st between markers and side edges.

Work even in patt for 1 row.

Shape sleeves:
Next row [RS]: Cast on 14[14, 15, 14, 13, 13, 14] sts using backward loop cast-on, knit to m, sl m, work Lace Rib patt to m, sl m, knit to end. 108[120, 131, 144, 151, 163, 174] sts.
Next row [WS]: Cast on 14[14, 15, 14, 13, 13, 14] sts using backward loop cast-on, purl to m, remove m, work Lace Rib patt to m, remove m, purl to end. 122[134, 146, 158, 164, 176, 188] sts.

Divide for neck:
Next row [RS]: Sl 1, (k1, yo, k2tog) 19[21, 23, 25, 26, 28, 30] times, k1, yo, k third stitch on LH needle, then knit first and second stitch on LH needle together, dropping all 3 sts off of LH needle (you have crossed two sts and decreased 1), yo, k2tog, [k1, yo, k2tog] 19[21, 23, 25, 26, 28, 30] times, k1.
Next row [WS]: Sl 1, (k1, yo, k2tog) 19[21, 23, 25, 26, 28, 30] times, p3. Place unworked 61[67, 73, 79, 82, 88, 94] sts of row on holder and turn. Cont on these 61[67, 73, 79, 82, 88, 94] sts for right front only.

Right Front:
Row 1 [RS]: Sl 1, ssk, (k1, yo, k2tog) to last st, k1. 1 st decreased.
Row 2 [WS]: Sl 1, (k1, yo, k2tog) to last 5 sts, k1, yo, p2tog, p2.
Row 3: Sl 1, ssk, yo, k2tog, (k1, yo, k2tog) to last st, k1. 1 st decreased.
Row 4: Sl 1, (k1, yo, k2tog) to last 4 sts, k1, p3.
Row 5: Sl 1, ssk, k1, (k1, yo, k2tog) to last st, k1. 1 st decreased.
Row 6: Sl 1, (k1, yo, k2tog) to last 3 sts, p3.
Rep last 6 rows 7[7, 7, 8, 9, 7, 6] times more, then rep Rows -[1, 1, 1, -, 1, 1] to -[2, 4, 2, -, 2, 2] once more. 37[42, 47, 51, 52, 63, 72] sts.

Sizes 2X[3X] Only:
Row 7 [RS]: Sl 1, ssk, yo, k2tog, (k1, yo, k2tog) to last st, k1. 1 st decreased.
Row 8 [WS]: Sl 1, (k1, yo, k2tog) to last 4 sts, k1, p3.
Row 9: Sl 1, (k1, yo, k2tog) to last st, k1.
Row 10: Sl 1, (k1, yo, k2tog) to last 4 sts, p4.
Row 11: Sl 1, ssk, k1, (k1, yo, k2tog) to last st, k1. 1 st decreased.
Row 12: Sl 1, (k1, yo, k2tog) to last 3 sts, p3.
Row 13: Sl 1, k2, (k1, yo, k2tog) to last st, k1.
Row 14: Sl 1, (k1, yo, k2tog) to last 3 sts, p3.
Row 15: Sl 1, ssk, (k1, yo, k2tog) to last st, k1. 1 st decreased.
Row 16: Sl 1, (k1, yo, k2tog) to last 2 sts, p2.
Row 17: Sl 1, k1, (k1, yo, k2tog) to last st, k1.
Row 18: Sl 1, (k1, yo, k2tog) to last 2 sts, p2.
60[69] sts.

Size 2X Only:
Rep Rows 7-14 once more. 58 sts.

Size 3X Only:
Rep Rows 7-18 once, then rep Rows 7-14 once more. 64 sts.

All Sizes
Work even in patt as set, slipping the first st of every row, until FRONT measures same as BACK to shoulder.

Break yarn and place rem 37[42, 47, 51, 52, 58, 64] sts on holder.

Left Front
Place 61[67, 73, 79, 82, 88, 94] sts held for Left Front sts back onto needles with WS facing and join yarn.

Next row [WS]: P1, yo, p2tog, (k1, yo, k2tog) to last st, k1.

Row 1 [RS]: Sl 1, (k1, yo, k2tog) to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1. 1 st decreased.
Row 2 [WS]: Sl 1, p2, yo, k2tog, (k1, yo, k2tog) to last st, k1.
Row 3 [RS]: Sl 1, (k1, yo, k2tog) to last 5 sts, k2, k2tog, k1. 1 st decreased.
Row 4 [WS]: Sl 1, p1, yo, k2tog, (k1, yo, k2tog) to last st, k1.
Row 5 [RS]: Sl 1, (k1, yo, k2tog) to last 4 sts, k1, k2tog, k1. 1 st decreased.
Row 6 [WS]: Sl 1, p2, (k1, yo, k2tog) to last st, k1.
Rep last 6 rows 7[7, 7, 8, 9, 7, 6] times more, then rep Rows -[1, 1, 1, -, 1, 1] to -[2, 4, 2, -, 2, 2] once more. 37[42, 47, 51, 52, 63, 72] sts.

Sizes 2X[3X] Only:
Row 7 [RS]: Sl 1, (k1, yo, k2tog) to last 5 sts, k2, k2tog, k1. 1 st decreased.
Row 8 [WS]: Sl 1, p1, yo, k2tog, (k1, yo, k2tog) to last st, k1.
Row 9: Sl 1, (k1, yo, k2tog) to last st, k1.
Row 10: Sl 1, (k1, yo, k2tog) to last st, k1.
Row 11: Sl 1, (k1, yo, k2tog) to last 4 sts, k1, k2tog, k1. 1 st decreased.
Row 12: Sl 1, p2, (k1, yo, k2tog) to last st, k1.
Row 13: Sl 1, (k1, yo, k2tog) to last 3 sts, k3.
Row 14: Sl 1, p2, (k1, yo, k2tog) to last sts, k1.
Row 15: Sl 1, (k1, yo, k2tog) to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1. 1 st decreased.
Row 16: Sl 1, p1, (k1, yo, k2tog) to last st, k1.
Row 17: Sl 1, (k1, yo, k2tog) to last 2 sts, k2.
Row 18: Sl 1, k1, (k1, yo, k2tog) to last st, k1.
60[69] sts

Size 2X Only:
Rep Rows 7-14 once more. 58 sts.

Size 3X Only:
Rep Rows 7-18 once, then rep Rows 7-14 once more. 64 sts.

All Sizes
Work even in patt as set, slipping the first st of every row, until FRONT measures same as BACK to shoulder.

Break yarn and place rem 37[42, 47, 51, 52, 58, 64] sts on holder.

FINISHING

Join shoulders on WS using 3-needle BO.

Block pieces to measurements shown on schematic. Seam sides of front, back and sleeves using mattress stitch.

A: Bust Width: 17[19.25, 21, 23.75, 25, 27.25, 29] inches/ 43[49, 53.5, 60.5, 63.5, 69, 73.5] cm
B: Body Length: 13.5[13.5, 13.5, 13.25, 12.75, 12.75, 12.25] inches/ 34.5[34.5, 34, 33.5, 32.5, 32.5, 31] cm
C: Armhole Length: 6.5[7, 7.5, 7.75, 8.5, 8.75, 9.5] inches/ 16.5[18, 19, 19.5, 21.5, 22, 24] cm
D: Neck Width: 8.75[9, 9.5, 10.25, 11, 11, 11] inches/ 22[23, 24, 26, 28, 28, 28] cm
E: Shoulder/Sleeve Width: 6.75[7.75, 8.5, 9.25, 9.5, 10.5, 11.75] inches/ 17[19.5, 21.5, 23.5, 24, 26.5, 30] cm
F: Wingspan: 22.25[24.25, 26.5, 28.75, 29.75, 32, 34.25] inches/ 56.5[61.5, 67.5, 73, 75.5, 81.5, 87] cm

ABOUT THE DESIGNER

Living in the Swedish countryside, Stefanie has the gorgeous nature with all its life as her biggest source of inspiration right outside her door. After finishing university as an engineer, she found that designing knitwear perfectly combines her love for math and numbers with her wild urge to express her creativity.

Her designs can be found on Ravelry, and she's also on Facebook and Instagram.

Pattern & images © 2017 Stefanie Schuster. Contact Stefanie