Top with Knit Lace Panel
I recently designed this new shirt that has a lace knit panel insert on the front and back. The idea for creating this was for two reasons. One, this shirt was a little too small (tight) for me and Two, I really like this easy to knit lace stitch that I had recently used to create another project.
To make this you will need to know how to knit and how to use a sewing machine.
Supplies needed:
- Size US 8 knitting needles
- Worsted weight yarn that is washable – I used Hobby Lobby I Love this Yarn
- T-shirt that is a little too snug or one size too small for you
- Fabric scissors
- Sewing machine
- Sewing thread to match shirt
Step 1: Using your fabric scissors cut up the center front and center back of shirt – use a tape measure or ruler to determine the center point.
Step 2: Knit your lace panels
Cast on 16 sts – knit the first row
Row 1: *k2tog, yo, k2; rep from * across
Rep Row 1 for pattern – measure your front cut center line of shirt and when your knitted piece is close to that length knit 1 more row, then bind off.
Make another panel for the back following the same pattern above – note that the back section will be longer so you will need to measure that and knit this panel a little longer.
Step 3: When both your panels are knitted you will then pin them to the shirt front and back and using your sewing machine and a stitch length of approx. 3 stitch the shirt and panel together with the shirt laying on top of the panel – use the inner edge of you presser foot (see below) as a guide for a seam allowance. You will have to stitch down each side of the panel so you will stitch 4 different times. Weave in the ends of the yarn when you are done – or you could do it before but I did mine at the end.
That’s it – all done. Super simple and fun to wear. The top can be worn as is or with a camisole or tank top underneath. I have a tank top under mine that I found at Old Navy and it was the perfect red to match the shirt. 
I am currently working on a short sleeve version for spring using a different lace stitch and I will be sharing that on my blog in March – so be sure to follow me via bloglovin, email or RSS feed for future updates.
Have a great day!
Kimberlee
That’s a great idea to brighten up a plain top. Thanks for sharing on Sweet and Savoury Sundays, stop by and share with us again this weekend!
This is lovely! How cool that it can be used to expand a shirt that has become too tight.
love this! We don’t knit but we could do it with crochet. too awesome!!
Yes – crochet would also work. I was thinking of doing a version with crochet since I do both but haven’t gotten to it yet – too many projects and too little time! Thanks for your comment.
Yes way too many projects and where does the time go? If we try it first, will link up and share with you!
Hi And thanks so much for stopping by my blog and leaving the nice comment on the dry shampoo I made. This stuff really does work nice on my hair and I hope you try it, it’s so easy to make. I love this blouse with the insert you made. You are so clever and creative. Have a good weekend.
Julie
Love the top! The knit lace panel is so colorful and pretty 🙂 Thanks for stopping by my blog, by the way!
MJ
http://www.littlepandacrafts.blogspot.com
Thank you! It was fun to make.