Garden Gate Tee

Garden Gate Tee by Valerie Hobbs

What is Being Made

The Garden Gate Tee is a comfortable spring knit top designed by Valerie Hobbs, featuring a lace pattern element that adds visual interest to a classic tee silhouette. This downloadable knitting pattern is available in seven sizes, with finished bust measurements ranging from 31½ inches to 55 inches, accommodating a wide range of body types. The garment is intended to be worn with minimal ease (0–4 inches), allowing for a close, flattering fit. Length measurements range from 22½ to 25½ inches, making this a versatile piece suitable for layering or wearing on its own during warmer months.

Knitting Techniques and Construction

This intermediate-level knitting project employs circular needle construction, a technique that allows for seamless or nearly seamless garment assembly. The pattern utilizes multiple circular needle sizes to manage different sections of the garment efficiently: larger 32-inch or 40-inch circular needles for the body and sleeves, and smaller 16-inch circular needles for finishing the sleeve and neckline edges. The inclusion of lace patterning demonstrates the intermediate skill level required, as lace knitting involves yarn overs and decreases that create openwork designs. Knitters are advised to adjust needle size based on their individual gauge and tension, with a note that looser knitters may benefit from using a smaller needle size to achieve the correct fabric density.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

While the complete stitch chart details are referenced in the pattern document, the Garden Gate Tee incorporates lace stitches as a primary design feature. Lace knitting typically combines yarn overs (which create decorative holes) with decreases (such as knit two together or slip-slip-knit) to form intricate, openwork patterns. The pattern uses Knitter's Symbols fonts for charting, a standard notation system in the knitting community that allows knitters to follow stitch patterns visually. The lace element is balanced with stockinette stitch sections, which form the foundation of the garment and provide structure and drape.

Materials: Yarn and Needles

Yarn Requirements: The Garden Gate Tee requires between 770 and 1,312 yards of DK weight yarn, depending on the size chosen. DK (double knit) weight yarn is a lightweight, versatile yarn category ideal for spring and summer garments, offering a balance between drape and structure. The pattern is shown worked in Berroco Pure Pima, a 100% cotton yarn in the colorway Mauve Wood #2256, which is well-suited to the lace design as cotton provides excellent stitch definition and a crisp fabric hand. Cotton and cotton-blend yarns are recommended for this project, as they offer breathability and a smooth finish that complements lace patterning. The specific yardage needed depends on the finished bust size selected.

Needle Requirements: The pattern calls for U.S. size 5 (3.75mm) and U.S. size 6 (4.0mm) circular needles. Knitters will need 32-inch (80cm) or 40-inch (102cm) circular needles in size 6 for working the body and sleeves, and 16-inch (40cm) circular needles in size 6 for finishing the neckline and sleeve edges. The use of two needle sizes—with size 5 potentially used for ribbing or edging and size 6 for the main fabric—creates a subtle gauge variation that enhances garment structure. Circular needles are essential for this pattern, allowing for in-the-round or seamless construction techniques that minimize finishing work.

Pattern Details and Sizing

The Garden Gate Tee is offered in seven distinct sizes to accommodate a range of fit preferences. The pattern includes finished measurements for bust and length, with the sample garment shown in the 36-inch size knit with zero ease for a close, body-skimming fit. Knitters can choose their size based on desired finished measurements and preferred wearing ease. The intermediate difficulty level indicates that this pattern is suitable for knitters with foundational skills in circular knitting and basic lace techniques, though it may present a learning opportunity for those new to openwork patterns.