Set sail in style with the First Mate Tee, a breezy, lightweight knit top designed to bring a touch of nautical charm to your summer wardrobe. Crafted from luxurious silk yarn, this tee offers a soft, airy feel perfect for warm weather. Classic stripes add a timeless maritime aesthetic, while delicate pleats provide subtle texture and movement. Whether you’re strolling along the boardwalk or enjoying a seaside getaway, this easy-to-knit top is a versatile and stylish addition to any summer outfit.
Skill Level: Easy
Size: Finished Bust Size = 33 (37, 41.5, 46, 50.5, 56)”; 1-4″ positive ease recommended; Shown in size 37″
Gauge: 21 sts and 24 rows = 4” [10 cm] in St st after wet blocking
Materials
Yarn: Silk Indian Heena Silk (100% mulberry silk; 250 yards [228 meters]/100 grams): Navy Blue (MC, 2 (2, 3, 3, 4, 4) balls), Bleached White (CC, 1 (1, 1, 1, 2, 2) balls)
Needles: US size 10 (4.0 mm) 16” circular needles
Notions: Markers, stitch holders, tapestry needle
Abbreviations
K2tog: Knit 2 stitches together
LL1: Left leaning lifted increase by knitting into the stitch 2 rows below the stitch on the right needle
P2tog: Purl 2 stitches together
RL1: Right leaning lifted increase by knitting into the stitch one row below the stitch on the left needle
Ssk: Slip, slip, knit the 2 stitches together for a left leaning decrease
Pattern Notes
This top is worked bottom-up in the round beginning with a pleated border. It is split for front and back at the underarms and joined at the shoulders with a 3-needle-bind off.
Pattern
With MC, CO 230 (260, 286, 316, 350, 394) sts, pm to mark the beginning and join to knit in the round.
Rnds 1-6: *K10 (11, 11, 12, 14, 12), (p4, k9) 8 (9, 10, 11, 12, 14) times, k1 (2, 2, 3, 5, 3); rep from * once more.
Optional: Work rounds 3 and 4 in CC for a thin stripe within the pleated border.
Rnd 7: *K10 (11, 11, 12, 14, 12), (p1, p2tog, p1, k9) 8 (9, 10, 11, 12, 14) times, k1 (2, 2, 3, 5, 3); rep from * once more.
Rnds 8-12: *K10 (11, 11, 12, 14, 12), (p3, k9) 8 (9, 10, 11, 12, 14) times, k1 (2, 2, 3, 5, 3); rep from * once more.
Rnd 13: *K10 (11, 11, 12, 14, 12), (p1, p2tog, k9) 8 (9, 10, 11, 12, 14) times, k1 (2, 2, 3, 5, 3); rep from * once more.
Rnds 14-16: *K10 (11, 11, 12, 14, 12), (p2, k9) 8 (9, 10, 11, 12, 14) times, k1 (2, 2, 3, 5, 3); rep from * once more.
Rnd 17: *K10 (11, 11, 12, 14, 12), (p2tog, k9) 8 (9, 10, 11, 12, 14) times, k1 (2, 2, 3, 5, 3); rep from * once more.
Rnd 18: *K10 (11, 11, 12, 14, 12), (p1, k9) 8 (9, 10, 11, 12, 14) times, k1 (2, 2, 3, 5, 3); rep from * once more.
Rnd 19: K91 (103, 113, 125, 139, 155), pm, knit to end. (182 (206, 226, 250, 278, 310) sts)
Work even for 2 rounds. Begin stripe sequence as follows: 4 rounds in CC followed by 6 rounds in MC and continue through rest of the top.
Dec rnd: *K2tog, knit to 2 sts before marker, ssk; rep from * once more. (4 sts dec’d)
Rep dec rnd every 3 (3, 2, 3, 3, 2) rnds 1 (2, 3, 2, 3, 3) more times, then every 4 (4, 5, 5, 4, 4) rnds 3 (3, 3, 3, 3, 4) times. (162 (182, 198, 226, 250, 278) sts)
Work even for 12 rnds.
Inc rnd: *RL1, knit to marker, LL1, sl marker; rep from * once more. (4 sts inc’d)
Rep inc rnd every 9 (9, 8, 8, 8, 8) rnds 2 more times, then every 0 (0, 6, 6, 6, 6) rnds 0 (0, 2, 1, 1, 1) times. (174 (194, 218, 242, 266, 294) sts)
Work even till piece measures 14 (15, 15, 15, 15, 15)” from CO edge.
Divide for Front and Back
Knit the next rnd removing markers and place last 87 (97, 109, 121, 133, 147) sts on holder for back.
Front
Row 1 (RS): Knit.
Row 2: K3, purl to last 3 sts, k3.
Rep rows 1 and 2 till piece measures 22(23, 23.5, 24, 24.5, 25) from CO edge.
Next row: K20 (24, 29, 34, 39, 44), BO 47 (49, 51, 53, 55, 59) sts, knit to end. Place sts on holders for shoulders.
Back
With RS facing, join thread and work same as front.
Finishing
Join shoulders with 3-needle bind off. Weave in ends and block to finished measurements.
