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Betty's
Tee, the knit version
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A note from Kathleen: Remember Betty's Tee from the Spring 2010 issue of Interweave Knits (photo at right)? We all loved it, including the folks at Interweave Crochet, so much so that they asked Tram Nguyen to design a similar top in Tunisian Crochet for the Fall 2011 issue. Tram designed the Tunisian version in a luscious 100 percent silk yarn, and I think I might like the crochet version even better than the knit version!
I decided to try my hand at Tunisian crochet to see if I could possibly take on this project, and guess what? It's really easy! To learn how, click on the video at the end of this newsletter. Tunisian is a really fun technique, and the crochet version of Betty's Tee is really gorgeous. If I can do it, you can, too.
Here's CrochetMe editor Toni Rexroat to tell you more about Betty's Tunisian Tee.
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Betty's Tunisian Tee by Tram Nguyen, from Interweave
Crochet Fall 2011
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Sweater Workshop: Betty's Tunisian Tee
The instant I saw
Betty's Tunisian Tee by Tram Nguyen, from the Fall 2011 issue of Interweave Crochet, I knew
I had to make this luscious silk top. I love the strong lines and textures
created with a combination of Tunisian knit stitches and Tunisian purl
stitches.
As I read the pattern and studied the sample garment, I realized that this
entrelac top might look more complicated on the surface than the construction
entails. This is really a great intermediate Tunisian crochet pattern! Let's
look at the unique construction together.
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Betty's Tunisian Tee is worked in the round from the bottom up in entrelac
tiers: two pyramids at front and back (number 1 on the schematic at right), two diamonds
that wrap around the sides (number 2), two "Vs" placed point to
point with the first pyramid for the front bust and back (number 3), and two
squares each for the sleeves (numbers 4 and 5). The directional striping in
each tier is created by alternating Tunisian knit stitch and Tunisian purl
stitch.
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1) The Base Triangles
This top begins with a chain that is the length of the hip
circumference. The first base triangle is worked, beginning with just two
Tunisian stitches, from the lower left corner in rows that increase in stitch
number. These rows are worked at an angle from the lower right point to the
last row, which is the entire length of the triangle from the top point to the
lower left point.
At this point, you will have worked into half of the beginning chain stitches.
The second base triangle is worked in the same manner as the first. All of the
beginning chain stitches should be worked, and you now have two triangles.
2) The First Entrelac
Block
To begin the first body block, or the side diamond, pick up
loops along the right edge of the first diamond. You will continue to work in
Tunisian knit stitch and Tunisian purl stitch pattern, but because you are
working at a different angle, these stripes will be perpendicular to those
created in the base triangles.
Each successive entrelac block is worked in a similar manner, building the tee
geometrically. I found the constructions diagrams (above) particularly helpful
when I was figuring out this garment's construction. While I will admit that,
on first glance, it resembles a battleship, this clever drawing is an excellent
representation of the way the entrelac tiers are built into the final garment.
If you fold the drawing along the lines I have drawn (above right), you can see
what I mean (left).
Once you have wrapped your head around the intriguing construction techniques,
this unique pattern is beautifully accessible.
Interweave Crochet continues
to introduce new crochet techniques and pattern possibilities.
And now you can
subscribe to Interweave
Crochet in print or digitally!
Best wishes,
P.S. Get a
Tunisian crochet tutorial on CrochetMe, and when
you're ready to tackle Betty's Tunisian Tee,
join us in the crochet-along!