Four Seasons Camisole Test Knitters

This test knit was an adventure. With 3 textures in separate PDFs it was one of the largest test knits I’ve ever had. Test knitters made so many wonderful suggestions, and gave really great fit feedback. 

We made a LOT of changes: 

-Added body shaping. Both decreasing and increasing. The decreasing is particularly helpful to prevent armhole gaping if the camisole has more ease than expected, or if you have a large bust compared to your upper torso size.

-Lots of clarification around the lengths in the pattern. We added a few length options, and added a small diagram to the strap length instructions so you know exactly where you’re measuring from.

-Caught several typos, and errors.

-Clarified the bust short row instructions, and added an illustration of them to the construction overview.

-Added charts of the back armhole shaping to the lace version.

-Updated the needle sizes so future knitters will have an easier time meeting gauge.

The most common issue we encountered was the camisole gauge being larger (fewer stitches in 4” / 10 cm) than the swatch gauge. Quite a few camisoles ended up much larger than the schematic. Everyone also agreed that adding the bust short rows to the lace or cabled versions increased the complexity / difficulty of the pattern, as more attention is needed to stay in pattern.

It was really cool to see how everyone made the camisoles their own. Through texture, trim, and color choice there’s a really lovely variety. All four seasons are beautifully represented.

Photos shared with permission.

Doro (@Vampirhuhn)

Size 4.

Ribbed with I-cord trim.

Knit in Viking Garn Bambino (50% Bamboo, 50% Cotton).

Celine (@Celines_crafts)

Size 5.

Cabled with crochet trim.

Knit in Olivia and Oliver Fibers Merino Fingering (100% Merino).

Matylda (@dangyknits)

Size 3.

Ribbed with I-cord trim.

Knit in yarn unraveled from a sweater.

“This was such a joy to knit! The instructions are very detailed, and I really appreciate all the optional modifications, it really allows you to get the perfect fit! I’m thinking of knitting the lace version now 😅”

Anna Lena (@Knits_of_froda)

Size 6-8 using the shaping modifications to shift to smaller sizes.

Cabled with crochet trim.

Knit in Knitting for Olive Compatible Cashmere (100% Cashmere) held double.

Keriann (@Runningamuckdesigns)

Size 2 with the square neck mod.

Ribbed with I-cord trim (and stripes!), without the hem.

Knit in fingering weight cotton yarn.

Claire (@theshonkystitch)

Size 4 with square neck mod.

Cabled.

Knit in Drops Nord 4 ply (45% Alpaca, 30% Nylon, 25% Wool).

“A lovely mindful knit, even though it took me a while I was kind of sad when it finished. Celine will take you thru the journey you need to knit your best fitting , favourite camisole. Recommend knitting all options!”

Noel (@Noel.knits)

Size 3.

Lace with crochet trim.

Knit in Knitting for Olive Pure Silk (100% Silk).

Kelly (@InconsistentStudent)

Size 2.

Lace with I-cord trim.

Knit in The Mindful Creators Merino / Nylon sock yarn.

”I loved knitting the lace version. It’s not hard but it does require your attention, especially if you want to include shaping. The pattern is well explained and gives you a lot of variations, as well as instructions to get the fit and the style that you like. It makes sure you end with a piece that you’ll love wearing.”

Julia (@Theknittingduck)

Size 6.

Ribbed with crochet trim.

Knit in Knitting for Olive Pure Silk (100% Silk).

“This is the perfect summer top with so much options to make it fit perfectly to your body and you get 3 designs in one what more could you want!”

Selina (@SelinaLisMet)

Size 8.

Cabled with I-cord trim.

Knit in Wollspinnerei Vetsch Feilis (70% Merino, 30% Silk).

Claudia (@Bluegrove)

Size 2.

Lace with crochet trim.

Knit in Kim Dyes Yarn Smoothie Fingering (65% Silk, 35% Linen).

“Perfect pattern for creating a custom fit! As easy or as complicated as you want to make it, this really is a "choose your own adventure" pattern.

Lots of (very appreciated) details on when to measure for the straps and how to get the perfect placement, and multiple tips and notes scattered throughout the pattern. It felt like having a cheerleader rather than a list of rules, and I loved the whole knitting process. At the end, I even felt brave enough to attempt the crocheted edging (which is amazing!)”

Émilie (@_knit_and_run_)

Size 3.

Lace with crochet trim.

Knit in L’écheveau Solidaire Mosaïque (50% Merino, 50% Cotton).

“Quick summer project! This pattern is very simple and has this wow effect after blocking. The only point to watch out for is the end of the front if we add bust shaping because the lace columns are not aligned. The fit is really nice and I'm thinking about knitting more versions of this pattern: it's a must-have in our wardrobe.”

Lisa (@Lise_peace)

Size 3.

Cabled with crochet trim.

Knit in Sublime Baby Cashmere Merino Silk 4 ply (75% Merino, 20% Silk, 5% Cashmere).

”This pattern is a great way to enhance your skills as a knitter with personalized modifications, like Bust darts and neck lines.
It hugs the curves without constricting them, provides a modest look and able to hide the bra straps!
I know I'll be able to wear this time and time again and it looks more intricate than it actually is!
I love it and will definitely be knitting more in the future.”

Isabelle (@Goknitandrun)

Size 1.

Ribbed with I-cord trim.

Knit in Valentina Colour Works Silky Linen (65% Silk, 35% Linen).

Jane (@Jwmakes)

Size 2.

Ribbed with I-cord trim and no hem.

Knit in 100% wool

“This is the perfect knitting project for hotter weather. It is easy enough to follow for beginner knitters, and complex enough for edvanced knitters to make adjustments to. The finished tank fits perfectly and it is definitely a staple now for me. I need this tank in other colors! 10/10 recommend!”

Ally (@Ally_st_1)

Size 4.

Lace with crochet trim.

Knit in 75 / 25 sock yarn.

“Its a complex pattern, definitely not for a Netflix watching. However, you do end up with gorgeous top which can be custom made exactly as you like i.e. longer/shorter, deeper neck line,”

Lulu (@Cao_lucie)

Size 1.

Ribbed without trim or hem.

Knit in YarnArt Baby Cotton (50% Cotton, 50% Acryllic).

 

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Additional Thoughts

Here’s what a few more test knitters had to say:
"A fun and customizable project that results in a very wearable garment. Read through before diving in to plan ahead for, as Claudia put it, the choose your own adventure detours.A fun and customizable project that results in a very wearable garment. Read through before diving in to plan ahead for, as Claudia put it, the choose your own adventure detours.” -Jill,  Size 5.

“A beautiful and thoughtful design to create your perfect camisole. Full of helpful guidance throughout the pattern from Céline, you can make this as easy or complex a pattern as you want, as there are plenty of options for modification. My yarn is already ordered for a second version!” -Katie, Size 5.

”It's a very thoughtful design! I wasn't a fan of bottom up construction until this one. I got to familarize myself with the motifs before working on the more complicated parts (bust short rows, armhole shaping, finding the best position for straps). It's my first time knitting short rows in lace pattern and thanks to the construction it became so intuitive and smooth. It's a great learning experience!” -Xu, Size 2.

“Roses, soft coral pearls and beautifully scented perfumes are the images evoked by this delicate yet simple lace camisole. 
A clear and straight forward pattern, even an adventurous beginner knitter can attempt. Results reward you with a deep sense of accomplishment. You can create something so beautiful from a string of yarn. Modifications allow for personal tailoring to ones unique preferences. The crochet edging is just the icing on the cake.” -Snowbur, Size 10.

“Fast knit that keeps you engaged. I for sure will try to make one with my own fit.” -Maya, Size 3.

“This is a beautiful design with a clear and well written pattern. The lacework looks stunning. I plan on knitting the other two options as well. It's such a great value to get so many options with one pattern” -Stephanie, Size 7.