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Bessie
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DESCRIPTION
BESSIE is a simple light weight summer tee with an adjustable wide neck and delicate, subtle detailing. The design features top-down, circular yoke construction, an optional custom fit bicep, and instructions for adjusting the neckline to get your dream on- or off-the-shoulder fit. The pattern includes 10 sizes and two original video tutorials for the unique finishing details.
→ Click here to download a free preview with all the pattern details, including sizing information, yarn requirements, gauge and needles, and a full schematic.
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SIZING
To choose your size, measure the circumference of your torso around the fullest part of your bust/chest and choose the size that fits with 4-10”/10-25cm of positive ease. If you are between bust/chest sizes, choose the size that will get you closest to 0-2”/0-5cm of positive ease at the bicep (to measure your bicep for this pattern, measure the circumference about 2-3”/5-7.5cm above your elbow).
In the photos, Jaq is wearing a size 7 sweater (60”/150cm) with 6”/15cm of positive ease at the bust and no ease at the bicep.
FINISHED BUST/CHEST CIRCUMFERENCE:
In inches: (34, 40) [44, 48, 52, 56] {60, 64, 68, 72}
In centimeters: (90, 100) [110, 120, 130, 140] {150, 160, 170, 180}
→ To see how the top looks across the size range, check out the test knitting round up here!
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GAUGE, NEEDLES, NOTIONS
Gauge: 22 sts and 28 rows over 4”/10cm in stockinette after blocking
Recommended needles: US 5 (3.75 mm) 32”/80cm (sizes 1-4) or 40”/100cm (sizes 5-10) circular, 16”/40cm circular for sleeves if not using magic loop
Notions: stitch markers, locking stitch markers, darning needle, stitch holders or scrap yarn
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YARN
This top is designed for a fingering weight linen/cotton blend. I used Seismic Yarns Cellular, an organic cotton and linen blend with a tight ply and soft hand.
CROP:
Yards: (550, 650) [750, 850, 975, 1100] {1225, 1350, 1475, 1600}
Meters: (500, 590) [680, 775, 890, 1000] {1115, 1230, 1345, 1460}
FULL LENGTH:
Yards: (710, 820) [930, 1040, 1185, 1330] {1475, 1620, 1765, 1910}
Meters: (650, 750) [850, 950, 1080, 1215] {1345, 1475, 1610, 1740}
Other suitable yarns:
$
Knit Picks Lindy Chain
Holst Garn Coast Uld Bomuld
Berroco Remix Light
$$
BC Garn Alba
Isager Strik Bomulin
Kelbourne Woolens Mojave
$$$
Echoview Fiber Mill Lapidary
Shibui Koan
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VIDEO TUTORIALS
Bessie includes the following original video tutorials:
- Lateral braid in the round (for the hem detailing)
- German short rows (for the back of the neck)
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SHARING
See pictures of other Bessie crops and share pictures of your own progress on Instagram with the hashtag #BessieCrop. Be sure to tag @jaqcieslak too!
All of my garment patterns are #sizeinclusive to fit up to at least a 60” full bust circumference.
35 projects
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- First published: August 2021
- Page created: August 20, 2021
- Last updated: May 2, 2026 …
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