Inspired by traditional leather harnesses, I designed this pattern as a fun, unusual knit that would stylistically imitate a harness using standard knitwear techniques. It’s hardly a harness, hence the name, but it’s just as fun to style and wear, and way more comfy!
The Hardly Harness is also a perfect base for duplicate stitch embroidery, so I’ve included a free download of my Duplicate Stitch Embroidery Workbook as well!

It is important to me that this pattern is financially accessible and so for low-income customers, this pattern can be purchased at 50% off using the code ‘LOW50’. This is an honours system - please respect that I also am trying to make a living from my designs and if you can afford the full price I’d appreciate if you paid it.

Sizing:

Size 1 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 to fit upper chest measurement* of 67.5, 77.5, 85.75, 93.75, 102, 110, 118.25, 126.25, 134.5, 142.5cm / 27, 31, 34.25, 37.5, 40.75, 44, 47.25, 50.5, 53.75, 57in
Two views are included - View A is for bodies with very full, high breasts, View B is for bodies with smaller, or lower breasts or without them altogether. The view you choose may also be influenced by your preferred bra or underwear and how it manipulates your chest.

• To measure your upper chest/bust measurement, place a tape measure around your body underneath your armpits, making sure it is level all the way around and keeping arms relaxed at your sides.

Yarn:

Qing Fibre Dashing DK (100% Ultra fine South African Merino, 225 m / 246 yds per 100g) in colourway Sherbet

Yardage:

View A:
120 140, 160, 18515, 235) 260, 280, 300m / 130 150, 175, 20035, 255) 285, 305, 330yds

View B:
95 120, 145, 17010, 235) 260, 285, 310m / 105 130, 160, 19030, 255) 285, 310, 340yds

Gauge:

22 sts and 29 rounds per 10cm / 4in using 4mm / US 6 needle in stocking stitch

Needles:

Ribbing Needle - 3.5mm / US 5 or size needed to obtain gauge in your preferred length for medium and large circumferences (I used 40cm but you may prefer a larger circumference)

Main Needle - 4mm / US 6 or size needed to obtain gauge in your preferred length for medium and large circumferences (I used 40cm but you may prefer a larger circumference)

Cast-Off Needle: spare 4mm / US6 needle (or size needed to match fabric tension)

Supplies Needed:

• Tapestry needle
• 1 stitch marker (can be made from a loop of waste yarn)
• Stitch holders or waste yarn