Buy all 3 V tees for a deal! The V-Back Tee, V-Back Tee DK and Scrappy V are part of a bundle. Buy all 3 patterns and save $5.50! No coupon code needed.

Sign up for the Knitosophy newsletter to receive the best deals and to stay informed about what I’m working on!

Now available in German, Spanish and Dutch!

Any fingering yarn can be used so long as gauge is met. A list of other yarns that have been used to knit this pattern (including more affordable options) are given in the Suggested Yarn category above.

INTRO

A largely self-explanatory design, the V-back Tee is a playfully rebellious reversal of the popular v-neck. With a top-down construction this tee features back v-shaping that begins at the start of the ribbed neckband and continues all the way down to the hem. The v-shaping is created by a series of paired increases that surrounds a graceful spine, and side decreases offset the widening fabric. Two sets of German short rows even up the front hem with the back.

For this design I created an unorthodox method of fading colors by bringing a third color into each transition. These third color “hiccups” interrupt the fade but also help to maintain a nice cohesiveness to the tee as a whole. For my sample I selected four colors, but the pattern is written to accommodate five, four or three colors, or the entire tee can be knit in a single color. There are multiple options, and what’s more—the tee is reversible! Worn in back the V offers a nonstandard back neckline with a scoop neck in front; worn in front the V becomes a v-neck with a fabric that accentuates the bust before subtly cascading to the hem. Wear it both ways for an equally flattering fit.

SIZING

All of my patterns are #sizeinclusive.

1 (2, 3, 4, 5) (6, 7, 8, 9)

Finished bust circumference: 31 (35, 39, 43, 47) (51, 55, 60, 63) in / 78.5 (89, 99, 109, 119) (129.5, 140, 152, 160) cm

Intended to fit with a positive ease of 0-3 in / 0-8 cm at the bust

Sizing is based on the measurements provided in the Women’s Size Chart on the Craft Yarn Counil website. If your size falls within the upper range for a given size, you will have less ease. If it falls within the lower range, you will have greater ease. See Schematic at left for more sizing info.

GAUGE

22 sts and 34 rows/rounds = 4 in/10 cm of stockinette

20 sts and 44 rounds = 4 in/10 cm of 1x1 ribbing (stretched)

It is recommended to swatch both in the round and flat. The pattern begins in the round, so use the needle size that best achieves gauge for working in the round. When working the short rows, change to the needle size that best achieves gauge for working flat, if needed.

NEEDLES

24” US 3 / 3.25 mm circulars for ribbing or size
needed to meet gauge (and DPN’s for sleeve
ribbing if not using magic loop)
24” US 6 / 4.0 mm circulars or size needed to
meet gauge (and DPN’s for sleeves if not
using magic loop)

Longer needle sizes may be desired for the body and sleeves.

NOTIONS

4 markers, including one unique BOR; 1 removable marker,
darning needle; & scrap yarn for sleeves

YARN

Walk Collection Cottage Merino (heavy sock weight, 360 meters / 393 yards per skein)

Colorways used: Scallop, Artichoke Hearts, Uluru, & Koi

YARDAGE

SHORT SLEEVES:

700 (840, 990, 1150, 1350) (1550 ,1780, 2000, 2225) total yards / 640 (768, 905, 1052, 1234) (1417, 1628, 1830, 2035) meters

Color A: 160 (190, 220, 260, 300) (345, 400, 450, 500) yds / 146 (174, 201, 238, 274) (315, 366, 411, 457) meters
Color B: 190 (230, 265, 310, 365) (415, 475, 540, 600) yds 174 (210, 242, 283, 334) (374, 434, 494, 549) meters
Color C: 145 (170, 200, 230, 275) (310, 360, 400, 450) yds / 133 (155, 183, 210, 251) (283, 329, 366, 411) meters
Color D: 95 (115, 135, 155, 180) (210, 240, 270, 300) yds / 87 (105, 123, 142, 165) (192, 219, 247, 274) meters
Color E: 130 (150, 180, 205, 240) (275, 320, 360, 400) yds / 119 (137, 165, 187, 219) (251, 293, 329, 366) meters

LONG SLEEVES:

822 (976, 1142, 1324, 1552) (1776, 2049, 2305, 2568) yds / 752 (892, 1044, 1211, 1420) (1623, 1873, 2108, 2349) meters

Color A: 176 (209, 242, 286, 330) (380, 440, 495, 550) yds / 161 (191, 221, 262, 302) (347, 402, 453, 503) meters
Color B: 209 (253, 292, 341, 402) (457, 523, 594, 660) yds / 191 (231, 267, 312, 368) (418, 478, 543, 604) meters
Color C: 167 (196, 230, 265, 316) (357, 414, 460, 518) yds / 153 (179, 210, 242, 289) (326, 379, 421, 474) meters
Color D: 114 (138, 162, 186, 216) (252, 288, 324, 360) yds / 104 (126, 148, 170, 198) (230, 263, 296, 329) meters
Color E: 156 (180, 216, 246, 288) (330, 384, 432, 480) yds / 143 (165, 198, 225, 263) (302, 351, 395, 439) meters