Beginner’s Tabard Top Knitting Pattern

Difficulty

Beginner
Yarn Type

Aran / Worsted
Designer

Laura Strutt
Needle Size

US 8 / 5.0mm, US 9 / 5.5mm
Needle Type

Straight
Techniques

Rib, Stocking Stitch

What you need to know

Knit your first garment with Laura Strutt's super easy knitting pattern

Turn a simple knitted rectangle into your first knitted garment with our super easy knitting pattern. It's available to download today! This gorgeous tabard-style top is made up of two stocking stitch panels with rib top and bottoms that are then joined at the shoulders. The borders are added afterwards and the whole top is fastened by rows of buttons on either side. It really is that straightforward, which makes it an ideal first garment for a new knitter. There's no shaping involved at all so all you need to know is how to cast on, knit, purl and cast off. The lovely tweed yarn also brings a fantastic textured dimension to this simple yet stylish design.

LKT Summer School
Learn how to fix mistakes with our step-by-step guide!

Sizing

To fit chest: 80 (83, 87, 92, 97) cm
Actual bust: 74 (79, 83, 88, 92) cm
NOTE: For a looser fit, choose a larger size. This pattern is easily adjustable to fit your chest size. Just cast on a multiple of four stitches to keep the rib correct.

What do I need?

Yarn: Debbie Bliss Donegal Luxury Aran Tweed, shade 13, 5 (6, 6, 7, 7) 50g balls
Needles: 5mm, 5.5mm
Buttons: black, 2.5cm in diameter, 12

You may wish to use a circular needle when picking up the stitches for the button and buttonhole bands.

Stitches and skills used

Cast on
Knit
Purl
Cast off
Picking up stitches (pick up and knit)

Meet the designer

Laura Strutt (nee Cruickshank) is a multi-talented knitter, crocheter and sewist. She previously worked on Sew and Let's Knit Magazines and has had several books published, covering a range of techniques. If you like this pattern, we think you'll love Laura's easy teacosy. You can find more of Laura's designs here.

How to access this pattern

This pattern is available to Let’s Knit Together Members. Memberships start from as little as £4.99 a month (when paid annually) and you will gain access not only to this pattern, but 3,000+ more knitting and crochet patterns to keep you inspired and casting on all year round. Join our friendly community of knitters and crochet enthusiasts today.

Don't forget to save your PDFs to your computer or tablet device as soon as it has been downloaded.