Teal Picasso Sleeveless Shell Top (Free Knitting Pattern)
Teal Picasso Sleeveless Shell Top (Free Knitting Pattern)
Bring chic modern style to your handmade wardrobe with the Teal Picasso Sleeveless Shell Top. Featuring a structured mock-neck collar, clean stockinette body, flattering ribbed armhole trims, and an elasticated ribbed hem, this versatile sleeveless top transitions seamlessly from casual daytime wear to elegant evening layering.
Crafted with Ice Yarns Picasso, a durable blend of premium acrylic and soft polyester, this medium worsted-weight project offers incredible stitch clarity, comfortable elasticity, and a beautiful subtle sheen.
Materials Needed & Recommended Yarns
Primary Yarn:
- Soft Satin Acrylic/Poly Option: Ice Yarns Picasso (44% Premium Acrylic, 56% Polyester; 50g / 1.76oz, 115m / 125yds per ball) in Teal / Dark Petrol.
- Solid/Classic Alternatives: Explore our Single & Plain Yarns Collection or Self-Striping Yarns Collection.
Yarn Category & Weight Links:
Discover more worsted-weight choices in our Category 4 Medium Worsted Collection and browse easy care options in our Vegan Yarns Collection.
Skein Requirement & Size Calculator
| Size | Bust Measurement (Inches / cm) | Skeins of Ice Yarns Picasso (50g) |
|---|---|---|
| XS | 28-30" / 71-76 cm | 5 Skeins (approx. 550 m) |
| S | 32-34" / 81-86 cm | 6 Skeins (approx. 640 m) |
| M | 36-38" / 91-96 cm | 6 Skeins (approx. 720 m) |
| L | 40-42" / 101-106 cm | 7 Skeins (approx. 800 m) |
| XL | 44-46" / 111-116 cm | 8 Skeins (approx. 890 m) |
| 2XL | 48-50" / 121-126 cm | 8 Skeins (approx. 980 m) |
| 3XL | 52-54" / 132-137 cm | 9 Skeins (approx. 1070 m) |
| 4XL | 56-58" / 142-147 cm | 10 Skeins (approx. 1160 m) |
| 5XL | 60-62" / 152-157 cm | 11 Skeins (approx. 1250 m) |
Tools & Pattern Specifications
-
Knitting Needles:
- US 8 (5.0 mm) 16" & 32" circular needles (for main body).
- US 7 (4.5 mm) 16" & 32" circular needles (for 2x2 ribbed collar, armhole borders, and hem).
- Notions: Tapestry needle, Stitch markers (1 unique for BOR), Stitch holders or waste yarn, Measuring tape, Scissors.
- Gauge: 18 sts and 24 rows = 4" x 4" (10 x 10 cm) in Stockinette Stitch using US 8 (5.0 mm) needles after light steam blocking.
Size Chart & Finished Measurements
Designed with approx. 0 to 2 inches (0–5 cm) of sleek positive ease.
| Measurement (Inches / cm) | XS | S | M | L | XL | 2XL | 3XL | 4XL | 5XL |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Finished Bust Circumference | 30" / 76cm | 34" / 86cm | 38" / 96cm | 42" / 106cm | 46" / 116cm | 50" / 127cm | 54" / 137cm | 58" / 147cm | 62" / 157cm |
| Total Length (Shoulder to Hem) | 20" / 51cm | 20.5" / 52cm | 21" / 53.5cm | 21.5" / 54.5cm | 22" / 56cm | 22.5" / 57cm | 23" / 58.5cm | 23.5" / 60cm | 24" / 61cm |
| Armhole Depth | 7" / 18cm | 7.5" / 19cm | 8" / 20.5cm | 8.5" / 21.5cm | 9" / 23cm | 9.5" / 24cm | 10" / 25.5cm | 10.5" / 26.5cm | 11" / 28cm |
Glossary & Abbreviations (US Knitting Terms)
- CO: Cast On
- BO: Bind Off
- K: Knit
- P: Purl
- PM / SM: Place Marker / Slip Marker
- BOR: Beginning of Round
- K2tog: Knit 2 stitches together
- SSK: Slip, slip, knit two slipped stitches together
- RS / WS: Right Side / Wrong Side
Step-by-Step Written Pattern
1. Back Panel
Using US 7 (4.5 mm) needles, CO 68 (76, 84, 94, 102, 112, 120, 130, 138) sts.
Work in K2, P2 ribbing for 2.5" / 6.5 cm, ending with a WS row.
Switch to US 8 (5.0 mm) needles. Continue in Stockinette Stitch (Knit RS, Purl WS) until piece measures 13" / 33 cm from cast-on edge.
Armhole Shaping:
- BO 4 (5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12) sts at beg of next 2 rows.
- Decrease 1 st at each end every RS row 4 (5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12) times. (52 (56, 60, 66, 70, 76, 80, 86, 90) sts).
- Work straight until armhole depth measures specified height. BO shoulder sts and hold center neck sts.
2. Front Panel
Work same as Back Panel until armhole measures 2.5" / 6.5 cm less than Back.
Neck Shaping:
- Next Row (RS): Work across 17 (18, 20, 22, 24, 26, 28, 30, 32) sts, turn, place remaining sts on holder.
- Decrease 1 st at neck edge on next 5 rows.
- Work straight to shoulder height. BO shoulder sts.
- Reattach yarn, BO center 18 (20, 20, 22, 22, 24, 24, 26, 26) sts, complete right side to match left.
3. Mock-Neck Collar & Armhole Edging
- Join shoulder seams using mattress stitch.
- Collar: With US 7 (4.5 mm) 16" circular needles, pick up and knit sts around neckline including held sts. Work in K2, P2 ribbing for 2.5" / 6.5 cm. BO loosely in pattern.
- Armhole Bands (Work Both Sides): With US 7 (4.5 mm) circular needles, pick up and knit sts around armhole edge. Work K2, P2 ribbing for 1" / 2.5 cm. BO loosely in pattern.
- Sew side seams.
Blocking & Finishing Protocol (Acrylic & Polyester Blend)
- Weave in Ends: Secure all ends neatly on the WS.
- Steam Blocking: Lay flat on blocking boards. Hold steam iron 2 inches (5 cm) ABOVE fabric without touching synthetic fibers directly. Allow steam to smooth out stockinette stitches and relax ribbing. Leave to dry completely.
