Lace Tee Knitting Pattern (Erato | Muses Collection)

In this post, you will see the Lace Tee Knitting Pattern (Erato Tee).

This lightweight knitted tee features a delicate lace panel that adds texture and interest to a simple, wearable shape.

The airy design makes it perfect for warmer weather, whether worn on its own or layered over a camisole.

The Erato Tee is part of the Muses Collection, a series of timeless knit designs inspired by the ancient Greek Muses.

Please scroll down to view the free pattern online or grab the inexpensive, ad-free PDF pattern in my shop here. 

Before You Get Started

• Skill Level – Easy (Advanced beginner knitters)
• This tee is worked flat in separate pieces and then seamed together to create the finished garment.
• The design features a central lace panel that creates an elegant, openwork texture, while the surrounding fabric keeps the structure simple and wearable.
• The lace pattern is created using yarn overs and decreases, forming a light and breathable fabric.
• This project is suitable for advanced beginners and intermediate knitters who are comfortable with basic stitches and following a stitch pattern.
• If you are new to lace knitting, you may find it helpful to practice the stitch pattern on a small swatch before beginning.
• You can see a tutorial for the stitch pattern here: How To Knit An Easy Lace Stitch Pattern

Materials

Yarn

• The Pima Cotton from We Are Knitters in Canyon Rose (This cotton is 100% Pima Cotton / 100g/3.05oz/232 yds/212m.
• This is an Aran/Worsted/10 Ply yarn.

For the following sizes, you will need;

• Small – 3 – (300g/696yds/636m)
• Medium – 4 – (400g/928yds/848m)
• Large – 5 – (500g/1,160yds/1,060m)
• XL – 5.5 – (550g/1,276yds/1,166m)
• XXL – 6 – (600g/1,392yds/1,272m)
• XXXL – 6.5 – (650g/1,508yds/1,378m)

Needles

• 5.5 mm (US 9) knitting needles.
• 5.5 mm (US 9) 24″ circular knitting needles for the neck.
• The top is worked back and forth on the needles – knit flat.

Notions

• Scissors
• Darning needle/yarn needle
• Tape measure
• Stitch holder

Size Information

This top can be made in the following sizes: S (M, L, XL, XXL, XXXL)

Bust Size (inches) – 38 (42, 46, 51, 57, 63)

Waist Size (inches) – 34 (38, 42, 47, 53, 59)

The pattern is written for all sizes, starting with the smallest size, with changes for different sizes listed in all necessary places.

To follow patterns more easily, circle or highlight all numbers pertaining to your size before beginning.

Gauge

16 sts/22 rows in 4 inches/10 cm in stitch pattern.

Abbreviations

• Beg – Beginning
• CO – Cast on
• Cont – Continue
• Dec – Decrease (cast off)
• K – Knit
• K2tog – Knit the next two stitches together (decrease)
• Garter stitch – Knit every row.
• SM – Slip marker
• Sl – Slip
• SSK – Slip, slip, knit (decrease)
• St(s) – Stitch(es)
• Patt – Pattern (work in the stitch pattern)
• PM – Place marker
• P – Purl
• Rem – Remain(ing)
• Rep – Repeat
• RS – Right side
• WS – Wrong side
• WYIF – With yarn in front
• YO – Yarn over

Chart

• Multiple of 10 sts plus 5.
• Repeat rows 1-12.

Video Tutorial

If you would like to learn how to knit the lace stitch used in this pattern, you can watch the tutorial below.

Pattern Instructions

Worked flat knitting back and forth on two needles:

Back

(This stitch pattern is worked in multiples of 10 sts + 5)

Cast on 85 (95, 115, 125, 135, 145) sts.

Set Up – Work 2 rows in garter stitch.

• Rows 1 and 3 (RS): *K2tog, YO, K1, YO, SSK, K5; rep from * to last 5 sts. K2tog, YO, K1, YO, SSK.
• Rows 2 and 4 (WS): P2, WYIF sl 1, P2, *P7, WYIF, sl 1, P2; rep from * to end.
• Row 5: Knit
• Row 6: Purl
• Rows 7 and 9: *K5, K2tog, YO, K1, YO, SSK; rep from * to last 5 sts, K5.
• Rows 8 and 10: P5, *P2, WYIF sl 1, P7; rep from * to end.
• Row 11: Knit
• Row 12: Purl

Cont to repeat rows 1 – 12 until your piece measures = 32 (33, 34, 35, 36, 37) cm / 12.5 (13, 13.3, 13.7, 14, 14.5) inches.

Armholes

Row 1 (RS): Cast on 6 sts at the beg of the row, work in patt to end, and cast on 6 sts. 97 (107, 127, 137, 147, 157) sts.

Rows 2-4: Work in patt.

Cont to work 6 edge sts in garter stitch (move the markers to here) for the sleeve edges.

When the piece measures 55 (57, 59, 61, 63, 65) cm / 21.6 (22.4, 23.2, cast off the center 29 (29, 33, 33, 33, 33) sts for the neck and finish each shoulder separately.

The total number of sts rem = 68 (78, 94, 104, 114, 124) sts.

Each shoulder = 34 (39, 47, 52, 57, 62) sts.

Cont in pattern as before and cast off 1st for the neck at the beg of the next two rows from neck – 32 (37, 45, 50, 55, 60) sts.

Loosely cast off on the RS.

Repeat on the other shoulder.

Front

Cast on and work as on the back piece until the piece measures 44 (46, 48, 50, 52, 54) cm/17.3 (18.1, 18.8, 19.6, 20.4, 21.2) inches.

Next, place the center 17 (17, 21, 21, 21, 21) sts onto a stitch holder and finish each shoulder separately.

The total number of sts rem = 80 (90, 106, 116, 126, 136) sts.

Each shoulder = 40 (45, 53, 58, 63, 68) sts

Cont in the pattern as before and cast off for neck at beg of every row from the neck as follows…

Cast off 2 sts, 2 times, and 1st 4 times = 32 (37, 45, 50, 55, 60) sts rem on the shoulder.

Work until the piece measures 54 (56, 58, 60, 62, 64) cm/21.2 (22, 22.8, 23.6, 24.4, 25.1) inches and loosely cast off on the RS.

Making Up

Sew the shoulder seams inside the cast-off edge, then sew the underarm and side seams together using the mattress stitch or any seaming method of your choice.

If you wish, you can leave a 10 cm cm/4-inch vent on either side of the seam near the bottom.

Weave in any loose ends.

Neck Edge

Pick up and knit from RS around 94 – 114 sts around the neck (including the sts on the stitch holder) on 24″ circular needles (size 5.5 mm/US 9).

Join in the round and work as follows…

• Round 1 – Purl
• Round 2 – Knit
• Round 3 – Purl
• Round 4 – Loosely cast off.

Finishing and Blocking

You may wish to block your tee; you can do that as follows:

• Lay the item out on blocking mats, lightly stretch it into place, and pin it with blocking pins.
• Spray with cold water.
• Allow to dry completely.
• Blocking tutorial – Blocking Knits.

Share Your Make

I love seeing your finished projects on social media.

If you enjoyed this knitted lace top pattern, I’d love to see yours on Instagram, tag me @handylittleme or #handylittleme to be featured.

If you are on Facebook, check out the Handy Little Me Facebook group and share a photo, 

I’d love to see your work.

Happy knitting!

FAQ

Is this tee beginner-friendly?

This pattern is suitable for advanced beginners who are comfortable with yarn overs and basic decreases.

What yarn works best for this pattern?

A yarn with good drape works best for lace knitting.

Cotton, bamboo, linen blends, or lightweight wool are all great choices.

Can I make the tee longer or shorter?

Yes. You can easily adjust the length by working more or fewer rows before shaping the armholes.

Do I need to block the finished garment?

Yes. Blocking is recommended to open up the lace stitches and give the tee its final shape.

Can I substitute the lace panel stitch?

Yes. You can experiment with other lace stitch patterns if you would like to customize the design.

What Is The Dandelion Fluff Stitch?

The dandelion fluff stitch is a light and airy lace stitch that creates a soft, textured fabric.

Made with yarn overs and decreases, it forms open stitches that give a delicate, floating effect, perfect for lightweight tops, shawls, and accessories.