tensile

Featuring eyelet linework that easily belongs near the sea, conjuring images of coastal footbridges, the wake of a ship, or sea urchin shells, Tensile is an ethereal spring layer. Worked in airy, woolen-spun Loft, this piece is one that wears next to the skin like sea foam — clouds on the sand — seemingly floating and barely there, but held together by the tensility of a thousand humble stitches.

FINISHED SIZES 
47 (51, 55, 59, 62½, 66½, 70½)” [119.5 (129.5, 139.5, 150, 159, 169, 179) cm] circumference at bust
Intended Ease: + 14–16″ [35-40] cm
Sample shown is size 51″ [129.5 cm] with 19″ [48.5 cm] ease on model

MATERIALS 
1520 (1650, 1925, 2155, 2200, 2470, 2645) total yards of fingering weight wool yarn
6 (6, 7, 8, 8, 9, 10) skeins Brooklyn Tweed Loft (100% American Targhee-Columbia wool; 275 yards/50 grams)
Photographed in color Snowbound

GAUGE 
24½ stitches & 31½ rows = 4″ in chart pattern with Size A needle(s), after blocking
Note: Gauge for this project changes considerably after blocking; please block your swatch prior to measuring to ensure correct sizing.

SUGGESTED NEEDLES 
Size A (for Main Fabric and Collar)
One each 16″ and 32″ circular needles* in size needed to obtain gauge listed
Suggested Size: 3¼mm (US 3)

Size B (for Hem and Collar Ribbing)
One each 16″ and 32″ circular needles, one size smaller than Size A
Suggested Size: 2¾ mm (US 2)

Size C (for Sleeve Ribbing)
One pair of straight needles or a 24″ circular needle**, two sizes smaller than Size A
Suggested Size: 2¼ mm (US 1)

*Shorter circular needle to be used for working collar in the round; DPNs or longer circular needle and Magic Loop technique may be used if preferred

**Knitter’s preferred style of needle may be used

DIFFICULTY 
Advanced Intermediate: Skills required include lace knitting, knitting from charts, seaming, and simultaneous shaping.

SPECIAL TECHNIQUES 
Note: Complete instructions are provided within the pattern for each technique. 
Sloped Bind Off

PATTERN STYLE 
Instructions for lace stitch patterns are provided in charted form only.

NOTES
This garment is worked flat in pieces from the bottom up, then sewn together. The turtleneck collar is picked up and worked circularly.

WHERE TO BUY
Tensile can be purchased on Brooklyn Tweed’s website via the “Buy Pattern” button above, as well as on Ravelry.

TENSILE was originally published as part of Brooklyn Tweed’s Wool People 12.
Photographs by Jared Flood, courtesy of Brooklyn Tweed.