That 70's Striped Tee

That 70's Striped Tee: A Top-Down Raglan Knit Pattern

What Is Being Made

That 70's Striped Tee is a classic top-down raglan sweater designed by One Dog Woof that celebrates retro 1970s style through vibrant colorful stripes. This versatile garment is suitable for a range of body types, with finished bust measurements available in nine sizes: XS (32"), S (36.25"), M (40.5"), L (44.75"), XL (49"), 2X (53.25"), 3X (56.5"), 4X (60.75"), and 5X (64"). The top-down raglan construction method allows knitters to try on the piece as they work and easily customize the length to their preference.

Knitting Techniques and Construction

This pattern employs the top-down raglan technique, a popular method that begins at the neckline and works downward toward the hem. One of the distinctive design features is the use of make-one increases without the twist, which creates airy eyelets at the shoulders. This decorative detail adds visual interest and texture while maintaining the structural integrity of the raglan shaping. The make-one increase method is a refined technique that produces cleaner, more refined results compared to twisted increases, making this pattern suitable for intermediate-level knitters who have mastered basic increases and want to develop more advanced skills.

Stitches Used

While the pattern focuses on fundamental knit stitches, the key stitch technique highlighted is the make-one increase (often abbreviated as M1 or M1L/M1R for left and right leaning versions). These increases are worked without twisting the loop, which prevents the characteristic holes that twisted increases create. The resulting eyelets are intentional design elements that give the shoulders their distinctive airy appearance and contribute to the garment's retro aesthetic.

Materials and Yarn Specifications

This pattern is designed for DK weight yarn, a medium-light yarn weight that knits to a fabric with good drape and breathability—ideal for a classic tee. DK weight yarn typically requires needles in the US 4-6 range, though specific needle size recommendations would be detailed in the full pattern. The colorful striped design requires multiple yarn colors to achieve the vibrant 70s aesthetic, allowing knitters to select their own color combinations for personalization.

Skill Level and Pattern Accessibility

Rated as Intermediate difficulty, That 70's Striped Tee is designed for knitters with foundational skills who are ready to tackle shaping techniques and decorative increases. The pattern provides clear guidance for working make-one increases without twists and managing the raglan increases across multiple sizes, making it an excellent project for developing intermediate-level construction skills.