Strapless Camisole or Bandeau top pattern

I discovered I don't have the fullness to hold a deep "V" neck top or dress in place, (no cleavage). I realized all I needed was a Strapless Cami under the "V". This Cami fits from underarm to top of the hip. The Cami will cover both strapless and strapped bras when worn with a top or dress that covers the straps.

NOTE: The hem casing to enclose the elastic can be made at the top and bottom, 1 x 1 or 2 x 2 ribbing at both ends or crochet the edges by picking up one stitch at a time and single crochet it. With this method a crocheted lace embellishment can be added to the front edge.

Length: 15"

Bust: 40+

Yarn: Herrschners 2-ply Afghan yarn, 100% Acrylic

Yarn color your choice, I choose Brown to go with a cream beige top and brown pants.

KM: Bulky, Tension Dial #4, Mast Tension #5

ISM/USM Keyplate 2.5 or 3

Circular Needles: #4

1 Stitch marker

Elastic: 1/4 inch wide

Yarn needle

Gauge: 20 sts, 28 rows = 4" -- [5 sts =1", 7 rows = 1"]

Check gauge and your own measurements. You may want to make the Cami shorter or longer, or more form fitting to your body style. A form fitted Cami could be knitted entirely in ribbing by manually manipulating the stitches.


MAKE 2 panels front and back.

CO in waste yarn 80 stitches, and knit 6 rows

Change to main yarn.

For hem casing, knit 8 rows hook up first row of live stitches on needles making sure to get all stitches. This will leave an opening to insert the elastic through afterwards.

Knit until you have 88 rows. (Reset row counter to "000" and knit 8 rows for hem casing if you want to have elastic at the bottom, hook these stitches on needles, knit one row and bind off loosely). Otherwise change to waste yarn and knit 6 rows.

[NOTE: I crocheted the bottom and made the casing on the top. I will seam the sides last]


To knit the ribbing,

Pick up stitches on both panels halves held by waste yarn, and knit one row. Check for any dropped stitches and recover them, remove waste yarn. Place marker to mark starting point. You now have both the front and back on the circular needle (160 sts). At the side seam edge decrease 2 stitches, knit 1 x 1 rib to the other side seam and decrease 2 stitches (156 sts).

If the sides are seamed first the total number of stitches will be less then 156. Adjust the stitches so your ribbing will be even 1 x 1 or 2 x 2. Continue in ribbing to the desired length needed then bind off in ribbing stitch.

Finishing the hem casing:

fter you have seamed the sides, measure the elastic to fit snugly around your chest and/or waist cut and insert it into the casing with a bodkin or a safety pin. Pull it gently through the panels and tie it off securely so the elastic does not slip loose. With the yarn needle and a length of yarn, stitch the casings close around the elastic and not through it. Block if needed.

The Cami looks like a micro-mini skirt, (this is just an observation).