How to Knit a Bra Top Knitting Tutorial and Free Pattern

In this Girly Knits video tutorial I walk you through step by step how to knit a bra top. You can find the free knitting pattern for this bra top and all of the materials you will need to make it on my blog here: www.knittingisawesome.com/howtoknitabratop
If you would like the option to knit this top on straight needles and use any yarn/gauge/needle size you're working with and your own personal measurements to customize this top, I just published a new pattern for the bra top here: www.ravelry.co...
Enjoy!
Purple multi-colored yarn featured: shrsl.com/4918u
Yarn for the Bra Top I'm wearing in the video: shrsl.com/4918q
Did you like this video? Please consider supporting my channel 😃 : buymeacoffee.co...

[@gabeoj7]

I wish you could see the huge smile on my face after completing this piece. As a semi-beginner, I was always uncertain when I read a pattern, your visual guidance really put me at ease and I’m so happy with the result. Thank you

[@girlyknits]

Awww so happy to hear that! 😊

[@christinag8718]

After the last decrease round do I knit 5 more rounds before I bind off for the back?

[@girlyknits]

It's written as 0-3 but it's up to you! Here are the written instructions: knittingisawesome.com/howtoknitabratop/

[@OkTyna]

wow this is my go to top i have made 3 different ones thanks a million this is the best topppp everrr

[@girlyknits]

Wow that's awesome!! If you share photos anywhere make sure to tag me! Would love to see them!

[@mikaylawhitney2486]

I can only kinda knit scarfs so this is quite confusing to me lol

[@remindant]

it was for me as well, this was my first non-scarf knitting attempt :P but if you watch it a few times while actually working on the bra top, you'll realize it's actually a pretty good and very explanatory video, much simpler than it looks

[@thebluedot4728]

uh oh.. lol not good news for me lol

[@kathleenblack1556]

I promise it gets easier. I started with scarfs, then I moved to hats and berets, then bandanas. Doing these small but varied patterns slowly teaches you new techniques and it becomes easier. This will make a lot more sense soon!

[@CraftyCuriosity]

You can do it

[@bretony]

Do you HAVE to change the knitting needle sizes? What happens if you don't?

[@high_as_icarus5057]

No. But having it smaller knit on the bottom is like an elastic band, in that it helps it not move so much and stay to your body Edit: just realized this answer is Probobly a bit too late

[@tseringocean2462]

v. train lol thank you anyway. not too late for future viewers 🤛🏼

[@balulasmoren1935]

You can actually use a circular needle for the straps, just by pushing the knitting to the other side if you don't have double-sided needles. :) That's what I did

[@marymorrissey1706]

Balula Smoren might be a long shot because you commented a while ago but I just finished the left cup, so how did you knit the strap while still on the circular needles??? I’m confused a bit on what you mean and I’m too scared to try 🤣

[@Giinny7]

I was actually just thinking of this, because I dont have DPNs yet. I was about to let a comment asking if somebody had tried it, so thank you very much!

[@girlyknits]

@@marymorrissey1706 you would have to push each row to the end of the needle each time, it would take longer since circular needles are a lot longer than dpns but you could do it!

[@perlavera1308]

Wow ! 2020 and this is so trendy! Thank you for sharing🌸

[@dnkewlfe9043]

sorry if this is a dumb question but is it possible to do this with straight needles?

[@alyaqistina2496]

Farzana Fariha well I think you can just make a longer length and when you’re done just sew both end together,, Just my opinion :)

[@elielerilibe8378]

@@alyaqistina2496 but how do we do that...sorry I'm not to this but I'm really interested

[@Bondoz007]

You'd use double ended/pointed needles to replicate circular needles. So 3-4 double ended needles hold the stitches and additional dble ended needle is used to work the stitches

[@girlyknits]

Not a dumb question! I wrote this pattern for knitting in the round, but just published a new one that you can knit with straight needles here: www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/get-it-girl-bra-top

[@shalalala4875]

Thanks for the tutorial, it was really in depth which is what I needed as someone who hasn't yet made any wearables besides hats, scarves, shawls, etc. I'm planning on making this for my girlfriend!

[@girlyknits]

Fun!!

[@krislynwyllie1575]

Way to fast for a beginner's guide

[@cerenademe9433]

The great thing is, it works for *everyone,* because you have the KZbin settings that allow you to slow the video down to half speed. Plus you can pause, stop, and rewind any time you want. Better than a class you paid for that you can't do any of that. Ah - modern technology!

[@nanalulain9822]

i crochet.... but this is too cute. tempted to learn something new.

[@ashleyboerner5675]

what an amazing tutorial! i'm not even finished the ribbing yet but this piece already looks so stunning, the whole design of this top is so cute

[@Snails13]

Thanks so much for sharing and making this so easy to follow! You've helped me knit my first wearable piece! :D

[@girlyknits]

Yay! So happy to hear that! 😊

[@MigglesTheGidget]

Just finished watching! I can't wait to try this! Tomorrow's project!

[@MrsMack-bw5qd]

I've been following along with you and I was fine until you bond off the back and started the front I don't know what to do. I have a gap trying to make my yarn start the purl row help please

[@jessicavad7199]

I am absolutely loving this pattern! Do you by any chance have a halter-top version of this shirt (where the straps loop behind the neck)?

[@laurenriker7532]

You can just make it a halter! A lot of people have done that 😊

[@xx-ob3hk]

my child looked at this and said, it's knitting with needles, show me a bra with finger knitting. I think my child just challenged KZbin

[@caitlyncheong]

after the ribbing, do we knit 1 row and purl 1 row? or just knit all the way?

[@girlyknits]

You would just knit because you are knitting in the round. When you knit in the round you are always on the right side (knit side) of the fabric. Hope that helps!

[@brittanynichol1111]

I'm following along and decided to make it a halter strap instead of a tank top. Coming along nicely, but the back is rolling terribly. I want to block it, but don't want it to stretch out of shape. It's a snug fit like a glove. Any tips?

[@girlyknits]

I did a couple rows of single crochet!

[@dee4174]

Great little top. Just made one for my daughter and it looks lovely.

[@yogiratnam8312]

How many stitches have you cast in for this?

[@knitsnknacks]

I love this! Id like to see a free pattern for pj shorts

[@MichelleB022]

Hey i really wanna make this, but i can only get a size 7 circular needle :( can i do it without the ribbing, or use less stitches or something??

[@girlyknits]

You could knit a bit tighter for the ribbing or use the 7, it just might fit a little looser

[@lsbcreates3639]

Amazing thank you I can’t wait to try this. So simple and great directions

[@waitersluvhjy66]

I found great plans on the Stodoys website. I think this is a good solution for everyone.

[@GardeniaMagnolia5]

Love this tutorial did one for my daughter. Thank you . I would love to a tutorial with pants. This was simple and I learned so much and much confidence!!!!!!again thx

[@girlyknits]

Awww so happy to hear that! 😃

[@HandiworksbyClyne]

Hello. Do you have a plus size pattern for this? Thanks and GOD bless. Thanks for sharing.

[@girlyknits]

Hi! Yes I have a pattern that has extended sizes and the option to customize the top based off of your bust measurements! www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/get-it-girl-bra-top Thanks! Lauren

[@HandiworksbyClyne]

@@girlyknits It's really helpful.thank you.

[@haleyknight1823]

How do you change needles from size 5 to 7 if you don't have interchangeable needles?

[@girlyknits]

You can just start knitting with the other needle and the knitting will get transferred to it!

[@hannahodell8312]

please explain the movements that you are doing im lost

[@girlyknits]

+Hannah Pitcher Hi Hannah, you'll need to learn the basics of knitting before making this bra top, such as how to do a long-tail cast on, how to knit, and how to purl. If you search for any of those things on youtube you should be able to find a tutorial.

[@seriouslysoniya]

I have a few questions: 1) Can I use 3.25 mm instead of 3.75 mm circular needles? If so, should I also use 4 mm instead of 4.5 mm for the larger one? 2) My needles are not interchangeable, how do I make the transfer onto the larger set of needles? 3) Is it possible to do this with only 1 set of circular needles? 4) How exactly do you do the final weaving? Thanks for uploading such a great design!

[@temio9796]

Prob too late but this is all I can answer 1) yep! 3) yep it would be looser at the top (you can tighten your stitches tho)

[@boxland5230]

I don't know what i'm doing wrong and i'm terribly frustrated. I have frogged this twice. First I tried casting on 54 st with a 3.5mm needle for the ribbing and it was ending up too big. Then i tried 48 st and it was impossibly small. I had one crying fit frogging it the first time and now, having frogged it again i feel so hopeless, as this was supposed to be an easy pattern! Cast on again 56 st on 3.0mm needles for the ribbing but it still feels too small to go around me, and i'm like an A cup.

[@catalinamarina1]

Don't forget to make a gauge! It's a test piece, to see how big your stitches are. If your number of stitches are not the same (or close) as mentioned in the pattern (in this case: 19 sts and 27 rows = 4″ in Stockinette Stitch using larger needle), you can use different needles to compensate. And of course, be sure to take your own measurements as well.

[@tallulahchalcroft619]

Hello! Absolutely love this pattern! Was wondering how many stitches I would need to make an Australian size 16 top? Thank you!

[@girlyknits]

Thank you! You can find the free pattern here: knittingisawesome.com/howtoknitabratop/, not sure if it covers an Australian size 16 top, but I have another pattern that you can insert your measurements to make it custom to you here: www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/get-it-girl-bra-top

[@MissPuppettear]

I have a 4.0 circular needle, but not a 3.75. Do you think it will work?

[@reneefagan3]

Gabrielle Clarity no that .25 will mess up everything

[@girlyknits]

I have a new pattern where you can you whatever gauge/needles you are working with :) www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/get-it-girl-bra-top

[@lottevisser3217]

14:40 wait do you also decrease when purling and if so, how?

[@girlyknits]

No, you only dec at the underarms on the RS rows, at the neckline you'll be decreasing on both the RS and WS which I show you.

[@knitsnknacks]

Queen I hope you’re well I keep on coming back to this video time and time again. It’s so versatile.

[@girlyknits]

Awww happy to hear that!

[@xWarewolfx]

So when we bind off and do that first Dec row, you showed us how to do it, after that I'm lost, do we Dec and the beginning and end of each row or purl one row and Dec on the next?

[@girlyknits]

Are you looking at the pattern? Hopefully it clarifies: knittingisawesome.com/howtoknitabratop/amp/

[@bohorustica8545]

So appreciate you sharing your marvelous bra top pattern. It was wonderful to knit up. Sharing my preferred strap finishing method is to knit a couple inches of a strap from the back up then joining the strap from the front to the back with a Kitchener stitch no lumpy knit joins ( I hate sewing seams together :)) . I followed Verypink knits slo-mo tutorial on YT. So glad I found your channel, have a lovely weekend. :))

[@norahaltamirano8131]

Saludos desde BOLIVIA LAPAZ gracias Vendiciones

[@billyannaborwrence8547]

Do you bind off till the halfway mark? I'm a beginner at knitting and a little bit confused

[@mrsgimimimilane9869]

Also, what needles brand are you using? It seemed as if they "clicked" into place.

[@girlyknits]

Hi! They are addi interchangeable needles :)

[@Boss_etc853]

Im fat so i might need about 50 yarn balls

[@sw620619]

U are awesome and very detailed. Thanks

[@uniquegirls1599]

I went to your site to get the pattern for free but its not free, can you help please x

[@girlyknits]

Hi! There’s a free version and a paid version, they’re both there!

[@cutiedoggy475]

Wow I have no idea what you are doing but I wish I did.

[@queeenindee1087]

Is this possible with straight needles? I have yet to see an answer for this question...

[@iiisssssss2661]

Queeenindee probably but you would have to use long enough needles and sew the back of the shirt together

[@Bondoz007]

If you knit with straight needles you have to make a front and back and then see up sided. This creates side seams and with a tight garment that's probably going to be irritating. That's why circular needles are used. Otherwise try double ended/double pointed needles. Working with circular needles is not difficult and no seams at the end is great.

[@kristyrose3959]

I know u asked 8 months ago but just in case it still helps Yes u can, and no u wouldn't have to sow it together You can knit it like u would knit socks

[@queeenindee1087]

Thank you all for the responses I was able to achieve with long needles thank you 😊

[@mrsgimimimilane9869]

I've never seen that method for long tail cast on nor for the knitting and purling. Are the methods called anything in particular?

[@girlyknits]

Hmmm it might be the way I'm holding my yarn and needles while casting on, most people hold the yarn with one hand rather than both hands like I'm doing. I knit English style (throwing), perhaps you've seen people knit Continental (picking)? You'll get the same results though with a long tail cast on, knitting and purling regardless of how you hold your yarn and needles :)

[@emmaklein679]

This was a great tutorial! helped me knit my first ever top

[@girlyknits]

So happy to hear that! 😊

[@lelanniamor7147]

Hi would you be willing to knit me 25 outfits I'll pay you for them

[@snowlied]

Would it be possible to not change the needle ?

[@Katy809RD]

Thank you so much! I have been looking for a free pattern for a few days now and the videos I was finding didn't have different sizes.. unreal right lol

[@girlyknits]

You are so welcome!

[@AmethystAmarante]

Do I have to do the long tail cast on or can I do different cast on and still get the top to come out right?

[@paigegifford9859]

AmethystAmarante you can use any cast on. I’m doing the Crochet Cast On

[@hear4thevybes201]

wow how long did this take you to finish completely ?

[@bidhyashahi5637]

Has anyone made this, can a beginner do this?

[@ElevenDesignTV]

How many stitches did you knit before you put a place marker at the side?

[@chantalbellmont6937]

half the number of cast on stitches

[@valentinavazquez7724]

Hello! Love the tutorial, which kind of interchangeable needles do you have? I'm looking for some new ones. I have the Knit Picks ones (where they screw off and on), but I am looking for the "twist and lock" ones. It looks like those are the ones you use.

[@girlyknits]

Hi Valentina! I have the addi lace tips. The addi ones lock 😊

[@victoriabarasa1164]

Can I use 5.5 circular needles since I don't have 4.5?

[@Marsellsam]

Pretty top and easy to make, fast knit, one thing which didn’t work out for me was after the rim on the bottom was knitted I switched to the one size bigger needles and the top got super wide without any increases, i unraveled and used the same size needle without increases and it still turns much wider. I think decreases after the rim would work best for me. What am I doing wrong?

[@girlyknits]

You're not doing anything wrong! It's natural for the knitting to look wider after ribbing - the ribbing pulls stitches in.

[@dorsethillbeads]

How do you recommend blocking.

[@kathryncervino438]

hi, I love this pattern so far but I'm a little confused now that Im up to the straps portion. Do I need to buy "i'cord"? Thanks.

[@girlyknits]

Hi! Sorry for the delayed reply! No, it's just a knitting technique using double pointed needles.

[@official_em1ly]

Is this knitted in the round or flat?

[@girlyknits]

It is knitted in the round, but if you want to knit it flat you can find the pattern here: www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/get-it-girl-bra-top

[@anassaad5204]

Im quite new to knitting and this is actually my first project ever and youve made it so nice and easy to follow ! I have done everything right down to the last step of sewing in the straps. When you say sew in the edges, does it mean weaving the strap tails in the stockinette? or is there something else to be done with the i cord and the back bind off? Much appreciated

[@girlyknits]

Awww so happy to hear that! Yep you got it!

[@darlenecardoso9151]

SouDO BRASIL 🇧🇷 preCISO QUE VC COLOQUE OS NÚMEROS NA TELA . Pois NÃO ENTENDO SUA LÍNGUA SE COLOCAR OS NÚMEROS FICA FÁCIL

[@girlyknits]

knittingisawesome.com/howtoknitabratop/

[@caylahlanning2463]

Hi, I don’t have circular needles, is there a way to do this on a round loom?? I’m not sure how to convert these! I’m new to knitting and am looking for a new challenge

[@girlyknits]

Hi Caylah! I have a pattern where you can use straight needles or a flat bed knitting machine. I'm not sure about the loom, but if you want to check out the pattern you can find it here! www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/get-it-girl-bra-top

[@stellamelkk]

that’s cool! i have question: how long is your circular needles?

[@girlyknits]

It's usually most comfortable to go for a length that's a few inches shorter than the circumference of your project, so I would recommend ~24"!

[@camillesylvester5424]

i seriously just bought 2 knitting machines so i can knit all your machine patterns

[@girlyknits]

Fun!! 😊

[@ladyvelvet1224]

hi! what sizeof circular needle are you using?

[@girlyknits]

US 5 and US 7 24"

[@victoriabarasa1164]

I don't have circular needles can I just knit the back and the front separately

[@laurenriker7532]

Yes, there’s a pattern here 😊 www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/get-it-girl-bra-top

[@camillesylvester5424]

now i can only wear what i make till i die lol

[@nguyenthiloan6671]

I DNOT KNOW ENGLISH😊 PLEASE! CAST ON sts?

[@Normajeane223]

Cast on 62, place marker, then Cast on another 62 (Total CO of 124 for the Small size)... www.knittingisawesome.com/howtoknitabratop

[@nguyenthiloan6671]

Thank you 😊

[@Goldwithelocs]

This reminds me of crocheting

[@vixen200008]

I need this pattern for loom knitting

[@theorigaminingagirl]

Does anyone think I can do this with 16 inch circulars instead of 24 inch?

[@bethk1312]

Depending on the number of cast on stitches, yes. I'm knitting the largest size and I only had a 14" cord and so far it's working just fine.

[@caitlyncheong]

im just confused because after the ribbing you said we are starting with the stockinette pattern (which is knit 1 row and purl 1 row right?) but you said to just knit the next rounds so i'm not sure what to do... sorry i'm a beginner to knitting and this is first project i'm doing so i just a lil more clarification, thank you in advance!

[@girlyknits]

When knitting stockinette in the round you knit every row!

[@caitlyncheong]

@@girlyknits i see! thanks a lot for the quick response! now i can continue making this immediately :)

[@emilyalcocer9980]

Can I use straight needles?

[@girlyknits]

I just posted a new pattern where you can use straight needles here!: www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/get-it-girl-bra-top

[@riannaanoff]

My circular needles are more around 32”, do I need to buy another set of 24? Or can I make it work ?

[@girlyknits]

You can make it work, you just might have to move some stitches around if it's too tight! If you look up magic loop knitting you might have to do something like that - people knit small circumferences like socks with long circular needles.

[@pinkcashmere1908]

I’d like to do this either magic loop or on 2 circulars...how does that affect the stitch marker placement?

[@deebee4626]

Hello! Is it possible to do lacing stitches at the bottom instead of ribbing? Or do some kind of lacing and then start the ribbing? I'm trying to make a festival-type look for this summer :D also is wool okay to wear in the summer for this top or is it better to knit with cotton? Thank you so much, your video is great :D

[@girlyknits]

Yes a lot of people have done that! If you look at the projects on Ravelry you can see what others have done :) www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/girly-knits-bra-top

[@PD0T100]

Love this, can't wait to try it! Quick question - how much yarn did you use for this project?

[@girlyknits]

The pattern has estimates! : knittingisawesome.com/howtoknitabratop/

[@ItsTishy]

Hi! After the last decrease round on the bust do i knit 5 rows and then cast off 40 or start casting off the next row after the last decrease row?

[@dtannariello]

What size cord are you using

[@justinesimpson8574]

Where to find pattern

[@girlyknits]

knittingisawesome.com/howtoknitabratop/amp/

[@Sherry04100]

How much would you cast on for medium and large size please

[@girlyknits]

Hi Sherry! The pattern is on my blog here: knittingisawesome.com/howtoknitabratop/

[@jaminasantos7131]

This is a v nice tutorial thank u! I’m using a fine cotton yarn is that okay? i feel like it’s a lot thinner. How do i estimate the amount of cast on?

[@girlyknits]

Hi Jamina! If you're working with a different gauge, I would suggest using this pattern where you can insert your gauge to calculate how many stitches to cast on: www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/get-it-girl-bra-top

[@arwenstanley1530]

I literally have no idea what you are saying

[@christinedmello9032]

This is a fabulous pattern

[@AndiePScott]

Can you explain the difference between the two increase and decrease methods that you explain? If using a different patter how would I know which one to use or where in the pattern?

[@girlyknits]

Hi! I have an aesthetic preference but each designer does them differently. For the neckline it's most important to have the slants going to same way so the neckline looks nice. The reverse of k2tog is p2tog and the reverse of ssk is ssp. I like to work ssk at the right edge and k2tog on the left edge, then the reverse of those on the wrong side.

[@StrongSinger]

Can i make this using t-shirt yarn?

[@soniagriffith5020]

Can I use regular straight needles

[@girlyknits]

Hi! I only have it written to be knit in the round right now.

[@girlyknits]

Hi Sonia, I just posted a new pattern where you can use straight needles here! www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/get-it-girl-bra-top

[@thebluedot4728]

yep. gave up 5 minutes in

[@marslilcheerleader]

can you use a sentro knitting machine?

[@girlyknits]

Hi! I don't think so because there is shaping...maybe you could make the base part of it though? I have another tutorial that shows how to make it on a flat bed knitting machine! kzbin.info/www/bejne/kH7Sn6iloc5lgaM

[@nobuzwencwana8598]

hi there, what is the alternative to i-cord as I dp not have double pointed needles

[@girlyknits]

You can use your circular needle!

[@nobuzwencwana8598]

@@girlyknits did this, it came out beautifully...thank you

[@jiyabharaj]

How many stitches for Medium and large?

[@girlyknits]

You can find the pattern here! knittingisawesome.com/howtoknitabratop/

[@shwetasingh6981]

Can u give notation for the same

[@angraciagrampon7240]

Can I do this project without a circular needle?

[@girlyknits]

I have another pattern here where you can use straight needles! www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/get-it-girl-bra-top

[@angraciagrampon7240]

@@girlyknits Thank you. I will check it out and give it a shot.

[@annettestobb2847]

I'm lousy at doing long-tail cast-on so, can I do a regular cast-on or does it have to be long-tail?

[@laurenriker7532]

I think it looks the best but it’s up to you of course!

[@annettestobb2847]

@@laurenriker7532 Well then, I'm gonna try to do it with a regular cast-on on size 8 connected needles. It tends to get scrunched when I do ribbing anyway.

[@norahaltamirano8131]

Gracias lindas prendas

[@tamiyabennett701]

U said beginner friendly😔

[@girlyknits]

Hi Tamiya! You'll need to be comfortable with knitting and purling first, but after mastering that you should be able to make this!

[@3randomcoolkidz]

How many do you cast on for a girl who is 10

[@girlyknits]

I have a new pattern where you can use custom measurements! www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/get-it-girl-bra-top

[@laace2003]

Can I get your pattern in another way? I'm not on Raverly.

[@sophier6504]

knittingisawesome.com/howtoknitabratop/

[@girlyknits]

It's on my website! knittingisawesome.com/howtoknitabratop/

[@natashaswain3698]

Hi there, can l pls make this bra top in us 5 straight needles thanks Natasha s

[@girlyknits]

I have a new pattern where you can do that here! www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/get-it-girl-bra-top