As with many design processes, the French Smock began as a collection of images and thoughts that eventually made their way into a tangible piece of clothing. The idea landscape included impressions of artists and painters, sun-dappled windows and long afternoons, French cafes and pastoral Europe, and aprons that long to turn into everyday wear. The top that emerged from these ideas is a piece that easily pairs with other clothing to provide a little extra warmth when needed, but is also an easy way to turn a t-shirt and jeans or a skirt into something a little special.

The construction of the French Smock is quite simple: the main body is knit flat, and then straps are knit separately and attached to cross in the back. A smaller needle size adds density to the upper band of the top and straps, and a ribbon sewn on the inside of the straps also prevents stretching. Seed stitch at the edges of the top prevents rolling, while the pattern repeat over the main knit area creates an eye-catching design that is highlighted nicely by Cascade 220.

FINISHED MEASUREMENTS
Chest: 30.75 [35.25, 39.75, 44.25, 48.75, 53.25, 57.75] inches
Length: 19 [19, 22, 22, 25, 25, 28] inches from shoulder to bottom hem

Meant to be worn with a 2-4” overlap at the center back.

MATERIALS
2 [3, 3, 3, 4, 5, 5] skeins of listed yarn

Notions

• spacer stitch marker
• spacer yarn needle
• spacer ribbon (60-100 inches of 0.25-inch wide ribbon OR 30-50 inches of 2-inch wide ribbon),
• spacer sewing needle or sewing machine