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The beautiful thing about knitting is that I can create the thing I want to own!

All summer long, I reach for my square neck tank tops, and I constantly wear my Bijou Tee backwards for the same effect - but I didn’t have a proper square neck knit.

Now I do! And I love this soooo much.

I paired the horizontal neckline with a textural lace in vertical columns, and I like the contrast in directions. Both the hem and sleeve edgings play off the ends of the lace columns, and the delicate ribbed collar is shaped with crisp corners to emphasize that perfect, square opening.

The drama on this one is in the motif, and the detail here shows up beautifully in this neutral cream shade. Stacks of eyelet lace are accented with small cables on either side, placed so the diagonal line of each one extends the lace pattern at center.

As always, I’ve written the pattern with notes and hints to make sure your neckline fits well and sits properly across your upper chest. I’ve also included how to vary the shape or size of the opening if desired, as seen in in the test knits.

Stockinette side panels allow you to alter your overall size, body length can be worked as needed, and there are thoughts on how to make this design as a vest or with longer sleeves if preferred.

Lace instructions are both charted and written out.

Construction
The Painkiller Tee is worked in the round from hem to armhole. Body is then split into pieces, which are worked flat to shoulders. Once shoulders are seamed, stitches are picked up and worked in the round at armhole for sleeve and at neckline for collar. Neckline is shaped to maintain square corners

Sizes
37(41,45,49,53)(57,61,65,69)”
94(104.25,114.25,124.5,134.5)(144.75,155,165,175.25)cm

Sizes are based on circumference at bust, in final blocked fabric. For fit shown, I suggest choosing a size that allows for approx. 4”/10cm of positive ease, based on your actual bust.

Yardage by Size
900(950,1000,1100,1200)(1250,1350,1500,1650)yds 825(870,915,1005,1100)(1145,1235,1370,1510)m

A lightweight, round sport or DK weight yarn that knits up to gauge will work best for this pattern. I suggest using a solid or subtly semi-solid colorway so the detail of the lace pattern will show up well. A fiber with some memory works best for maintaining both fit and your square neckline. Note that a heavy or drapey yarn may result in a more curved opening.

Sample knit in Shaniko Sport, in the colorway Dune.