Seaside Disco T as a Basic Pullover?

Seaside Disco T
solid colour/ plain shoulder/ long sleeve
knitted by Heather W. using Drops Paris

So, my recently published pattern - the Seaside Disco T - is a bit of a chameleon! On the main pattern photos, it is presented as a rather distinct looking striped t-shirt with button shoulder details. However the instructions also include options for knitting it in a solid colour, without buttons, and with long or 3/4 sleeves. Furthermore, a recipe is included in the Appendix that explains how to knit this garment using any yarn and any gauge.

Considering this, it is not surprising that a few knitters have have asked, whether the Seaside Disco T makes a suitable template for a plain basic pullover.

Seaside Disco T
solid colour/ plain shoulder/ 3/4 sleeve
knitted by Anna C. using Drops Alpaca &KidSilk Lace

The short answer is Yes, and in fact two of my friends have recently done exactly this - so I shall use this as an opportunity to show you their work!

But the longer answer is: It depends on what kind of ‘basic’ pullover you have in mind. Because while the Seaside Disco T is highly adaptable, nothing is infinitely adaptable. It is adaptable within a set of parameters.

If you knit the solid-colour/ plain-shoulder/ long-sleeve version of the Seaside Disco T, you will end up with the following features:

(1) drop shoulder construction, which works both oversized and fitted due to the specific nature of its design.

(2) a slightly boatneck-y neckline (meaning it is wider and shallower than a classic crew-neck). However, if you do prefer a more rounded neckline, the pattern explains how to adjust it to preference.

(3) sleeves that are a bit dolman-like, in the sense that they start out wide at the top and then taper down dramatically to a fitted cuff. Alternatively, if you like the wide-cuff look, you can work fewer decreases and end up with wide sleeves instead.

If the basic pullover you envision is compatible with these features, then the Seaside Disco T is absolutely a suitable ‘basics’ pattern. You can use and re-use it for almost limitless iterations of a wearable wardrobe staple. For example, you can make a relaxed, oversized version in cotton, like Heather’s slate-blue jumper. And following the very same instructions, you can make a fitted dressy version in a sparkly silk-mohair blend, like Anna’s black top.

And of course, the options involving stripes and button-shoulders can be incorporated to various degrees as well. You don’t have to go all disco; you can go a little disco!

Out of all of my garment patterns, the Seaside Disco T is certainly the most adaptable, and I hope you enjoy that aspect of the design.

Seaside Disco T on ravelry
Seaside Disco T in the pattern shop