My Knitting Project Inspired by Purl Soho’s Pattern

When the warm days arrive, I always feel like knitting something light, simple, and elegant… the kind of piece that fits just as well in a vacation suitcase as it does over a pair of dressy pants for a summer evening.
That’s exactly what inspired me when I saw the Drawstring Camisole pattern, designed by Kristina McGowan for Purl Soho.

The original pattern can be found here:
https://www.purlsoho.com/create/2016/08/19/drawstring-camisole/

A Timeless Design

The construction is clever and enjoyable to knit. You start by working the front and back yokes separately, from the top down. Then, the two pieces are joined to knit the body in the round all the way to the hem.
The main stitch is stockinette, which creates a clean, minimalist look that highlights the fiber and drape of the garment.

My Yarn and Needle Choices

Since this is a summer knit, I chose to work with the alpaca, linen, and silk yarn that I offer at Ferme Récréative Caza et Alpagas.

Alpaca provides light warmth and softness.
Linen adds structure and a slightly rustic touch, perfect for summer.
Silk brings subtle sheen and beautiful fluidity.

I knitted the camisole using 3 mm needles instead of the recommended 3.5 mm. The result is a slightly denser fabric with a lovely drape and better structure, especially for a garment that will be worn often.

Size Adjustments and Finishing

For a more fitted look, I chose to knit the X-Small size and shortened the length compared to the original design.

This version took a bit more than one skein of yarn.

When closing the bottom hem, be sure to pay special attention so the stitches stay aligned.

A Small Change to the Drawstring

The original pattern includes a particular method for making the drawstring, but I opted for a 4-stitch I-cord instead. A simple and quick method, with a neat finish.

The Knitting Experience

This project is suitable for intermediate knitters. The steps are straightforward, and since the main stitch is stockinette, the knitting moves along quickly.
The only part that requires extra focus is the separation and joining of the yokes, but once that’s done, it becomes a relaxing knit.

For my size, it took me about 15 hours spread over a few quiet evenings — relatively quick for a full garment.

The Result

I’m absolutely thrilled with the final piece. The stockinette stitch beautifully showcases the subtle texture of my alpaca/linen/silk yarn, and the fluid shape offers both a casual and elegant look.
It’s the kind of garment that works perfectly on its own on a warm summer day or layered under a light jacket on cooler evenings.

My Tips if You Want to Try It

Choose a yarn with a nice drape and a bit of movement — ideally a blend that combines fluidity and structure, such as alpaca, linen, and silk.
If you’re between two sizes, I suggest choosing the larger one, especially for a summer top.
An I-cord is an excellent choice for a sturdy and attractive drawstring.
An I-cord is an excellent choice for a sturdy and attractive drawstring.

In short, the Drawstring Camisole is a simple project that really makes an impact. Easy to customize, comfortable to wear… and perfect for showing off a yarn you truly love.