My Favorite Things: Camisole No.4 — Simple Camisole Knitting FO

I have a new FO to share: My Favorite Things Camisole No.4, a beginner-friendly camisole knitting pattern that turned out to be both simple and practical—one of my favorite recent makes! This camisole is perfect for layering over a t-shirt or under a jacket, making it a versatile piece for multiple seasons. The pattern is straightforward and beginner-friendly, which made the knitting process enjoyable and relaxing. I wanted to share my experience knitting this piece, including some challenges I faced and tips that might help if you decide to try it yourself.

Why I Chose This Camisole Pattern

A couple of years ago, I knitted this camisole once before, and I loved it so much that I wanted to make another version — but larger. The original was more fitted, best worn alone in warmer weather. This time, I aimed for a size that could be layered over a t-shirt or a long-sleeve top, especially useful in cooler seasons or for casual, everyday wear.

What drew me to this pattern was its clean, minimalistic construction—perfect for beginners or anyone craving a no-fuss project. Sometimes knitwear patterns can be intimidating with complex lace, cables, or charts, but this one stays true to the basics, making it perfect for everyday use. When I purchased this pattern, I was still a very beginner, and this project gave me a great opportunity to practice key knitting techniques like knit, purl, and increases. I also appreciate that it’s a “daily” item — something I can reach for frequently without fussing over styling.

The Yarn I Chose

For this camisole, I decided to use leftover yarn from my previous project — a balaclava that I completed recently. (You can check that project out here!)

The yarn I used came from Temu, which offers affordable options that work surprisingly well for knitting projects. The yarns came in 4 balls per pack, and I accidentally bought two packs of the same grey color — so I ended up with a total of 8 balls. From my last project, I used about 3.5 balls, so I figured I had just enough leftover yarn to knit this camisole. However, one strand of the yarn was too thin for this pattern, which meant the gauge was way off from what the pattern recommended. To solve this, I simply held two strands together while knitting. This adjustment gave me the correct gauge and a nice fabric thickness that felt comfortable to wear.

I usually like to work with the yarns that patterns suggest because it ensures the best results. However, experimenting with leftover or mixed yarns can also be fun and rewarding. Using leftover yarn not only saves money but also reduces waste—great for knitters who want a more sustainable and budget-friendly approach — a big plus for eco-conscious knitters like me.

Key Techniques in the Pattern

This camisole knitting pattern is wonderfully beginner-friendly because it sticks to fundamental techniques. The main stitches are knit and purl, plus increases using M1R (make one right) and M1L (make one left). These increase stitches are essential for shaping the garment but aren’t complicated once you get the hang of them.

There are no charts, just written instructions. While some may prefer charts, I found the written instructions especially helpful for beginners—it’s clear, concise, and easy to follow without flipping between pages, especially if you’re new to knitting. You don’t have to worry about decoding symbols or flipping between charts and notes — everything you need is right there.

The pattern is only five pages long, which is less intimidating than many knitting patterns that run on for dozens of pages with complicated stitch patterns. This brevity made it easier to stay motivated and not feel overwhelmed.

How the Pattern Works

The construction of the camisole is straightforward but thoughtful. You start by knitting two front pieces and two back pieces separately. This allows you to work on manageable sections before joining them.

Once the four pieces are done, you join them and continue knitting in the round, which creates a seamless body for the camisole. Here’s where I encountered my first challenge: when I joined the pieces, I used the knit cast-on method, but some stitches loosened up, creating a gap that looked uneven.

This mistake was frustrating, but I learned a lot from it. I unraveled the join and redid the cast-on carefully, making sure every stitch was snug and even. Taking the time to fix this really improved the final look of the camisole. It’s a reminder that patience is key in knitting, especially when joining pieces.

I’ve captured the entire knitting process of the My Favorite Things Camisole No.4 in a video. If you’re curious about how it’s made or want to pick up some handy tips, be sure to check out the video below!

Shoulder Straps and Finishing Touches

The shoulder straps in this pattern are simple i-cords — a classic, minimalistic finishing touch. The pattern advises holding off on attaching the straps until after you’ve washed and blocked the camisole. I think this step is crucial because blocking helps relax the stitches and can slightly change the length and width of your garment.

It took me a while to decide on the perfect strap length. I measured, tried it on, and realized the straps could stretch further with wear. To account for this, I added a small knot at the top of each strap to make them easily adjustable—a simple trick that worked perfectly and saved me from redoing the entire strap. This knot acts as an adjustable stopper so I can lengthen or shorten the straps as needed.

This was a practical solution that saved me from having to redo straps or guess their final length too early. It’s a tip I highly recommend if you try this pattern.

Overall Impression and Recommendation

Overall, this camisole is a rewarding project. It strikes the perfect balance between simplicity and function. The instructions are clear and easy to follow, making it a solid choice for beginners or anyone looking for a quick knit with a polished result.

The finished camisole is a practical addition to my wardrobe. It’s comfortable, versatile, and perfect for layering, which extends its wearability beyond just summer. The minimalist design means it pairs well with many outfits, and I love reaching for it when I want something effortless but stylish.

Tips for Knitting Your Own Camisole

• Take your time joining pieces. Avoid loose stitches by redoing the cast-on if needed. A neat join makes a huge difference.
• Wait to attach straps until after blocking. This is also recommended in the pattern. It will help you get the perfect strap length and avoid stretching.
• Pay close attention to your gauge, especially if you want a fitted look. I knitted two gauge swatches—one with a single strand of yarn and another with two strands held together. The two-strand swatch matched the pattern gauge much better, and as a result, the overall size of my camisole turned out just as I wanted.
• Don’t rush the finishing. Blocking and small adjustments improve the fit and look.
• Enjoy the simplicity. Remember, this pattern is designed to be easy — embrace the basics and have fun knitting!

Conclusion

Knitting the My Favorite Things: Camisole No.4 was a simple yet satisfying journey that resulted in a favorite knitwear piece. If you’re looking for a practical, beginner-friendly camisole knitting project, this pattern is a fantastic choice.

If you try this pattern, I hope you enjoy knitting it as much as I did. Wishing you a wonderful knitting journey with this lovely camisole!