innovative techniques,

romantic details,
and feminine designs

kristeen griffin-grimes
 bonjour from french girl—
an introduction to seamless knitting
and the french girl aesthetic
Seamless Construction Tutorials
Top-Down Raglan
Bottom-Up Raglan
Top-Down Set-In Sleeve
Bottom-Up Set-In Sleeve
Seamless Side to Side
Skills and Essential Information
Blocking and Finishing Advice
Knit and Crochet Abbreviations
Yarn Sources, Guidelines, and Substitutions
Resources: Online Community, Bookshelf, and Inspiration
[3]
projects
La Boutique Parisienne:
romantic and vintage-inspired
Satine: floaty kidsilk tunic
Anjou: lacy drop-waist top
Paloma: linen openwork blouse
Antoinette: kimono-sleeve lace coat
Felice: ruffle-sleeve cardigan
Enfant Sauvage:
rustic with a gypsy edge
Wrenna: chunky topper with leather lacing
Hirondelle: bamboo/cotton tunic
Stella: cable and lace jacket
Georgette: side-buttoned vest
La Creatrice:
innovative and unconventional
Amelie: sassy jacket with embroidery
Niobe: lace bell-sleeve pullover
Jasmin: jazzy evening dress
Vienne: v-neck fitted pullover
Zoe: cozy cabled tunic
Dans La Rue:
streetwear with style
Martine: slip-stitch border hoodie
Bijou: cropped cotton jacket
Claudette: tweedy cabled jumper
Coco: Chanel-inspired modern jacket
Mauve: dramatic cowl neck pullover
f r e n c h g i r l k n i t s by kristeen griffin-grimes
 anjou
Linen and silk mohair mingle sinuously in a drop-waist tunic with drapey lace
sleeves and tie. Worked from the top down and using a refined version of an an-
cient lace border pattern, Anjou recalls the glamorous evening wear of the 1920s
and 1930s.

Sweater shown measures 34" bust circumference and 27" long. Using cable method and larger
needles, CO 20 sts; purl 1 row.
Row 1: Sl 1 purlwise k3, (yo, k2tog) 7
Louet Kidlin: Woodland, 4 skeins.
times, yo, k2.
Row 2 and all even rows
Sizes 8 and 9, 36" circular needles. Adjust needle size if necessary to obtain the through Row 8: Sl 1 purlwise,
correct gauge. then purl all sts.
Row 3: Sl 1 purlwise, k6, (yo, k2tog) 6
times, yo, k2.
Tapestry needle.
Row 5: Sl 1 purlwise, k9, (yo, k2tog) 5
times, yo, k2.
2 pattern repeats (lace pattern) = 4" (10cm) x 6" (15cm) with larger needles Row 7: Sl 1 purlwise, k12, (yo, k2tog)
after blocking. 4 times, yo, k2.
Row 9: Sl 1 purlwise, k23.

[5] f r e n c h g i r l k n i t s by kristeen griffin-grimes

 satine
Satine’s shape is based on a vintage French chemise found in a Paris flea market.
I find it touching that the seamstress took the time to embellish the neckline
and armholes with the most delicate floral embroidery, even though the garment
was worn under layers of clothing. This floaty mohair tunic is constructed in one
piece, worked from the bottom up, with waist and bust shaping using different
size needles.

Sweater shown measures 32-34" bust circumference and 25" long. Using cable method and largest
needles, CO 25 sts with MC.
Row 1: K1, *yo, k4, sk2p, k4, yo, k1;
Rowan Kidsilk Aura: Vintage (MC), 3 skeins. repeat from * once.
Rowan Kidsilk Night: Starlight (C C), 1 skein for crochet trim.
Row 2: Purl.

Repeat until swatch measures 4".

Sizes 10½, 11, and 13, 36" circular. Size J crochet hook. Adjust
needle or hook size if necessary to obtain the correct gauge.

2 pattern repeats and 6 rows = 8" (20cm) × 4" (10cm) with

largest needles.

[7] f r e n c h g i r l k n i t s by kristeen griffin-grimes

 be beautiful
with this inspiring book of romantic
knitted garments. Influenced by classic fairy tales and French vintage fashion,
Seattle designer Kristeen Griffin-Grimes presents ethereal garments that flatter the
feminine form, all accomplished with seamless patterns and custom fit.
Inside French Girl Knits, readers will find:
hNineteen inspired patterns that are flattering to all body types
and draw on popular feminine, romantic, and vintage fashion
trends
hIn-depth tutorials that teach Kristeen’s seamless construction
methods, providing valuable technical information for both
beginning and seasoned knitters
hUnique design inspiration for each project silhouette including
curve-friendly waist shaping, Empire Waist detailing, and stitch
details that emphasize the body, plus historical costume details
used in a modern way including lacing, openwork lace, crochet
edgings, and bell sleeves
French Girl Knits centers on four vignettes inspired by French daily life, film,
and history: Enfant Sauvage (Wild Child), La Boutique Parisienne (Vintage Paris
Dress Shop), Dans La Rue (Street Wear), and La Créatrice (Creative Woman).

French Girl Knits will appeal to intermediate knitters looking for a book that
teaches interesting techniques in an accessible way—with an emphasis on shap-
ing techniques, seamless designs, and unique detailing.

about the author

ISBN 978-1-59668-069-2 Kristeen Griffin-Grimes launched her French Girl pattern line in 2005. Her patterns are
$24.95; 9 x 9; 160 pages
150 photos; 30 illustrations; 20 charts
currently carried in 125 yarn stores worldwide.The inspiration for the French Girl label comes
Paperbound with flaps from her jazz singer French Creole mother, her New Orleans childhood, and her ten-year love
January 2009 affair with France. Follow her adventures at frenchgirlknits.com.