Simple Summer Tank Top Knitting Pattern – This basic, square-neck tank will become your go-to warm-weather shirt. The distinctive neckline design adds intrigue to an otherwise basic garment. Designed to be somewhat cropped, but may be readily adjusted to any length. This design is quick to produce and suitable for both beginners and experienced knitters!
This top is made from the top down. First, form the neckline and straps. Then, separate to increase more on the front and rear body panels. Finally, combine the body panels to construct the top’s body in a circular shape.
SKILL LEVEL: Easy +
MATERIALS
1, (1, 1, 1, 2), (2, 2, 2, 2) skeins / approx 275, (325, 350, 390, 425), (475, 500, 550, 550) yards Lion Brand Comfy Cotton Blend (shown in Mochaccino)
Size US 7 (4.5 mm) circular knitting needles (for ribbing) Side US 8 (5.0 mm) circular knitting needles (for body) Stitch Markers
Tapestry Needle to weave in ends
GAUGE: 18 sts and 24 rows = 4” in stockinette stitch on size 8 needles
DIMENSIONS
XS, (S, M, L, XL), (2X, 3X, 4X, 5X)
Finished Bust/Chest Circumference: 28, (32, 36, 40, 44), (48, 52, 56, 60)”
Finished Width: 14, (16, 18, 20, 22), (24, 26, 28, 30)”
Armhole Depth: 7, (8, 9, 9, 10), (10, 11, 11, 14)”
Finished Length: 19, (20, 20, 20.5, 20.5), (21, 21, 21.5, 21.5)”
Pattern is written for smallest size with changes for larger sizes in parenthesis. When only one number is given, it applies to all sizes. To keep track of your size, you may highlight or circle all numbers for your chosen size before you begin.
ABBREVIATIONS
- This pattern is written using U.S. English Terminology
- BO = bind off
- CO = cast on
- K = knit
- K1tbl = knit 1 through the back loop
- M = stitch marker
- M1L = make 1 left. Pick up the bar between the stitch you just knit and the one you are about to knit with your left needle from front to back, knit through the back.
- M1LP = make one left purl. Pick up the bar between the stitch you just knit and the one you are about to knit with your left needle from front to back, then purl through the back loop of the strand.
- M1R = make 1 right Pick up the bar between the stitch you just knit and the one you are about to knit with your left needle from back to front, knit through the front.
- M1RP = make one right purl. Pick up the bar between the stitch you just knit and the one you are about to knit with your left needle from back to front, then purl through the front loop of the strand. P = purl
- Patt = pattern
- PM = place stitch marker Rd = round
- RS = right side, you will be working a RS row when the outside of your work (right side) is facing SM = slip stitch marker
- st = stitch
- Stst = stockinette stitch
- WS = wrong side, you will be working a WS row when the inside of your work (wrong side) is facing you [ ] = work instructions within brackets as many times as directed
- * = repeat the instructions following the single asterisk as directed
HELP CHOOSING SIZE
This sweater is designed to be worn with 0-4” of negative ease. Model is 6’ tall, has a 33” bust, and is wearing a size Small with 1” of negative ease. For best fit, choose a size that is closest to 0-4” smaller than your corresponding bust measurement. For example, if your bust is 50”, you would wear a size 2X. If you prefer your garments to fit looser or more snug, choose a size with less or more ease accordingly.
PATTERN NOTES
- This top is constructed from the top, down. First, you will shape the neckline and straps. Then, you will separate to increase more at the front and back body panels. Finally, you will join the body panels to work the body of the top in the round.
- The ribbing in this pattern will be done in half twisted rib. This means, each knit stitch in the rib stitch will be worked through the back loop for a twisted look. If you prefer to use regular rib stitch, just work these knit stitches as normal.
- When directed to work ‘in patt’ this means to continue the half twisted rib stitch pattern as established, working each knit stitch tbl and purling each purl stitch.
PATTERN INSTRUCTIONS
Cast on 184, (196, 216, 196, 204), (184, 204, 184, 220) sts using long tail cast on using size 7 needles. Join to work in round.
Set Up Round: * [k1tbl, p1] 20 (22, 25, 25, 27) (27, 30, 30, 31) times, PM, [k1tbl, p1] 26 (27, 29, 24, 24) (19, 21, 16, 24) times, PM. Rep from * once more, final M placed will denote beg/end of each rd.
Round 1: * [k1tbl, p1] to M, M1R, SM, k1tbl, M1L, p1. Rep from * three more times, working final k1tbl, M1L, p1 with first sts of next rd. [192, (204, 224, 204, 212), (192, 212, 192, 228) sts].
2: work in patt to end of rd.
3: * work in patt to M, M1RP, SM, k1tbl, M1LP. Rep from * to end of rd, working final k1tbl, M1LP, with first sts of next rd. [200, (212, 232, 212, 220), (200, 220, 200, 236) sts].
4: work in patt even to end of rd.
5-8: Rep rounds 1-4 once more. [216, (228, 248, 228, 236), (216, 236, 216, 252) sts].
Separate Sleeves and Body
On the next round, switch to size 8 needles and remove stitch markers as you pass them.
9: * k 49 (53, 59, 59, 63) (63, 69, 69, 71), BO next 59 (61, 65, 55, 55) (45, 49, 39, 55) sts in rib st. Rep from * once more.
Body Panels:
You will now work back and forth across the next 49, (53, 59, 59, 63), (63, 69, 69, 71) sts on your nee- dles to shape the first body panel.
10 (RS): k2, M1L, k to last 2, M1R, k2. [51, (55, 61, 61, 65), (65, 71, 71, 73) sts].
11 (WS): purl.
Repeat rows 10-11 3, (5, 7, 10, 13), (17, 18, 22, 25) more times. [57, (65, 75, 81, 91), (99, 107, 115, 123) sts]. Break yarn and set aside.
Repeat for second body panel beginning with RS facing you.
Body:
You will now join the two body pieces together to work in the round.
K 57 (65, 75, 81, 91) (99, 107, 115, 123) sts for body panel just worked, CO 7 (7, 7, 9, 9) (9, 11, 11, 11)
sts for underarm, k 57 (65, 75, 81, 91) (99, 107, 115, 123) sts for second body panel, CO 7 (7, 7, 9, 9)
(9, 11, 11, 11) sts for other underarm, Join to work in round. [128, (144, 164, 200), (216, 236, 252, 268) sts].
PM to denote beg/end of each round. Work 11, (11, 10, 10.5, 9.5), (10, 9, 9.5, 6.5)” even in stst. On the next rd, switch to size 7 needles. Knit 1 round. Work 1” in [k1tbl, p1] half twisted rib st. BO in rib st.
Finishing:
Weave in all ends. Block by soaking in warm water and lay flat to dry. Enjoy!