Summer Knit Beginner Tank Top
As the weather starts to warm up, I'm ready to put away sweaters for something lighter. This is what inspires the Summer Knit Beginner Tank Top.
During the time of this pattern (possibly as you are still reading this), we are all mostly staying at home, and I was determined to use my stash. I found some excellent Cascade Pima Cotton Yarn and had enough to create a two-color summer top. And if you love lightweight summer knits, you might also enjoy the Light Summer Knit Shawl or the Ray Of Sunshine Knit Shawl.
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But as usual, my stash surprised me with a second option, the Fleece Artist Merino 3/6; only I had held onto this yarn for so long it is currently discontinued. I almost didn’t use it, but then I thought this was the perfect opportunity to talk about yarn substitutes and using whatever you have that will work. Take a chance! As long as you can match gauge, then you can knit away. See what is in your stash that will work for this pattern.
The weather is starting to warm up so now is the time to start those fun summer garments. And this one is a relaxing easy knit, perfect for practicing those lazy summer vibes while soaking up some sun.
Supplies:
Knitting Needles:
Size 4 (3.5 mm) circular needles or size to obtain gauge, minimum 24 inch cords
Notions:
Removable stitch markers if needed
Yarn needle to weave in ends
Scissors
Yarn:
Cascade Pima Cotton in colorways
China Pink & Pink Sapphire
Also shown in: Fleece Artist Merino 3/6 in colorway Peacock
Yardage:
XS: 455 yards, 3 skeins
S: 502 yards, 3 skeins
M: 625 yards, 3 skeins
L: 724 yards, 4 skeins
1X: 827 yards, 4 skeins
2X: 959 yards, 5 skeins
3X: 1,100 yards 5 skeins
Abbreviations/Stitches:
p - purl
k - knit
k2tog-knit two together
sl1-k2tog-psso (defined in notes)
st(s) - stitch(es)
ssk - slip slip knit
RS - Right Side
WS - Wrong Side
Gauge:
20 sts and 26 rows = 4x4” (10 cm) in Stockinette Stitch (Knit Stitch)
Skill Level:
Advanced Beginner
Size:
Finished Bust Sizes (includes ease)
XS: 32.5” (83 cm)
S: 35” (88 cm)
M: 40” (102 cm)
L: 44” (112 cm)
1X: 49” (125 cm)
2X: 51.5 “ (131 cm)
3X: 56.5 (144 cm)
Notes:
This pattern is worked in from the bottom to top in two rectangle pieces and then seamed together at the sides and top shoulders. Create two rectangle pieces for front and back.
Sizes are written as:
XS (S, M, L, 1X, 2X, 3x)
Special Stitches:
ssk: slip the next 2 stitches, one at a time, as if to knit, to the right needle. Insert the left needle into the fronts of these two stitches and knit them together. One stitch decreased and leans to the left.
sl1-k2tog-psso: slip one stitch, knitwise, from the left hand to the right-hand needle. Knit the next two stitches on the left-hand needle together (k2tog). Using the left-hand needle tip, lift the slipped stitch up and over the k2tog, and let it fall off the right-hand needle tip. Two stitches are decreased.
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Knit Summer Top Schematic
Pattern Written Instructions
Ribbed Bottom:
| Row | Description |
| 1 (RS) | Using the alternating cable cast on, cast on 81 (87, 99, 111, 123, 129, 141) stitches for 1x1 ribbing. Stitch count for every row in this pattern is 81 (87, 99, 111, 123, 129, 141) |
| 2 | *p1, k1*; repeat from * to * until last stitch, p last. |
| 3 | *k1, p1*; repeat from * to * until last stitch, k last. |
| 4-5 | Repeat rows 2-3 |
Body:
| Row | Description |
| Knit- Stitch | This will create the body section before the top lace work. Work in the knit (stockinette stitch, knit odd rows and purl even rows) for 78 (84, 90, 96, 104, 114, 122) rows. For a longer or shorter top, add/omit rows. If adjusting the length of the Summer Knit Top, keep track of rows so front and back have the same row counts. The body portion will measure approx. 10 (11, 12, 12.5, 13, 14, 15) inches. |
Lace Top:
| Row | Description |
| 1 | If desired, change yarn colors. Row 1 and all odd rows purl. |
| 2 | Sl 1, k1, *yo, ssk, k1, k2tog, yo, k1*; repeat from * to * until the last st, k1. |
| 4 | Sl 1, k1, *yo, k1, sl1-k2tog-psso, k1, yo, k1*; repeat from * to * until the last st, k1. |
| 6 | Sl 1, k1 *k2tog, yo, k1, yo, ssk, k1*; repeat from * to * until last st, k1. |
| 8 | Sl 1, k2tog, *(k1, yo) twice, k1, sl1-k2tog-psso*; repeat from * to * until last 6 sts, end with (k1, yo) twice, k1, ssk, k1. |
| Repeats | Repeat rows 1-8 four more times creating a 5 inch panel of lace. At end of repeat bind off purlwise. |
Summer Knit Beginner Tank Top Finishing:
Block both front and back pieces to make seaming easier. Using the schematic measurements from the notes and the mattress seam, line up each side and seam, leaving the opening for the arms. And then line up the shoulders of Front and Back, seam the shoulders on each side, leaving an opening for the neck. Wear and Enjoy!
Well That Was Fun! What's Next?
