Orla - Tank Top Knitting Pattern For Women in Debbie Bliss Erin Tweed by Debbie Bliss 

Orla Tank Top Knitting Pattern for Women – Debbie Bliss Erin Tweed

The Orla Tank is a women's sleeveless top — sometimes called a tank top or vest — designed by Debbie Bliss and worked in her signature Erin Tweed yarn. This intermediate-level knitting pattern produces a fitted, colourful garment featuring a classic Fair Isle stranded colourwork design, making it a rewarding project for knitters who are comfortable with multi-colour techniques and basic shaping. The pattern is available as a downloadable PDF.

Sizing and Finished Measurements

The Orla Tank is offered in five sizes, designed to fit bust measurements ranging from 82–86 cm (32–34 in) up to 122–127 cm (48–50 in). The finished bust measurements — allowing for ease — run from 87 cm (34¼ in) to 134 cm (52¾ in), giving a comfortable, relaxed fit across all sizes. The finished length to shoulder ranges from 46 cm (18 in) to 50 cm (19¾ in) depending on the size chosen.

Materials: Yarn and Needles

The pattern calls for Debbie Bliss Erin Tweed, a DK weight yarn, used in four colourways across the design:

• Moss 011 (Colour A) — the main colour, requiring 3 to 5 balls of 50g depending on size
• Midnight 016 (Colour B) — 1 to 2 balls of 50g
• Spice 009 (Colour C) — 1 ball of 50g across all sizes
• Teal 013 (Colour D) — 1 to 2 balls of 50g depending on size

The recommended needle size is 3.75mm (US 5) knitting needles, used for both the stocking stitch sections and the Fair Isle colourwork panels. The tweed character of Erin Tweed adds subtle texture and depth to the colourwork, enhancing the visual interest of the stranded pattern.

Tension

Two separate tension swatches are required for this pattern, reflecting the two different fabric structures used in the garment:

• 24 stitches and 32 rows to 10 cm / 4 in over stocking stitch using 3.75mm needles
• 27 stitches and 29 rows to 10 cm / 4 in over the Fair Isle pattern using 3.75mm needles

Achieving accurate tension is especially important in a garment that combines two different stitch structures, as the colourwork section typically pulls in slightly compared to plain stocking stitch. Knitters are encouraged to swatch both sections carefully before casting on.

Construction Method

The Orla Tank is constructed bottom-up and worked flat in separate pieces — a traditional approach that results in a neat, structured fabric. Working flat means the knitter works back and forth on straight or circular needles, producing right-side and wrong-side rows rather than working in the round. The pieces are then joined using seams, including curved seaming at the armhole and neckline shaping areas, which gives the garment a polished, tailored finish.

Techniques Used

This pattern brings together a range of techniques suited to an intermediate knitter:

• Stranded colourwork (Fair Isle) — The signature decorative element of the Orla Tank. Stranded knitting involves carrying two or more yarn colours across the row, working stitches in each colour as dictated by the chart. The unused colour is carried, or stranded, loosely across the back of the work. This technique creates a double layer of yarn at the colourwork sections, adding warmth and structure to the fabric.
• Bottom-up construction — The garment begins at the lower edge and is shaped upward toward the shoulders, allowing for intuitive armhole and neckline shaping as the work progresses.