Poeta

Poeta Tank Top by SashkaKnits

What Is Being Made

Poeta is a sleeveless tank top designed by Sashka Macievich and published by SashkaKnits. This knitted garment is crafted as an intermediate-level project suitable for knitters with experience in cable work and circular knitting techniques. The tank features a fitted silhouette with finished bust measurements ranging from 33 to 50.75 inches (84 to 129 cm) across nine size options, accommodating a range of body types. The design incorporates 1 to 3 inches of negative ease, creating a close-fitting garment that hugs the body.

Techniques and Construction Methods

Poeta employs several advanced knitting techniques that elevate it beyond beginner projects. The pattern requires proficiency in knitting in the round, which creates seamless fabric and is worked on circular needles. The garment incorporates cable stitches as a design element, adding textural interest and visual complexity to the finished piece. Construction includes an I-cord cast on, a decorative and stretchy cast-on method that is explained within the pattern itself, making it accessible even if you haven't used this technique before. Finishing involves a 3 needle bind off, a technique that joins two sets of live stitches together while simultaneously binding them off, creating a strong, flexible seam. An applied I-cord is also used, explained in the pattern, to add finished edges or decorative details to the completed tank.

The pattern requires working decreases to shape the garment and achieve proper fit. These shaping techniques are essential for creating the tank's tailored silhouette.

Stitches Used

The primary stitch structure is Stockinette Stitch, which creates a smooth, classic knit fabric with a flat appearance on the right side and bumpy texture on the wrong side. This stitch serves as the base fabric for the tank. Cable stitches are incorporated as design features, adding dimensional texture and visual interest to the garment. The pattern also utilizes I-cord, a tubular knit cord created on double-pointed needles or using the I-cord technique, which appears both in the cast-on method and as applied trim.

Materials and Tools Required

The recommended yarn is Debbie Bliss eco baby, a luxurious organic fiber choice. Each ball contains 50 grams and 136 yards (125 meters) of yarn, made from 100% organic cotton. The yardage requirement varies by size, ranging from 7 to 12 balls depending on which of the nine sizes you select. The sample garment shown was knit in size 41 (approximately 41 inches bust) in color 14006, Pea Green, using 1 inch of negative ease.

Needles required include US size 3 (3.25mm) circular needles for the main knitting, US size 2 (2.75mm) circular needles (two sizes smaller) for ribbing or other sections requiring a tighter gauge, and US size 3 (3.25mm) straight needles specifically for the 3 needle bind off. Additional supplies include stitch holders or waste yarn for holding stitches, 4 stitch markers for tracking pattern repeats and shaping points, and a yarn needle for seaming and weaving in ends.

Gauge and Sizing

The pattern specifies a gauge of 26 stitches and 32 rows equals 4 inches (10 cm) in Stockinette Stitch when blocked. Achieving the correct gauge is critical for obtaining the proper finished measurements. The pattern provides nine size options with bust measurements of 33, 35.25, 37.25, 39, 41, 43.25, 44.75, 47, 48.25, and 50.75 inches.