Tank Top and Waistcoat in Stylecraft ReCreate DK - 9953 - Downloadable PDF

Tank Top and Waistcoat in Stylecraft ReCreate DK – Pattern 9953

This downloadable PDF knitting pattern from Stylecraft presents two easy knit designs suitable for intermediate knitters: a classic Tank Top and a smart Waistcoat, both worked in Stylecraft ReCreate DK yarn. The pattern covers a wide range of chest sizes, from 97 cm to 117 cm (38 in to 46 in), making it a versatile choice for a variety of figures. Both garments are sleeveless, making them ideal layering pieces for transitional weather or smart-casual styling.

About the Yarn: Stylecraft ReCreate DK

Stylecraft ReCreate DK is a double knitting weight yarn, worked at DK tension. It is sold in 100g balls, and both garments require 3 to 4 balls depending on the size chosen. The pattern specifies two colourways:

• Tank Top: Teal 3375
• Waistcoat: Charcoal 1948

ReCreate DK is a consciously produced yarn, making this pattern a great option for knitters who value sustainability in their craft materials.

Needles Required

Both garments are worked using two needle sizes:

• 3.25mm needles – used for the ribbed welts and edgings
• 4mm needles – used for the main body fabric

Design 1: The Tank Top

The Tank Top is a fitted, sleeveless garment with a clean, classic silhouette. It is worked flat in separate pieces — back and front — and seamed. The actual measurements range from 108 cm to 130 cm (42½ in to 51¼ in) across the chest, providing a comfortable, relaxed fit over the stated chest sizes. The full length ranges from 68 cm to 72 cm (26¾ in to 28¼ in), making it a longline style that sits well over trousers or skirts.

Construction and Techniques – Tank Top

The back of the Tank Top begins with a cast on of 141 to 167 stitches on 3.25mm needles, depending on size. The lower welt is worked in k1, p1 rib for approximately 6 cm (2½ in), ending on a right-side row. This ribbed border provides elasticity and a neat, professional finish at the hem.

Stitches Used – Tank Top

• K1, P1 Rib – formed over two rows: Row 1 (right side): K1, *p1, k1; repeat from * to end. Row 2 (wrong side): P1, *k1, p1; repeat from * to end. This classic rib stitch is used for the welt and edgings.
• Rib2tog – a decrease stitch used on the transition row from rib to main fabric, reducing the stitch count to shape the body correctly before moving to the larger needles.
• Stocking Stitch / Textured Pattern – after the welt, stitches are changed to 4mm needles and the main body fabric begins, incorporating a textured panel pattern using knit and purl combinations (including a repeat of p4, k2 sequences), giving the fabric visual interest beyond plain stocking stitch.

Sizing and Shaping – Tank Top

A decrease row is worked on the wrong side at the end of the rib section to reduce the stitch count before beginning the main body. For example, in the smallest size, stitches are reduced from 141 down to 114 stitches, with the decrease row carefully spaced to maintain an even fabric. This technique ensures the body panels sit smoothly without unwanted flare or pull.

Design 2: The Waistcoat

The Waistcoat is the second of the two designs included