1081 Monarch - Top Knitting Pattern for Women in Valley Yarns Granville

Pattern #1081 Monarch: Women's Lace Tank Top Knitting Pattern by Julie Turjoman

The Monarch is an elegant, versatile women's tank top knitting pattern designed by Julie Turjoman and published by Valley Yarns. Pattern number #1081, it is available as a downloadable PDF and rated Intermediate in difficulty. This beautifully detailed top is designed to transition effortlessly from the workplace to a casual weekend outing, making it a truly wardrobe-worthy knit. Its standout features include an unusual hem stitch, a graceful center front leaf lace motif, and a clean, squared-off neckline — all rendered with crisp stitch definition thanks to the carefully chosen yarn.

What Is Being Made

The Monarch is a fitted, hip-length women's tank top with wide shoulders designed to provide bra strap coverage. It features a squared-off neckline and a decorative leaf lace panel running up the center front that terminates cleanly at the neckline edge. The silhouette is body-skimming, intended to be worn with 1–2 inches of positive ease. The top is available in nine sizes ranging from XS through 5XL, with finished bust measurements spanning 32¾ inches to 63¾ inches. The sample shown in the pattern is knitted in Size S.

Construction and Techniques

The Monarch employs a thoughtful combination of construction methods that keep finishing work to a minimum while ensuring a polished result. Key techniques include:

• Worked in the round (seamless): The body is cast on and worked circularly from the bottom hem upward, creating a seamless tube through the lower portion of the garment.
• Bottom-up construction: The knitting begins at the hem and progresses upward toward the shoulders, a classic approach that allows for easy length adjustments.
• Worked flat: Once the cut-in armholes are reached, the knitting transitions to working back and forth in rows, separating the front and back panels.
• Lace: A central leaf lace panel decorates the front of the garment. This motif adds visual interest and a delicate, feminine quality without overwhelming the overall design.
• Three-Needle Bind-Off: The shoulders are joined using a Three-Needle Bind-Off, which creates a neat, minimal seam and eliminates the need for sewing the shoulder seams separately.
• Slip Stitch Rib: The hem features a distinctive slip stitch rib pattern worked for approximately 2 inches. This rib is then carried up the sides and along the armhole edges, ending at the shoulders for a cohesive, structured look.

Stitches Used

Knitters working on the Monarch will encounter a satisfying variety of stitch patterns that build skill and keep the project engaging throughout:

• Stockinette stitch: The primary stitch used across the body of the garment, providing a smooth, even fabric that showcases the yarn's stitch definition.
• Slip Stitch Rib: An unusual and distinctive rib pattern used at the hem and carried along the side and armhole edges, giving the garment a refined, tailored border.
• Leaf lace motif: A center front lace panel featuring leaf-shaped lace patterning, worked using yarn overs and decreases to create an organic, flowing design that draws the eye upward toward the neckline.

Materials: Yarn, Needles, and Notions

The pattern is specifically designed for Valley Yarns Granville, a sport weight yarn with a fiber composition of 90% Pima Cotton and 10% Merino Wool. Each hank contains 50 grams and approximately 167 yards. The sample is shown in Color 12-Coral. The cotton-dominant blend provides excellent stitch definition, breathability, and a slight drape that is ideal for a fitted tank top, while the merino content adds a touch of softness and elasticity. Depending on size, knitters will need:

• 4 hanks for sizes XS and S