Bib Tank - Slipover Knitting Pattern For Women in Debbie Bliss Cashmerino Chunky by Debbie Bliss

Bib Tank – Slipover Knitting Pattern for Women by Debbie Bliss

The Bib Tank is a stylish women's slipover knitting pattern designed by Debbie Bliss, worked in her signature Cashmerino Chunky yarn. This intermediate-level pattern produces a sleeveless, pullover-style tank top featuring a distinctive bib detail at the front, making it a versatile layering piece suitable for a range of casual and smart-casual occasions. The design is available in five sizes to fit chest measurements from 76–81 cm (30–32 in) up to 127–132 cm (46–48 in), with finished widths (excluding tabs) ranging from 42 cm to 67 cm and a length to back neck of 68 cm to 76 cm depending on size.

Construction and Techniques

The Bib Tank is constructed using a bottom-up, worked flat, seamed method. This means each piece — typically the front and back — is knitted separately from the cast-on edge upward, then joined using seaming techniques to finish the garment. Working flat on straight needles is a traditional and approachable construction method that suits intermediate knitters who are comfortable with reading flat knitting patterns and finishing seams neatly. The seamed construction also lends the finished slipover a clean, structured silhouette with stable edges.

Stitches Used

The pattern makes use of two primary stitch patterns, each contributing a distinct texture to different sections of the garment:

• Stocking stitch (st st): The classic knit-on-the-right-side, purl-on-the-wrong-side stitch pattern that creates a smooth, flat fabric. It forms the main body of the Bib Tank and is the foundation of the garment's clean, contemporary look.
• Irish moss stitch: A textured stitch pattern that alternates knit and purl stitches in a specific sequence to create a subtle, raised, seed-like texture. Irish moss stitch adds visual interest and tactile depth, and is commonly used for borders, panels, or feature sections in knitwear design. In this pattern, it plays a key role in creating the distinctive bib detail that gives the tank its name.
• skpo (slip one, knit one, pass slipped stitch over): A left-leaning decrease stitch used for shaping, particularly around armholes, necklines, or the bib tabs.

Tension and Gauge

Achieving the correct tension is essential for a well-fitting finished garment. The pattern specifies two tension measurements using 6mm (US 10) needles:

• 15 stitches and 22 rows to 10 cm / 4 in square over stocking stitch.
• 16 stitches and 24 rows to 10 cm / 4 in square over Irish moss stitch.

Knitters are encouraged to work a tension swatch before beginning the project, as even small differences in tension can significantly affect the finished dimensions of the slipover.

Materials – Yarn, Needles, and Notions

The Bib Tank is designed specifically for Debbie Bliss Cashmerino Chunky, a luxurious chunky-weight yarn that blends the softness of cashmere with the practicality of merino wool and microfibre. This combination produces a yarn that is exceptionally soft against the skin, has a beautiful drape, and is durable enough for everyday wear. The recommended colourway used in this pattern is Ecru 02, a warm, neutral off-white shade that gives the finished tank a timeless, elegant appearance.

• Yarn: Debbie Bliss Cashmerino Chunky, 50g / 1¾oz balls in Ecru 02
• Quantity: 12 (13 : 14 : 16 : 17) balls depending on size
• Needles: A pair of 5.5mm (US 9) knitting needles and a pair of 6mm (US 10) knitting needles — the smaller size is typically used for ribbing or borders, while the larger size is used for the main body fabric

Debbie