Child s Fair Isle Tank Top

Child's Fair Isle Tank Top by Sian Brown

What is Being Made

This is a sleeveless tank top designed for children, featuring a classic Fair Isle colorwork pattern. The garment is part of the slipovers collection and is suitable for ages 2-3, 4-5, 6-7, and 8-9 years, with chest measurements ranging from 56cm to 71cm (22 to 28 inches). The finished length to shoulder varies from 30cm to 42cm (11¾ to 16½ inches) depending on the size selected.

Knitting Techniques and Construction

This intermediate-level knitting pattern uses traditional Fair Isle colorwork techniques, a method of creating patterned designs by carrying multiple colors of yarn across the back of the work while knitting. The garment is constructed using a two-needle approach with ribbed edging at the bottom for structure and stretch. The pattern requires working from a chart, with right-side rows read from right to left and wrong-side rows read from left to right, which is standard for Fair Isle charted patterns.

Stitches Used

• Stockinette Stitch (st st): The primary stitch used for the body of the tank top, creating a smooth, flat fabric
• Ribbing: A 2x2 rib (knit 2, purl 2) is used for the bottom edge, providing elasticity and a finished appearance
• Fair Isle Patterning: Multiple colors are worked into the stockinette stitch base according to the provided chart

Yarn and Materials

The pattern calls for Debbie Bliss Baby Cashmerino, a luxury blend yarn composed of 55% wool, 33% acrylic, and 12% cashmere. This yarn is supplied in 50-gram balls with a yardage of 125 meters per ball. The yarn weight is sport weight, suitable for delicate children's garments.

Color Requirements: The design uses five colors from the Debbie Bliss Baby Cashmerino range. Silver 012 (A) is the main color, with quantities varying by size from 1 to 2 balls. One ball each of Mink 064 (B), Mustard 316 (C), Sienna 067 (D), and Flame 306 (E) is required for all sizes, providing a warm, earthy Fair Isle palette.

Needles and Gauge

The pattern requires two pairs of needles: 2.75mm needles for the ribbed cuff and 3.25mm needles for the main body. The working tension is 25 stitches and 34 rows over a 10cm square in stockinette stitch using the 3.25mm needles. Achieving the correct gauge is essential for the garment to fit properly across all sizes.

Pattern Structure

The tank top begins with a cast-on edge worked on the smaller needles in 2x2 ribbing, which is worked for 8 rows total with increases distributed evenly across the final row to prepare for the main pattern. The garment then transitions to the larger needles and begins working from the Fair Isle chart. The pattern includes shaping details and construction notes for the back, front, and armhole sections, though the complete pattern details are not fully visible in the provided excerpt.

Skill Level

This pattern is rated as intermediate difficulty, making it suitable for knitters with prior experience. Familiarity with Fair Isle colorwork, chart reading, and basic garment shaping is recommended. The combination of multiple colors and the need to manage tension while carrying unused yarns requires attention to technique.