Cleopatra Tank

Cleopatra Tank by Michelle Ferguson

What is Being Made

The Cleopatra Tank is a sleeveless crochet top designed by Michelle Ferguson, available in multiple sizing options ranging from children's sizes 2 through 2X, accommodating chest measurements from 21 inches to 50 inches. This downloadable PDF pattern offers versatility for crafters seeking a fitted, contemporary tank top suitable for various body types and ages.

Craft and Primary Technique

This project is created entirely using crochet techniques. The pattern employs fundamental crochet construction methods appropriate for beginners to intermediate crafters, making it an accessible choice for those building their crochet skills while still offering enough structural interest to engage more experienced makers.

Stitches and Stitch Techniques Used

The Cleopatra Tank utilizes several essential crochet stitches:

• Herringbone Double Crochet (herr-dc) - The primary stitch featured throughout the pattern, created by yarning over, inserting the hook into a stitch, drawing up a loop, pulling through one loop on the hook, yarning over, and pulling through the remaining loops. This stitch creates a textured, visually interesting fabric with diagonal lines characteristic of herringbone patterns.
• Single Crochet (sc) - A fundamental stitch used for shaping and finishing elements of the garment
• Chainless Foundation Single Crochet (FSC) - An advanced foundation technique that eliminates the need for a traditional chain foundation, creating a neater, more professional starting edge
• Chain stitches (ch) - Used for construction and shaping throughout the pattern

Materials Required

The Cleopatra Tank requires DK weight (#3) yarn, with yardage varying by size. Smaller children's sizes need approximately 240 yards, while larger adult sizes require up to 1150 yards for the 2X size. The pattern calls for two crochet hooks: an H (5.00mm) hook and an I (5.50mm) hook, allowing crafters to adjust tension and fabric density as needed.

Additional materials include scissors, a measuring tape for accurate sizing, a tapestry needle for weaving in ends and seaming, and a stitch marker for tracking pattern repeats and shaping points.

Gauge and Fit Information

The pattern specifies a gauge of 14 herringbone double crochet stitches plus 10 rows equaling 4 inches when worked with the H hook. Children's sizes feature approximately 1 inch of positive ease for comfortable movement, while adult sizes include 2 to 3 inches of positive ease, ensuring a flattering, wearable fit across the sizing range.

Difficulty Level and Accessibility

While labeled as beginner-friendly in the product attributes, the pattern notes indicate intermediate techniques, particularly with the herringbone double crochet stitch and chainless foundation single crochet method. This makes the Cleopatra Tank an excellent project for crafters with some foundational crochet experience who wish to expand their stitch repertoire and create a polished, wearable garment.