Della Mae Tank

Della Mae Tank by Angela Hahn

What is Being Made

The Della Mae Tank is a versatile sleeveless knitted top designed by Angela Hahn for intermediate knitters. This garment is a V-neck tank that combines style with flattering construction, making it suitable for multiple occasions—from music festivals and backyard barbecues to casual café settings and apartment terraces. The design features cable-accented details at the V-neck, angled armholes, and a split back hem that work together to flatter various body types.

Design Features and Construction

The Della Mae Tank showcases thoughtful shaping and finishing details that enhance its versatility. The wide ribbing at the waist can be customized during blocking: it may be blocked to match the same circumference as the body for a relaxed fit, or allowed to pull in slightly to accent the waistline. The angled armholes and V-neck construction contribute to the garment's flattering silhouette, while the split back hem adds contemporary styling to this classic sleeveless form.

Knitting Techniques Used

This intermediate-level project employs cable knitting as a primary decorative technique. The cables are strategically placed to accent the V-neck area, adding visual interest and texture to the garment. The pattern requires working in the round using circular needles, which is a fundamental technique for constructing seamless garments. Blocking plays an important role in finishing the Della Mae Tank, particularly in shaping the ribbed waist to achieve the desired fit and drape.

Stitches Used

The Della Mae Tank incorporates several cable stitches worked over four stitches each:

• 2/2 LC (Left Cable): Slip 2 stitches to cable needle, hold in front, knit 2, then knit 2 from cable needle
• 2/2 LCp (Left Cable with Purl): Slip 2 stitches to cable needle, hold in front, purl 2, then knit 2 from cable needle
• 2/2 RC (Right Cable): Slip 2 stitches to cable needle, hold in back, knit 2, then knit 2 from cable needle
• 2/2 RCp (Right Cable with Purl): Slip 2 stitches to cable needle, hold in back, knit 2, then purl 2 from cable needle

These cable variations allow for directional cable work that creates the visual pattern and texture throughout the garment.

Materials and Tools

The Della Mae Tank is worked in 4-ply yarn weight, which provides a balanced fabric suitable for a sleeveless garment with good stitch definition for cable work. US size 4 (3.5 mm) circular needles are used for the project, with needle length ranging from 24 to 47 inches depending on the selected garment size—this range accommodates small circumference knitting in the round for the body and armhole edgings. Knitters should adjust needle size as necessary to obtain correct gauge for their specific yarn.

Essential notions for completing the Della Mae Tank include stitch markers for tracking pattern repeats and shaping points, a cable needle for executing the cable stitches, stitch holders for managing stitches during construction, and a tapestry needle for weaving in ends and seaming if needed.

Difficulty Level

Rated as an intermediate project, the Della Mae Tank assumes knitters have foundational skills in knitting in the round and basic cable techniques. The cable stitches and shaping elements require attention to pattern details, making this an appropriate challenge for knitters ready to expand beyond beginner projects while not requiring advanced techniques.