Teamwork Tank

Teamwork Tank: A Beginner-Friendly Knit Cotton Top

What Is Being Made

The Teamwork Tank is a lightweight sleeveless top designed for warm-weather wear, featuring a contemporary criss-cross back detail. This knit tank top is available in four sizes—Small, Medium, Large, and Extra Large—with finished dimensions ranging from 31 inches wide for the Small to 42 inches wide for the Extra Large. The length to the top of the chest (excluding straps) varies from 17 inches for the Small size up to 19 inches for the Large and Extra Large sizes. The design celebrates collaborative creativity and offers the versatility of solid color or striped colorway options.

Knitting Techniques and Construction

This tank top is constructed using fundamental knitting techniques suitable for crafters developing their skills. The primary fabric is worked in Stockinette stitch, a classic knit stitch pattern that creates a smooth, polished fabric ideal for showcasing yarn color and texture. The garment is worked on circular needles, which allow for seamless construction and comfortable handling of the project. The distinctive criss-cross back feature adds visual interest and demonstrates basic shaping techniques. Finishing details include I-cord edging, created using double-pointed needles, which provides a refined, professional edge to the neckline and armholes.

Stitches Used

• Stockinette Stitch – The primary stitch throughout the tank body, creating a smooth, flat fabric with characteristic V-shaped knit columns on the right side
• I-cord – A tubular cord used for finishing edges, worked on double-pointed needles to create a durable, decorative border

Materials and Yarn Specifications

The Teamwork Tank is designed to showcase the qualities of premium cotton yarn. The pattern calls for We Are Knitters "Pima Cotton" or similar lightly worsted weight yarn (category 3). Depending on size, you will need between 2 and 3 skeins total, with yardage requirements ranging from approximately 350 to 425 meters (382 to 465 yards) for Color A and 95 to 106 meters (105 to 115 yards) for Color B. This yardage range accommodates all four available sizes. Pima cotton is prized for its softness, breathability, and durability, making it an excellent choice for a summer tank top.

Needles and Tools

Construction requires Size US 8/5 mm circular needles measuring 20 inches long, which provide the appropriate needle size to achieve proper gauge with the worsted weight yarn. Additionally, two Size US 8/5 mm double-pointed needles are needed for working the I-cord finishing details. The pattern also specifies three closable stitch markers to help track pattern repeats and shaping sections throughout the knitting process.

Gauge and Sizing

The pattern establishes a gauge of 17 stitches by 24 rows over 4 inches when worked in Stockinette stitch. Achieving this gauge is essential for producing a finished garment that matches the intended dimensions. The four available sizes provide options for a range of body types and fit preferences, with width options from 31 inches to 42 inches and corresponding length adjustments.