Tops in Stylecraft Recreate - 9857 - Downloadable PDF

Tops in Stylecraft ReCreate DK – Pattern 9857: Round Neck and V Neck Tank Tops

Pattern 9857 from Stylecraft is a downloadable PDF knitting pattern featuring two distinct tank top designs — a Round Neck Tank Top and a V Neck Tank Top — both worked in ReCreate DK yarn. These are classic, flattering slipovers and vests suitable for everyday wear, layering, or smart-casual styling. The pattern is rated intermediate in difficulty, making it ideal for knitters who are comfortable with basic techniques and ready to tackle more structured stitch work such as cables and textured panels.

Sizing and Fit

Both designs are generously sized and include larger sizes, covering a wide range of bust measurements:

• To Fit Bust: 81–86 cm / 32–34 in through to 122–127 cm / 48–50 in (five sizes total)
• Actual Measurements: 106 cm / 41¾ in up to 146 cm / 57½ in
• Full Length (measured from side of neck): 54 cm / 21¼ in up to 65 cm / 25½ in

The generous actual measurements provide a relaxed, comfortable fit with positive ease across all sizes.

Design One: Round Neck Tank Top

The Round Neck Tank Top is worked in Stylecraft ReCreate DK in the shade Charcoal 1948. This design features a sophisticated central cable and twisted stitch panel set against a stocking stitch background, giving the garment a structured, textured focal point on an otherwise clean and simple silhouette.

Construction and Techniques

The back is cast on using the thumb method on 3¼ mm needles, beginning with a 2x2 rib border worked over 21 rows for a neat, stretchy hem. Stitches are then decreased evenly on a set-up row before changing to 4 mm needles for the main body, which is worked in a combination of stocking stitch and a central textured cable panel.

Stitches and Stitch Techniques Used

• 2x2 Rib — used for the hem border, creating an elastic, tidy edge
• Stocking Stitch (knit and purl) — forms the main body fabric on either side of the central panel
• C6F (Cable 6 Front) — a classic six-stitch front cable worked using a cable needle, creating a rope-like twisted column; worked on right-side rows to create the signature cable twist
• T4L (Twist 4 Left) — a four-stitch travelling twist moving to the left, used to create diagonal movement within the cable panel
• T4R (Twist 4 Right) — a four-stitch travelling twist moving to the right, mirroring T4L to form the characteristic diamond or lattice shapes typical of traditional cable knitting
• Purl stitches used as panel dividers — columns of purl stitches frame the cable panel and separate textural elements clearly
• Decreases (p2tog) — used on the set-up row to shape the stitch count before beginning the main pattern

Yarn and Materials

• Yarn: Stylecraft ReCreate DK, 100g balls — 3 balls for smaller sizes, 4 balls for larger sizes, in Charcoal 1948
• Needles: 1 pair 4 mm (UK 8 / USA 6) and 1 pair 3¼ mm (UK 10 / USA 3) knitting needles
• Notions: Stitch holders and a cable needle

Design Two: V Neck Tank