Cumberland Tank in Lion Brand Color Theory - v1653487403911 - Downloadable PDF

Cumberland Tank Crochet Pattern by Two of Wands — Free Downloadable PDF

The Cumberland Tank is a stylish, beginner-friendly crochet tank top designed by Two of Wands (Pattern No. M22072) and worked in Lion Brand Color Theory yarn. This free downloadable PDF pattern produces a relaxed, colorblock sleeveless top with a clean, modern aesthetic — perfect for warm weather wear or layering. The design is available in eight sizes ranging from XS through 4XL, with a suggested positive ease of 5–7 inches (13–18 cm) for a comfortable, casual fit. The sample shown in the pattern is photographed in a size S on a model with a 34-inch bust.

Design Overview

The Cumberland Tank features a two-color striped construction that gives the finished garment a polished, intentional look without requiring complex colorwork techniques. The body is worked in the round from the bottom up to the underarms, after which the front and back are separated and worked flat in rows. This construction method keeps the stitch count manageable and the shaping straightforward, making it an ideal project for crocheters who are comfortable with basic stitches and ready to explore garment construction for the first time.

The two colorways used in the pictured sample are Moonbeam (619-099V) as color A and Raisin (619-144U) as color B, creating a warm, earthy contrast. The striping pattern is carried throughout the body, with color changes managed by working the joining slip stitch or the final yarn over of a row in the new color, and carrying the unused color up the wrong side of the work — a tidy technique that minimizes ends to weave in.

Techniques Used

• Crocheting in joined, turned rounds — The body of the tank is worked in the round with a join-and-turn method, meaning each round is completed with a slip stitch join and then the work is turned before the next round begins. This creates a fabric with a consistent texture on both sides.
• Working flat in rows — After dividing for the underarms, the front and back panels are each worked back and forth in rows to allow for armhole and neckline shaping.
• Two-color striping with carried yarn — Rather than cutting yarn at each color change, the alternating color is carried up the side or wrong side of the work. This is a practical and efficient technique for stripe patterns.
• Shaping with decreases — The pattern uses hdc2tog (half double crochet two together) and sc2tog (single crochet two together) to shape the armholes and neckline cleanly.

Stitches Used

• Half double crochet (hdc) — The primary stitch used throughout the body of the tank. The hdc creates a fabric that is slightly taller than single crochet, with a soft drape and a subtle ridge texture that suits garment construction well.
• Single crochet (sc) — Used in finishing sections and edging, the single crochet creates a tighter, more structured fabric that helps define the neckline and armhole edges.
• Chain stitch (ch) — Used for the foundation chain and at the beginning of rounds and rows.
• Slip stitch (sl st) — Used to join rounds and, importantly, to execute color changes at the end of each round.
• Half double crochet 2 together (hdc2tog) — A decrease stitch used for armhole and body shaping.
• Single crochet 2 together (sc2tog) — A decrease stitch used in finishing and neckline shaping areas.

Materials Required

The Cumberland Tank is worked using Lion Brand Color Theory, a worsted weight (weight 4) yarn with approximately 246 yards (225 meters) per skein. The yarn is used in two colors:

• Color A — Moonbeam (619-099V): 2 (2, 3, 3, 3, 3, 4, 4) skeins depending on size
• Color B — Raisin (619-144U): 1 (2, 2, 2, 2, 2, 2, 3) skein(s) depending on size