Tops in in Stylecraft Highland Heathers DK - 9865 - Downloadable PDF

Stylecraft Highland Heathers DK Round Neck and V Neck Tank Tops – Pattern 9865

This downloadable PDF from Stylecraft presents pattern 9865, offering instructions for two classic knitted tank tops: a Round Neck Tank Top and a V Neck Tank Top. Both designs are worked in Stylecraft Highland Heathers DK yarn and feature easy Fair Isle colourwork panels, making them an excellent project for intermediate knitters looking to develop their stranded colourwork skills. The pattern includes a generous size range, covering bust measurements from 81–86 cm (32–34 in) up to 122–127 cm (48–50 in), with five sizes in total.

What Is Being Made

The pattern produces two sleeveless tops — often referred to as slipovers, vests, or tank tops — suitable for wearing over a shirt or as a standalone warm-weather layer. Both versions share a similar construction but differ in their neckline shaping. The finished actual measurements range from approximately 94 cm to 134 cm in width, and full lengths range from 58 cm to 69 cm depending on size, giving a comfortable, relaxed fit across the bust.

Colourways and Yarn

Both tops are knitted in Stylecraft Highland Heathers DK, a double knitting weight yarn that lends itself beautifully to the heathered, tonal palette used throughout these designs. The two colourways specified in the pattern are distinct:

• Round Neck Tank Top: Colour A – Tayberry (7229), Colour B – Grist (3750), Colour C – Lichen (7228), Colour D – Firth (7226), Colour E – Marmalade (7224)
• V Neck Tank Top: Colour A – Firth (7226), Colour B – Grist (3750), Colour C – Lichen (7228), Colour D – Hawthorn (7227)

The Round Neck version uses five colours, while the V Neck version uses four, both centred around a dominant main colour (Colour A) with contrasting accent shades for the Fair Isle panel. The pattern notes that Stylecraft Special DK and Stylecraft Life DK are suitable alternative yarns, though knitters are advised to check meterage carefully as ball quantities may vary.

Yarn Quantities Required

• Round Neck Tank Top: Colour A – 2 to 4 x 100g balls (depending on size); Colours B, C, D, and E – 1 x 100g ball each across all sizes
• V Neck Tank Top: Colour A – 3 to 4 x 100g balls; Colours B, C, and D – 1 x 100g ball each across all sizes

Needles and Notions

The pattern requires two pairs of straight knitting needles:

• 3¼ mm needles (UK 10 / USA 3) – used for the ribbed welts and borders
• 4 mm needles (UK 8 / USA 6) – used for the main body in stocking stitch and the Fair Isle chart sections

Stitch holders are also required to hold stitches during neckline and shoulder shaping.

Techniques Used

The construction of both tank tops follows a traditional flat-knitting approach, working the back and front separately before seaming. Key techniques used throughout the pattern include:

• Thumb method cast-on – used to begin the back and front pieces, providing a neat and slightly elastic edge
• 1x1 rib – worked over an extended welt section for a fitted, tidy lower edge; the rib is worked in two stages, beginning with the contrast colour D before switching to the main colour A
• Stocking stitch (st-st) – the primary fabric of the body, worked in the round after the rib is complete