Ultra Pima Flower Bud Tank in Cascade Ultra Pima - DK274

Ultra Pima Flower Bud Tank by Laura Matthews – Knitting Pattern Summary

The Ultra Pima Flower Bud Tank is a free, downloadable knitting pattern designed by Laura Matthews and published by Cascade Yarns (pattern number DK274). This elegant sleeveless tank top combines delicate lace detailing with cable texture to create a lightweight, warm-weather garment with refined feminine appeal. Rated Intermediate in difficulty, it is a rewarding project for knitters who are comfortable moving beyond basic stockinette and ready to explore more decorative stitch work.

What Is Being Made

This pattern produces a fitted, sleeveless tank top worked in four sizes: S, M, L, and XL, with finished chest measurements at the underarm ranging from 34 to 44 inches. The above-hip circumference ranges from 36 to 44.5 inches, and the finished length spans 20.5 to 24 inches, making it a versatile piece that can be worn as a standalone top or layered. Armhole depth ranges from 7.5 to 9.5 inches depending on size, providing a comfortable, structured fit through the shoulders.

Construction Techniques

The tank is constructed using a bottom-up, seamed method, meaning the knitter begins at the lower hem and works upward toward the shoulders. Portions of the garment are worked in the round using a 32-inch circular needle, which is ideal for seamlessly knitting the body in the round before transitioning to flat sections for armhole and shoulder shaping. The use of double-pointed needles (DPNs) may also be employed for smaller circumference sections. The seamed construction gives the finished garment structure and a clean, polished silhouette typical of classic knitwear design.

Lace and Cable Work

The decorative character of this tank comes from its combination of lace patterning and cable stitches, which together form the signature "Flower Bud" motif referenced in the pattern name. Lace knitting involves deliberate yarn-overs paired with decreases to create open, airy holes that form decorative shapes within the fabric. This technique requires attention to stitch count and pattern repeats but adds beautiful visual texture without significant added weight — especially important when working with a cotton yarn in a warm-weather garment.

The cable work in this pattern uses both C4B (Cable 4 Back) and C4F (Cable 4 Forward) techniques. A C4B is worked by slipping 2 stitches onto a cable needle held to the back of the work, knitting 2 stitches from the left needle, then knitting the held stitches — creating a cable that twists to the right. A C4F reverses this by holding the cable needle to the front, producing a left-leaning twist. Together, these two cable directions allow for the creation of symmetrical or directional cable motifs that complement the lace elements throughout the body of the tank.

Stitches Used

• Knit (K) – the foundational stitch forming the fabric base
• K2tog (Knit 2 Together) – a right-leaning decrease used in lace patterning and shaping
• C4B (Cable 4 Back) – a 4-stitch right-twisting cable
• C4F (Cable 4 Forward) – a 4-stitch left-twisting cable
• Lace pattern stitches – incorporating yarn-overs and decreases to form the Flower Bud motif
• Bind Off (BO) and Cast On (CO) – standard techniques for beginning and finishing sections

Materials and Yarn

The pattern is specifically designed for Cascade Ultra Pima, a DK weight yarn composed of 100% Pima Cotton. Each skein contains 220 yards (200 meters) and weighs 100 grams (3.5 oz). Depending on size, knitters will need 3 to 5 skeins.