Tides Tank Top in Rowan Summerlite DK - Downloadable PDF

Tides Tank Top in Rowan Summerlite DK

What is Being Made

The Tides Tank Top is a knitted sleeveless garment designed by Martin Storey. This tank top is available in nine size options, ranging from a chest measurement of 71-76 cm (28-30 inches) up to 152-157 cm (60-62 inches), with corresponding finished garment chest measurements from 81 cm (32 inches) to 162.5 cm (64 inches). The design features a classic tank silhouette suitable for warm-weather wear.

Knitting Techniques and Construction

The Tides Tank Top employs several fundamental knitting techniques appropriate for an advanced beginner skill level. The garment is constructed using a combination of ribbed and stockinette stitch sections. The pattern involves working separate pieces—a back and front—which are later assembled. Key construction techniques include:

• Twisted rib – Used for the lower edge ribbing, worked over 9 rows to create a neat, elastic finish
• Neck shaping – The neckline is shaped by decreasing stitches at the neck edge and casting off stitches at specific intervals to create a comfortable armhole and neck opening
• Separate side shaping – Each side of the neck is worked independently after the center stitches are placed on a holder, allowing for precise shaping control
• Stitch placement on holders – Center stitches are secured on holders for later finishing, a technique commonly used for neckbands

Stitches Used

The pattern utilizes essential knit stitches that form the foundation of this tank top design:

• Twisted rib – A variation of standard ribbing that adds subtle texture and improved elasticity to the ribbed sections
• Knit stitch (K) – The primary stitch for building the main fabric of the garment
• Decreases – Used strategically at the neck edge to shape the neckline smoothly
• Cast on and cast off – Fundamental techniques for beginning and finishing the knitted fabric

Materials and Tools

The Tides Tank Top is designed to be knitted using Rowan Summerlite DK yarn, a lightweight double knit weight suitable for warm-weather garments. The yarn requirements vary by size, ranging from 5 balls (50 grams each) for the smallest size to 11 balls for the largest sizes. The pattern calls for 3¼mm (US 3) knitting needles, which are appropriately sized for working with DK weight yarn. Additional notions include stitch holders for managing stitches during construction, particularly for the neckband finishing.

This downloadable PDF pattern provides complete instructions for creating a versatile, seasonally appropriate tank top that combines classic knitting techniques with modern sizing options.