Dichondra

Dichondra Tank Top by Julia Swart

What Is Being Made

The Dichondra is a knitted tank top designed by Julia Swart, inspired by the cascading tendrils and flowing leaves of the dichondra plant from the morning glory family. This garment features an open chevron neckline that flows seamlessly into an A-line body silhouette, creating a graceful and flattering design suitable for intermediate knitters.

Design and Construction

The tank showcases a distinctive open chevron pattern at the neck that transitions into the body of the garment. The A-line shaping creates movement and visual interest, while the open chevron detail adds an elegant focal point. The designer notes that this tank works beautifully in both solid-colored and multi-colored yarns, though variegated or striped yarns should be paired with a coordinating solid yarn for the chevron section to ensure the stitch pattern remains visually prominent and readable.

Knitting Techniques Used

• Chevron stitch patterning for the neckline opening
• Stockinette stitch for the main body
• Increases and decreases to shape the A-line silhouette
• Circular needle construction for seamless knitting

Stitches and Abbreviations

• K - knit
• P - purl
• sts - stitches
• m1 - make a stitch by picking up the bar and knitting through the back loop
• k2tog - knit the next two stitches together
• ssk - slip the next two stitches knitwise, move them back to the left needle and knit

Materials and Gauge

The Dichondra pattern calls for Juniper Moon Farm Zooey yarn in quantities ranging from 2 to 4 skeins depending on size. The project requires US size 6/4 mm needles in a 24-inch circular needle configuration. The gauge is 22 stitches and 32 rows over 4 inches (10 cm) in Stockinette stitch, which is essential for achieving the correct finished measurements and fit of the garment.

Difficulty Level

This pattern is rated as intermediate, making it suitable for knitters with foundational skills who are ready to work with stitch patterns, shaping techniques, and circular needle construction. The combination of chevron patterning and A-line shaping requires attention to stitch counts and decreases, but the techniques used are well within the reach of experienced beginners and intermediate crafters.