Karina Cable Tank Top - Knitting Pattern for Women in Debbie Bliss Cashmerino Aran

Karina Cable Tank Top – Knitting Pattern for Women by Debbie Bliss

The Karina Cable Tank Top is a sophisticated, sleeveless women's knitted garment designed by Debbie Bliss and worked in Cashmerino Aran yarn. This pattern produces a fitted, structured tank top featuring elaborate cable panels as the central design element, making it an ideal project for knitters who are ready to take their skills to an advanced level. The finished piece is a wardrobe-worthy layering essential that transitions beautifully from season to season.

Sizing and Finished Measurements

The pattern is written to fit a wide range of chest sizes, covering seven size options:

• 81–86 cm (32–34 in) – Finished chest: 104 cm / 41 in
• 92–97 cm (36–38 in) – Finished chest: 115 cm / 45¼ in
• 102–107 cm (40–42 in) – Finished chest: 126 cm / 49½ in
• 112–117 cm (44–46 in) – Finished chest: 137 cm / 54 in
• 122–127 cm (48–50 in) – Finished chest: 148 cm / 58¼ in
• 132–137 cm (52–54 in) – Finished chest: 159 cm / 62½ in
• 142–147 cm (56–58 in) – Finished chest: 170 cm / 67 in

Back neck lengths range from 56 cm (22 in) for the smallest size up to 68 cm (26¾ in) for the largest, ensuring a well-proportioned fit across the full size range. The generous positive ease built into the finished measurements gives the tank a relaxed yet polished silhouette.

Construction Method

The Karina Cable Tank Top is constructed using a bottom-up, seamed approach. This traditional method means the front and back pieces are knitted separately, beginning at the lower edge and working upward toward the shoulders. The pieces are then joined using seaming techniques, which lend the finished garment excellent structure and durability. Seamed construction also makes it easier to block individual pieces flat before assembly, helping the cable panels lie smooth and crisp.

Techniques Used

This pattern draws on several intermediate-to-advanced knitting techniques, making it a rewarding challenge for experienced knitters:

• Cable knitting – The defining feature of the Karina design, cables are worked throughout the body panels using a cable needle. Multiple cable variations are employed, each creating a different twisted or crossed rope-like texture.
• Bottom-up construction – Pieces begin at the cast-on edge and are worked upward, allowing shaping to be introduced naturally as the knitting progresses.
• Seamed finishing – Front and back panels are sewn together at the shoulders and side seams for a clean, tailored finish.
• Stripes – The pattern incorporates stripe detailing, adding visual interest and a contemporary edge to the classic cable aesthetic.

Stitches and Cable Abbreviations

The pattern uses a specific set of cable stitches, each carefully defined within the instructions. Knitters will work with the following techniques:

• C3BP – Slip the next stitch onto a cable needle and hold at the back of the work; knit 2 stitches in colour C, then purl 1 stitch in colour A from the cable needle. This creates a right-leaning cable cross with a purl twist.
• C3FP – Slip the next 2 stitches onto a cable needle and hold to the front of the work; purl 1 stitch in colour A, then knit 2 stitches in colour C from the cable needle. This creates a left-leaning cable cross with a purl twist.
• C4B – Slip the next 2 stitches onto a cable needle and hold at the back; knit 2, then knit 2 from the cable needle. A classic 4-stitch back cross cable