Oorik tank top

Oorik Tank Top by Mary Jane Mucklestone

What is Being Made

The Oorik tank top is a sleeveless knitted garment designed for babies and young children, available in three sizes to fit chest measurements of 43 cm (17 in), 48 cm (19 in), and 53 cm (20¾ in). The finished chest sizes range from 48 cm (19 in) to 57.5 cm (22¾ in), with total lengths varying from 29 cm (11¼ in) to 34 cm (13¼ in) depending on the selected size. This project is part of A Year of Techniques, a structured knitting program that builds skills progressively throughout the year, with the Oorik tank top featured as the February project.

Techniques Used

This intermediate-level knitting project introduces knitters to the steek technique, a method commonly used in colorwork and seamless construction. The pattern includes a dedicated swatch section that allows knitters to practice cutting the steek before committing to the full garment. This educational approach ensures knitters understand the steek reinforcement process and achieve proper tension before working on the complete project. The tank top is constructed using in-the-round knitting, which eliminates the need for seaming and creates a seamless, professional finish.

Stitches and Construction Details

The Oorik tank top employs charted colorwork patterns to create visual interest. Knitters cast on 57 stitches and join to work in the round, taking care to avoid twisting the cast-on edge. The pattern is worked from Chart A, which is followed for 15 rows to establish the design. The garment features an armhole depth ranging from 10 cm (4 in) to 13 cm (5 in) depending on size, and a back neck width of 8.5 cm (3¼ in) to 9 cm (3½ in). The length to armhole measures 19 cm (7½ in) to 21 cm (8¼ in), providing appropriate proportions for the intended age range of approximately 6 to 24 months.

Materials

The Oorik tank top is designed to be knitted with Jamieson & Smith Shetland Supreme Jumper Weight yarn in a 4-ply weight. This yarn choice provides the appropriate drape and durability for a baby garment. Knitters will require larger needles for the main fabric and will need to have smaller needles available for any ribbing or finishing details. The pattern includes instructions for reinforcing the steek using the photo tutorial provided, ensuring a secure and professional finish to the cut edges.