Tourmaline Tank - Free Top Knitting Pattern For Women in Paintbox Yarns Metallics DK and Cotton DK

Tourmaline Tank: Free Intermediate Knitting Pattern for Women by Paintbox Yarns

The Tourmaline Tank is a stylish, women's sleeveless top knitting pattern offered as a free downloadable PDF by Paintbox Yarns. Designed at an intermediate difficulty level, this pattern produces a fitted, elegant tank top with a subtly shorter front hem compared to the back, giving it a modern, flattering silhouette. It is an excellent project for knitters who are comfortable with basic shaping and are ready to explore garment construction with a touch of luxury.

Garment Overview

The Tourmaline Tank is worked as a women's fitted top available in six sizes, designed to fit bust measurements ranging from 81 cm to 107 cm (32 in to 42 in). The actual garment measurement at the underarm spans from 88 cm to 115 cm (34½ in to 45¼ in), providing a comfortable, slightly eased fit across all sizes. The finished back length ranges from 68 cm to 73 cm (26¾ in to 28¾ in), while the front is approximately 5 cm (2 in) shorter, creating a graceful high-low hemline effect that adds visual interest without complexity.

Techniques Used

This pattern is constructed using a seamed, worked flat method, meaning the front and back panels are knitted separately as flat pieces and then joined together with seams. This traditional approach to garment making is ideal for intermediate knitters who want to develop their finishing skills, including mattress stitch or other seaming techniques. Working flat also makes it straightforward to follow row-by-row shaping instructions for armholes, necklines, and the characteristic hem differential between front and back.

• Worked flat: Both the front and back panels are knitted back and forth in rows, rather than in the round, allowing for precise stitch and row control during shaping.
• Seamed construction: The finished panels are sewn together, a technique that adds structure and durability to the finished garment and is a key skill in intermediate-level knitting.
• Garment shaping: The pattern includes shaping for armholes and necklines, requiring knitters to work increases and decreases to achieve the fitted silhouette.
• High-low hem: The front panel is worked approximately 5 cm shorter than the back, creating a subtle asymmetric hemline that is built into the pattern instructions.

Stitches Used

As a DK weight knitting pattern, the Tourmaline Tank relies on fundamental knitting stitches that intermediate knitters will find accessible while still offering enough detail to keep the project engaging. Common stitches in this style of tank construction typically include:

• Knit and purl stitches forming the main body fabric, likely in stockinette or a related smooth stitch pattern that showcases the yarn's texture and metallic sheen.
• Ribbing or a similar stretchy border stitch, commonly used at hems and necklines in tank top patterns to provide neat, elastic edges.
• Decrease stitches such as k2tog or ssk for armhole and neckline shaping, giving the garment its tailored fit.

Materials: Yarn, Needles, and Notions

The Tourmaline Tank is designed specifically for Paintbox Yarns products, and the brand notes that it cannot accept responsibility for the finished item if any yarn other than the recommended yarn is used. The pattern calls for two distinct yarns used together to create its signature look:

• Paintbox Yarns Metallics DK — used as an accent or contrast yarn (referred to as Color A in the pattern), this yarn adds a beautiful shimmer and luxurious finish to the tank. It comes in 50g balls, and the pattern specifies the quantity needed per size.
• Paintbox Yarns Cotton DK — a soft, breathable cotton-based yarn that forms the main body of the garment, making it comfortable and wearable as a warm-weather top. This yarn is also available in 50g balls.

The combination of Metallics DK and Cotton DK at the same weight ensures consistent tension and a cohesive fabric, while the interplay of matte