Ember

Ember Tank Top Knitting Pattern

What Is Being Made

Ember is a summery knitted tank top designed by Nichole Lubcke of The Restless Knitter. This garment is an ideal project for knitters looking to create a lightweight, seasonal piece perfect for using up leftover sock yarn. The tank features a sleek silhouette with a distinctive yoke detail that adds visual interest to an otherwise simple construction.

Construction Method and Techniques

This pattern employs seamless top-down knitting, a construction technique that begins at the neckline and progresses downward toward the hem. This method offers several advantages: it allows for easy fit adjustments as you progress, eliminates the need for seaming, and provides a smooth, professional finish. The top-down approach is particularly valued for tank tops and sleeveless garments, as it enables you to try on the piece as you work and adjust length to your exact preference.

Signature Stitch Details

The defining feature of Ember is its corrugated ribbing in the yoke. Corrugated ribbing is created by alternating knit and purl stitches in contrasting yarn colors, typically worked in the round. This technique produces a visually striking striped effect while maintaining the elasticity and structure of traditional ribbing. The corrugated ribbing serves both functional and aesthetic purposes: it provides shaping and stretch at the shoulders and upper chest while introducing a bold splash of color that contrasts beautifully with the main body of the tank.

Yarn and Materials

Ember is designed for 4 ply (fingering weight) yarn, specifically superwash merino wool or wool blends. The sample shown was knitted using Red Riding Hood Yarns 'Chic' 4 ply in the colourway 'Nyx' for the main color, with Shibui Knits 'Sock' in colourway 'Blush' used as the contrast yarn for the corrugated ribbing. Any 4 ply wool or wool blend yarn that knits to the correct tension is suitable for this pattern. The yardage requirements vary by size, ranging from 190 yards for the smallest size up to 371 yards for the largest.

Difficulty Level

This pattern is rated as intermediate difficulty, making it suitable for knitters with some experience. While the top-down seamless construction and basic stitch techniques are manageable for those with foundational skills, the corrugated ribbing technique and color work in the yoke require familiarity with working with multiple yarn colors and maintaining consistent tension.