Tank Tops in Hayfield Bonus Aran with Wool - 7140 - Downloadable PDF

Tank Tops in Hayfield Bonus Aran with Wool – Pattern 7140: Two Classic Knitted Slipover Designs

Pattern 7140 from Hayfield delivers two distinct knitted tank top (slipover) designs worked in Hayfield Bonus Aran yarn: a Round Neck Tank Top and a V Neck Tank Top. Both are sleeveless, close-fitting garments ideal for layering over shirts or wearing as a standalone wardrobe staple. The pattern covers an impressively wide size range — from a 81/86 cm (32/34 in) bust/chest up to 132/137 cm (52/54 in) — making it genuinely inclusive and suitable for a broad range of knitters and wearers.

Design Overview

Round Neck Tank Top

The first design features a classic, scooped round neckline that sits neatly at the collarbone. This timeless silhouette suits both casual and smart-casual occasions. The round neck finish is typically worked using a ribbed neckband picked up around the shaped neck edge, giving a neat, professional result. This version is knitted in Hayfield Bonus Aran shade 997.

V Neck Tank Top

The second design offers a V-shaped neckline, a perennially popular choice that adds a more open, elongating look to the front. The V neck shaping requires careful decreasing on either side of the central front stitch to achieve a clean, symmetrical point. A ribbed V neck border is typically worked to finish the neckline neatly. This version is knitted in Hayfield Bonus Aran shade 740.

Both designs share the same body construction, armhole shaping, and back piece, differing primarily in their neckline style and front shaping. The actual finished measurements range from 86 cm (34 in) at the smallest size up to 137 cm (54 in) at the largest, with full lengths ranging from 55 cm (21¾ in) to 70 cm (27½ in) depending on size.

Knitting Techniques Used

• Flat knitting worked back and forth in rows on straight needles, with pieces seamed together on completion
• Armhole shaping using paired decreases to create a smooth, fitted armhole curve
• Neck shaping — round neck version uses gradual bind-off and decrease shaping; V neck version uses symmetrical decreasing from a central stitch
• Shoulder shaping typically worked with cast-off sequences to create a sloped shoulder line
• Picking up stitches around armhole and neckline edges to work ribbed borders and neckbands
• Stitch holder usage to hold live stitches at shoulders and neck while completing other sections
• Cable needle techniques are referenced in the materials list, suggesting at least one textured or cabled panel may feature in the body fabric
• Tension/gauge checking is emphasised as essential before beginning, with adjustments recommended if stitch count differs from the stated tension

Stitches Used

• Stocking stitch (stockinette) — the primary fabric stitch, worked as knit on right side rows and purl on wrong side rows; tension is set at 18 stitches and 24 rows to 10 cm (4 in) over stocking stitch
• Rib stitch — used for welts, armhole borders, and neckbands, typically in a knit 2, purl 2 or knit 1, purl 1 configuration to provide elasticity and a tidy finish
• Decrease stitches such as k2tog (knit two together) and skpo/ssk (slip, knit, pass over) used for armhole, shoulder, and neck shaping
• Cable stitches — implied by the inclusion of a cable needle in the materials list, likely used as a decorative panel within the body

Materials Required

• Yarn: