This pattern has been much requested recently by knitters visiting the Skipton Studio – a classic crew neck version to join the Purl &Jane rib family. It’s another simple, timeless design inspired by vintage patterns. Can you spot the subtle details that connect all the patterns in the rib family?

I actually designed this tank top in 2022, and that surprised me because it feels like it’s been part of the Purl &Jane family forever! Since its release, it’s become a favourite with knitters of all experience levels. Beginners love it as a first garment project – it’s straightforward and rewarding – while more experienced knitters enjoy it as a soothing, satisfying knit and a great way to add a pop of colour to their handmade wardrobe.

I love using stitch and construction to gently shape a garment. We all have different body shapes, and this design – like all my patterns – is created to adapt beautifully to yours. There are no complicated techniques needed, just the right tension and the right size, and it will fit like a dream. It’s a simple shape that works wonderfully on all body shapes, which I think is one of the reasons it has stayed so popular.

A tank top is a truly versatile piece for year-round wear, especially in places like Yorkshire where you might experience four seasons in one day! It layers beautifully – over dresses, shirts, or long sleeves in the cooler months, or on its own when the sun peeks out.

CONSTRUCTION
The back and front are knitted flat from the bottom upseparaterate pieces and joined together. The neck and armhole edges are picked up and knitted.

TECHNIQUES USED
Cast on, knit, purl, decreasing at neck and armhole shapings, picking up stitches, cast off, joining seams. Optional but recommended to create a joy of
joining your pieces: mattress stitch and three needle cast off.

YARN
5(5:6:6:7) 50g balls of Coast for short version.
5(6:6:7:7) 50g balls of Coast for long version.
55% Lambswool & 45% Cotton, 117m/127yds per 50g

SUGGESTED KNITTING NEEDLES
3.75mm and 4mm.

GAUGE (tension)
19 stitches and 27 rows to 10cm/4ins square over stocking stitch. I obtained this gauge with 4mm needles.
It is important to obtain the correct gauge so do work a swatch before you start the pattern and change your needle size to achieve the correct gauge if you need to.

FINISHED MEASUREMENTS
I recommend a positive ease of 1-3ins/2.5-8cm at the chest.

Size
1, (2, 3, 4, 5)

Chest circumference
90, (98, 111, 123, 136)cm
35¼, (38½, 43¾, 48¾, 53½)ins

Length (short version) (from top of shoulder to cast on edge)
49, (50, 54, 56, 59)cm
19¼, (19¾, 21¼, 22, 23¼)ins

Length (long version) (from top of shoulder to cast on edge)
56, (58, 62, 64, 67)cm
22, (23, 24¼, 25¼, 26½)ins

NEED HELP?
I am here for you! Pop into the Skipton studio, send an email, or check out the Purl &Jane YouTube channel for tips, inspiration and guidance including handy resources like gauge (tension) guides and how to tutorials.