It is finally warming up here in Canada, and I thought it would be fun to design a simple summer knit tank top pattern to share with you this month. My goal with this pattern was to make a quick and easy knit, that can be completed in less than one day.
The Simple Summer Knit Tank Top
Behind the Design:
Simplicity was a major factor in the design, which is why I wrote the pattern for this tank top to be knit mostly in the round and require minimal seaming. In fact, if you choose to use the straps as ties and wear it as a halter top by tying them around your neck, then there is absolutely no seaming required at all! The bodice of this top is worked in a snug rib stitch (the knits are worked through the back loop), which means it will hug your body enough to stay in place, but still have lots of stretch.
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Modifying the Pattern for your Tank:
You’ll be happy to know that modifying the length when knitting your own tank top is easy peasy! Because the pattern is written from the bottom up, simply work more rounds of ribbing until the bodice is as long as you’d like it to be when held under the bust line.
Keep in mind that when actually worn, your top might be shorter than it appears when laying flat. I recommend knitting an extra inch to the bottom just to be safe. Using a long strand of scrap yarn to hold the stitches and actually trying it on wouldn’t be a bad idea if you want to be absolutely sure that your top fits just perfectly before moving on.
Yarn Choice:
To make this knitting pattern zip along faster, I decided on worsted weight yarn over the traditional dk or lighter yarns typically seen in summer knit tops. In the end, I chose to work with one of my favourite yarns, Knit Picks Brava Worsted Weight Yarn, to ensure the tank top is both machine washable and budget-friendly to craft. I’m all too familiar with the cost of yarn, and the last thing anyone wants is to accidentally toss their hard work into the wash only to have it shrink! I highly recommend Brava for the affordability, huge colour selection, and and exceptional quality.
Pattern PDF File
The free knitting pattern for this summer top is available right here on this page, as this site is sustained through ad support.
If you like things a little more streamlined, I’ve put together an ad-free, downloadable PDF version of the pattern. It’s perfect for easy printing and can be can be purchased through My Ravelry Store or by clicking the “Purchase PDF File” button to the right.
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Free Summer Knit Tank Top Pattern
What You’ll Need to Knit your Tank Top:
To make one top, you will need the following materials:
- 1-2 Skeins Knit Picks Brava Worsted Weight Yarn. Amount required will vary by size and length of bodice. Colours in photos are: White & Avocado.
- US size 8 (5.0 mm) circular knitting needles (16” cord).
- Stitch markers.
- Scissors.
- Tapestry/yarn needle (for weaving in ends).
- Crochet hook to chain straps.
Gauge:
16 stitches, 20 rows = 4″ in stockinette stitch.
Sizes:
XS (S, M, L, XL, 2XL).
Abbreviations:
K : Knit.
P : Purl.
K1tbl: Knit one through the back loop (twisted knit stitch).
Sts : Stitches.
Pm : Place a new stitch marker on your needle.
Sm : Slip stitch marker from left hand needle to right hand needle.
M1r : Make 1 knitwise (right leaning) increase.
M1l : Make 1 knitwise (left leaning) increase.
SSK : Slip, slip, knit decrease.
K2tog : Knit two stitches together decrease.
Cdd: Central Double Decrease : Central double decrease (slip 2 stitches together as if to knit, k1, then pass slipped stitches over).
Summer Knit Tank Top Pattern Notes:
This crop top is worked from the bottom up. The bodice is knit in the round on circular knitting needles (up to the centre point of the bust), and then the stitches for the back of the top are cast off. Finally, the remainder of the chest and neckline shaping is worked back and forth in rows.
The Pattern:
With circular needles, cast on 92(96,104,112,120,128) sts. Place a stitch marker to mark the beginning of the round and join (being careful not to twist the stitches). Continue to Midriff.
Midriff:
Repeat the following Ribbing Round until work measures 5.5(5.5,6,6,6.5,6.5) inches and then continue to Under Bust. The instructions here are for a crop top, however, if you’d like to cover more of the midriff, work as many rows as required for preferred coverage.
Ribbing Round: *K1tbl, p1; repeat from * to end of round.
Under Bust:
Round 1: K25(27,29,31,33,35), pm, k25(27,29,31,33,35), pm, *k1tbl, p1; repeat from * to end of round.
Round 2: K50(54,58,62,66,70), *k1tbl, p1; repeat from * to end of round.
Round 3: *K12(13,14,15,16,17), m1r, k1, m1l, k12(13,14,15,16,17); repeat from * one more time; **k1tbl, p1; repeat from ** to end of round.
Work 11(11,12,13,14,15) more rounds as follows: K54(58,62,66,70,74), *k1tbl, p1; repeat from * to end of round.
Last round: k54(58,62,66,70,74), cast off remaining sts in pattern. Continue to Bust.
Bust:
From this point forward, work back and forth in rows. You can can continue on the circular needles working back and forth, or switch to straight needles if preferred.
Row 1: K1, k2tog, k to last 3 sts, ssk, k1.
Row 2: Purl all sts.
Repeat Rows 1 and 2 one more time and then continue to Neckline.
Neckline:
The neckline is separated into two halves with a stitch marker. Repeat the following rows for each half.
Row 1: K1, k2tog, k to last 3 sts, ssk, k1.
Row 2: Purl all sts.
Repeat Rows 1 and 2 until 5 sts remain and then continue to Straps & Finishing.
Straps & Finishing Your Knit Tank Top:
Row 1: K1, cdd, k1.
Row 2: Purl remaining 3 sts.
Row 3. Cdd. One stitch remains, do not fasten off. Chain 10(10.25,10.75,11,11.5,12)” with a crochet hook and then fasten off. Weave in all ends and sew the strap ends to the back side of the top. Alternatively, use the straps as ties and wear as a halter top (make the chain longer by a couple of inches if you choose to do this).
I hope you enjoyed this free knitted tank top pattern.
If you’d like your own copy, the Ad-Free PDF file (which will be emailed to you automatically) can be purchased through Ravelry, or by clicking the “Purchase PDF File” button to the right.
Hi! I’ve gotten to the part of the pattern where you start the neckline. Do I put half of the top on a stitch holder and work each half individually or work both halfs during each row?
Hi Rebecca, I recommend working one half at at time (leave the second half on the needles).
Thank you for the easy and cute summer crop top pattern! I made one for my daughter, myself and am starting one for my step daughter next!
Great to hear that you found the pattern easy to follow and that you’ve made tops for yourself and your loved ones! It’s always rewarding to see our creations being enjoyed by others ❤️
I’ve loved making this top. I’ve done 3 so far. Nieces and daughter love it. I’d post pics -but don’t see that option. Thanks for the easy to understand pattern.
You’re most welcome Mary!