Knit a Perfect Tank Top for Summer

There is just something about Jessie Mead’s knitting patterns. They are so cute and they look great on literally everyone. I made her Ripple Bralette pattern (twice — so far) and it’s so comfortable and nice and the only bra I ever want to wear.

I feel like her Totally Tank Top pattern is going to be on repeat all summer for a lot of knitters.

This fingering weight, racerback, cropped tank top is worked from the top down. It features a scoop neck with a rolled neckline, and ribbing at the armholes and hem. It was designed to be cropped but you can of course knit it as long as you want, whether you’re looking for a bralette style or more of a traditional tank top.

Either way this design is super cute and perfect for summer. You can check it out on Ravelry, and this is one where you definitely want to take the time to look through the project gallery and see the different versions that people have made (Tanis Fiber Arts’ striped version is amazing).

Looking for more great knits for summer? Check out my collection of lace top knitting patterns (which actually includes another of Jessie’s recent designs). Or check out this post for more great ideas of things to knit during the summer.

Because even though the weather is warm, that doesn’t mean we have to stop knitting or using/wearing our knits, right? I know it’s easy to think that knitting is all about scarves, socks and sweaters (and all those things are great, don’t get me wrong!) but there are lots of other options and knit things we can make, wear and use no matter how hot it is outside. I need to take this advice myself, go buy this pattern and knit myself a whole wardrobe or racerback tank tops. Who’s with me?

[Photo: Jessie Mead.]

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Knitwear designers can get inspiration from almost anything when it comes to re-creating a color scheme, an image or a texture in stitches. Sometimes the inspiration isn’t always obvious in the finished project, but sometimes it’s more literal.

That’s the way it is with the Tin Ceiling Blanket from Purl Soho. Not just because the inspiration is in the name, but if you’ve ever seen one of these old ceilings you can see that the design of the blanket is quite similar to the pattern of the tin tiles.

This is also a good example of the idea that you don’t have to use fancy stitch patterns or lots of color to make a big impact with your knits. This single-color blanket (designed by Gianna Mueller and inspired by a washcloth and towel set designed by Sandi Rosner) is made completely with knits and purls, other than slipped stitches at the beginning of rows to make neater edges.

The pattern is written out row by row, but there’s also a chart, which means this project is a great opportunity to practice reading a chart where you can check your work against the written pattern if you need to.

It comes in two sizes, a crib blanket and a throw. The yarn used in the sample is an organic cotton sold by the cone, which is a great way to get a large quantity of yarn and have fewer ends to weave in. In fact, you can knit either size of the blanket with just one cone of yarn, which isn’t inexpensive but makes you a great, sturdy, heirloom quality but still washable blanket you’ll use for years to come. (Of course you can use any sport weight yarn you like to make this blanket.)

Check out all the details and grab the free pattern from Purl Soho.

[Photo: Purl Soho]

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