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.]

I don’t often share knitting patterns for pets, mostly because I don’t think of it. I don’t have a dog, and I’ve never knit for my cats except a knit couch and a little cat bed I made on a knitting machine, both of which were pretty much ignored.

I have shared some pet bed knitting patterns, and both hats and sweaters for dogs.

But I don’t think I’ve shared a pattern for a cat sweater, until now.

This one is the Bunny sweater by Sarah Zhou, so named because her cat is named Bunny, of course.

It’s a made to measure pattern because cats come in all shapes and sizes, and you can also use any yarn you like and whatever gauge you are getting with that yarn.

The design is knit from the bottom up, that is, from the tail side up toward the head. Pairs of decreases shape the body as you work toward the armholes, which are made by binding off a few stitches. Then the belly and the back are worked flat, then joined and worked in the round for the chest part.

There are some design options in the pattern, from the look of the photos they include using a contrasting color for the edging, working a scalloped edging, maybe a foldover collar? But of course you can add your own embellishments, stripes, make it in team colors or for a Halloween costume. I’m sure they’re quick to knit so you can make a bunch if you have a cat who is willing to submit to such torture.

Bunny looks like a very good and mostly tolerant girl; I don’t think either of my cats would be willing to wear a sweater. But if you make one (the pattern is available on Ravelry) and successfully get your cat to wear it I would love to hear about it!

[Photo: Sarah Zhou]

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