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.]

Next Pattern:

Adding eyelets to a project is a great way to make it more wearable in the summer, and these mesh and eyelet sweater patterns are perfect for summer (and beyond!) for layering.

The Inez Summer Sweater from Happy Love Co combines eyelets and dropped stitches (along with some garter and stockinette) to make a casual and fun summer sweater. The pattern is one size (56 inches or 142.24 cm) around, and is meant to be worn oversized. But it’s an easy enough pattern you could alter it to suit you without too much difficulty. It calls for worsted weight cotton yarn.

Another fun project using dropped stitches in the Stella Blouse from Thelma Steimann. It calls for a fingering weight silk yarn and is worked on larger than expected needles and also uses dropped stitches. The pattern includes eight sizes, with a bust circumference ranging from 33.5 to 51.5 inches, or 85-131 cm. You can grab a copy on Ravelry.

The Design Studio Knits has a nice summer cotton tee that uses worsted weight yarn worked on larger needles so it has a mesh effect while still being worked in stockinette stitch. It’s worked in one piece and is another one size pattern, meant to fit an actual chest measurement ranging from 34 to 46 inches (that’s 86 to 117 cm).

A similar look with a cropped shape and four available sizes comes from A Box of Twine. This one is a DK weight yarn knit on large needles and still has an oversized look (for instance the size small is 42 inches/106.68 cm at the bust). It’s worked flat so this is a great one for beginners.

If you want something a little more structured, try the Pip Cardigan from Yoko Johnston. This sport weight cardigan has an allover eyelet pattern and options to close with a zipper or buttons. It’s worked from the top down and has six size options. This one is also oversized, with finished measurements ranging from 51.5 to 64.5 inches, or 131 to 164 cm). You can find this one on Ravelry.

Or check out Endlessly by Amy Gunderson, a free pattern from Knitty. This pullover uses a cable and lace pattern that is easy to knit and to wear. It uses DK weight yarn and has nine size options. The chest measurement ranges from 34.75 to 66.75 inches, or 88.5 to 169.5 cm, and is meant to be worn with a little positive ease.

Next Pattern:

Have you read?