Knit This Super Comfy Tank Top for Summer

I have probably said this before, but even when I have knit tops for warm weather in the past, I don’t wear any of them all that often. I don’t really know why, I just don’t think of them as often as I think of my handknits in the winter. Maybe I’m lazy and don’t want to have to hand wash as much laundry in the summer? I don’t know.

Whatever the reason, every season there are a few pattern that catch my eye and make me think I want to try knitting a summer top again. The Split Back Tank from Knit Picks is one of those projects.

Designed by Allison Griffith, this tank is super simple and from the front looks like your usual slightly roomy scoop neck tank top. But the back is knit as two separate pieces that are joined together at the top, making an air vent at the back. It’s sort of like knitting a cardigan in reverse, as it’s worked in one piece back and forth in rows.

There are nine size options, ranging from a chest measurement of 29 to 60 inches. And since the sewing together of the backs happens once all the knitting is done, you can easily adjust how open or closed you want the back to be (if you want to make sure it will cover the back of your bra, for instance).

The pattern uses fingering weight yarn and is a free download from Knit Picks. They have several yarn options that would be great with this pattern and in particular recommend silky Samia or Lindy Chain, a blend of cotton and linen. Either would be great for keeping you cool when it’s warm outside.

Looking for more knit tank top knitting patterns? I have an old roundup of tank top patterns here or search the site for tank tops to get lots of options.

[Photo: Knit Picks.]

Adding a bit of knitting to your fall decor is a lot of fun, whether it’s knit pumpkins or a bunch of adorable knit ghosts like these.

Knit ghosts can be super simple like this free ghost knitting pattern from Trixie Zynch on Ravelry. Using about 50 yards of worsted weight yarn, they’re worked from the bottom up and are super cute as a pair.

This fuzzy little ghost from Forest Knitting Toys is holding a pumpkin and wearing a witch hat, though of course the accessories are optional, as is the fuzzy yarn. The main yarn is chunky and the ghost measures about 10 cm/4 inches tall. It’s worked in the round.

Another fuzzy ghost in more of a Pacman style is this ghost plushie form South Stitch Girls. It’s worked in the round with bulky yarn and includes a sweet little bow you can make in whatever color you like.

The ghost doll from Edith Grace Designs has little arms and a curl at the top of its head. The body is worked flat using DK weight yarn and you could also work it in glow in the dark yarn for extra fun. The body and head are worked in one piece with the arms knit separately.

The Grim Grinning Ghosts from Susan Claudino are super cute and you can knit them in any yarn and gauge you like to make ghosts of different sizes. These are worked in the round with the body done in one piece and the arms are knit separately. The ghosts shown were knit in sock yarn, DK and worsted weight yarn. You can find the pattern on Ravelry.

Make a ghost with funny striped legs with this ghost shelf sitter design from Claire Fairall Designs. It’s worked in three colors of DK weight yarn, and the letters spelling out boo are made with strips of garter stitch sewn into shape.

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