Knit A Tank Top: Easy, No-Shaping Method

Tank tops are a great knitting project for beginners as they often require little to no shaping at all. They are perfect for the summer and can be worn all year round, layered under blazers and sweaters. Knitting a tank top is also a great opportunity to use fabulous yarn, as they require so little of it. There are many free knitting patterns for tank tops available online, with video tutorials to guide you through the process.

Characteristics of knitting a tank top with no shaping:

Choosing a pattern

For beginners, some recommended patterns include the "Easiest Classic Knit Top" from Mama in a Stitch, which involves knitting two rectangles that are strategically sewn together. Another option is the "Silver Spring Tank" from Wiseknits, which is knitted flat with minimal shaping at the armholes and neckline. The "Beginner Little Black Tank" is also a good choice, as it involves knitting two garter stitch panels and seaming them together.

If you are an advanced beginner or an intermediate knitter, you may want to try patterns like the "Tip Top Tank" from Cheryl Murray, which involves picking up stitches for the ribbing and includes some shaping. The "Get in Line Knit Tank" from Yarnspirations offers three different length options and requires shaping and stitch combinations.

When choosing a pattern, it is also worth considering the type of yarn and needles required. For example, the "Knit Tank Top Pattern" from KnitcroAddict uses Berroco Meraki #3 Light/DK weight yarn and US 5/3.75mm needles. The "Truthfulness Tank Top" from Brome Fields is knitted with fingering weight Shetland wool and US size 10.5 (6.5 mm) needles.

Additionally, some patterns may include special techniques or stitches that you need to learn. In such cases, it is beneficial to practice these techniques while knitting a gauge swatch before starting the project.

Selecting the right yarn

Yarn Weight

The weight of the yarn will determine the thickness of the thread. For a tank top, you may want to opt for a lighter weight yarn, such as DK or sport weight yarn, to create a more delicate and breathable fabric. Lighter weight yarns will also result in more drape, which can be ideal for a flowing tank top design. However, keep in mind that lighter weight yarns will require more yarn to complete your project and may take longer to knit.

Yarn Fiber

Yarn fibers can be broadly categorized into two groups: natural and synthetic. Natural yarns are derived from animal or plant sources, while synthetic yarns are man-made. Some common natural yarn fibers include wool, alpaca, cotton, and silk. Synthetic yarns, such as acrylic, nylon, and polyester, are typically inexpensive and durable, making them a good choice for beginners. When choosing the fiber, consider the desired warmth, breathability, and durability of your tank top. For example, wool is warm and breathable but requires handwashing, while cotton is lightweight and machine-washable.

Yarn Color

Opt for a solid color yarn when knitting a tank top, as it will showcase your knitting skills and the beauty of the yarn itself. Lighter colors can be easier to work with, as they provide better visibility, but feel free to choose a darker color if it speaks to you.

Knitting Needles

The size of your knitting needles will depend on the weight of your yarn. As a general rule, smaller-weight yarns are paired with smaller-sized needles, while heavier-weight yarns call for larger needles. Refer to the Standard Yarn Weight System to determine the appropriate needle size for your chosen yarn.

Yarn Durability

Consider the durability of the yarn, especially if your tank top will be subjected to frequent wear and tear. Look for yarns with a higher ply count, as they tend to be more durable and less prone to pilling or blooming. Additionally, some yarns are treated to be machine-washable, which can be a practical choice for garments that require frequent laundering.

Knitting the panels

The first step to knitting a tank top is to knit the panels. For this, you will need to cast on stitches and work in rows. The number of stitches and rows will depend on the size of the tank top you want to make. You can find free patterns online that will tell you exactly how many stitches to cast on and how many rows to knit.

Once you have knitted the required number of rows, you will need to shape the armholes. This is done by binding off a few stitches at the beginning of the next two rows. The number of stitches you bind off will depend on the size of the armhole you want.

After shaping the armholes, you will knit a few more rows before shaping the neckline. This is done by knitting two together at the beginning of the row. Again, the number of times you knit two together will depend on the size of the neckline you want.

Finally, you will bind off the remaining stitches, and your panel is complete! You will need to knit two of these panels, and then sew them together to form the tank top.

Some patterns may require you to knit the panels in separate pieces, such as the upper back, upper front, and body. In this case, you will need to join the pieces together as you go, rather than sewing them all at the end.

Joining the panels

Firstly, you will need to decide on the placement of the panels. For a classic tank top style, you will want to place the panels at the front and back of the top. This will create a seamless look that is comfortable and flattering.

Now, let's discuss the actual joining process. You will need to use a sewing technique to attach the panels together. Here are the steps to follow:

• Place the panels right sides together: Before you start sewing, make sure that the panels are properly aligned and that the right sides of the fabric are facing each other.
• Pin the panels: Use sewing pins to hold the panels in place and ensure that they don't shift during the sewing process. Place the pins perpendicular to the seam line for easier removal as you sew.
• Choose your stitch: For joining knitted panels, a mattress stitch is often recommended. This stitch creates an invisible seam that blends in with the knitted fabric. However, you can also use a backstitch or a whipstitch, depending on your preference and the desired look.
• Start sewing: Begin sewing the panels together, following the stitch technique you have chosen. Sew along the seam line, ensuring that your stitches are consistent and secure.
• Tie off the thread: Once you have sewn the panels together, tie off the thread securely. You can do this by making a few small stitches in the same spot, forming a knot, and then passing the needle through the knot to secure it.

By following these steps, you will have successfully joined the panels for your tank top. Remember to take your time and ensure that the panels are properly aligned before you start sewing. With careful sewing, your tank top will have a professional finish, and you'll be proud to show off your handiwork!

Binding off

The basic bind-off method, also known as the standard bind-off method, is the most common and suitable for many beginner-level projects. Here is a step-by-step guide:

• Knit the first two stitches as normal.
• Insert the tip of the left needle into the first knit stitch.
• Lift the first stitch over the second stitch.
• Insert the tip of the left knitting needle into the first knit stitch on the right needle.
• Let the first stitch drop off the needle.
• Knit the next stitch on your left-hand needle as normal.
• Repeat steps 3-6 until you have only one stitch remaining on your right needle.
• To finish, cut the yarn leaving a tail of about six inches. Draw the yarn through the last stitch until the end pops through, and pull it to tighten. Then, all that’s left to do is weave in the ends.

There are a few things to keep in mind when binding off:

• Be sure to bind off with loose tension. To avoid a tight edge, don't pull too tightly on the yarn as you work each stitch.
• If you tend to knit tightly, consider switching to a needle that is one size larger than the one used for the body of the project. This will create a looser edge.
• Take your time and be sure to count your stitches as you go. It's easy to accidentally drop a stitch when binding off, especially when you're a beginner.

If you're looking for a stretchy bind-off, try one of these methods:

• Purl-based bind-off: Purl the first two stitches together, then slip it back to the left needle without twisting. Repeat until one stitch remains.
• K2togtbl, K1 Bind-off: Knit the first two stitches, then insert the left needle tip into the front of these stitches on the right needle. Knit them together through the back loop, then knit one stitch from the left needle. Repeat until two stitches are left, then work the second step once more.
• Jeny's Surprisingly Stretchy Bind-off: Knit or purl the first stitch as needed. If the next stitch is a knit, work a reverse yarn over; if it's a purl, work a standard yarn over. Knit or purl the next stitch. Using the left needle tip, catch the yarn over and previous stitch and pull them over the last stitch on the right needle. Repeat until all stitches have been worked.

Frequently asked questions