A lightweight, German-inspired tank combining a gently scooped neckline and a shallow eyelet yoke that evokes classic Bavarian detailing. Worked top-down in the round, sleeveless (armhole openings finished with a neat rib or crochet edge). Written for 6 sizes; easy to customize. Gauge is the key — read notes before starting.
These are finished bust circumferences with ~2 in / 5 cm positive ease. Adjust target stitches for more/less ease.
18 sts x 24 rows = 4 in / 10 cm in stockinette using US 6 / 4.0 mm after blocking. Check your gauge and adjust needle size as needed.
Pattern uses total body stitch targets (stitches around the bust) calculated from gauge. Targets below are the number of stitches you should aim to have on the needle for the body before you separate sleeves.
Notes on the quarter distribution: when target total is not divisible by 4, distribute the extra stitches to the front and back sections (slightly wider front/back looks balanced). Sleeve quarter counts (sleeve stitches to place on holders) are given in the step-by-step separation section.
Work increase rounds every 4th round to form a gentle eyelet yoke. On an increase round, work like this at each raglan marker: k to 1 st before marker, M1R, k1, slip marker, k1, M1L. This adds 2 sts per marker, +8 sts per increase round. If you prefer less obvious increases, substitute kfb or a mirrored M1 style.
Using smaller needles (US 4 / 3.5 mm), cast on the number of stitches for your size (see cast-on list above). Join carefully for working in the round, place a marker for beginning of round.
Work 1x1 rib (k1, p1) for 1.5 in / 4 cm, or preferred neck depth. Change to main needles (US 6 / 4.0 mm).
Set markers to divide the work into 4 sections: Front, Sleeve1, Back, Sleeve2. A straightforward way: after rib, knit 2 sts, place marker, knit next set of sts for front, place marker, knit next set for sleeve1, place marker, knit next for back, place marker, knit last for sleeve2 (adjust to match your cast-on distribution). The exact number in each section at this point is flexible; you will increase evenly.
Work in stockinette (knit every rnd) and make a note of the total stitches on needle.
Increase round: every 4th round (or every N rounds to suit how open you want the eyelets), work the raglan increase at each marker as described above: k to 1 st before marker, M1R, k1, slip marker, k1, M1L. Continue working plain rounds between increase rounds.
Continue alternate increase rounds and plain rounds until total stitches on the needle equals the target total for your size (see the target totals above). Keep a notebook and count rounds so you stop at the right point. Example: XS cast-on 56, you will perform 11 increase rounds to reach 144 sts total.
After your last increase round and one plain round, you will divide for sleeves. The quarter stitch counts (approx) at separation are:
To separate: work to the first raglan marker, slip the next N stitches (first sleeve count above) onto waste yarn or a holder (do not include the marker stitches used for raglan shaping), remove the marker, continue to next marker and repeat for the second sleeve. After both sleeves are placed on holders, join across the underarm and continue working the body in the round using the remaining stitches (which should equal the sum of front + back quarters and equal the half-bust stitch counts provided earlier).
Work in stockinette in the round until the body measures approximately 15 in / 38 cm from underarm to hem for a standard tank length. Adjust for personal preference. Before starting hem ribbing, measure and try on or compare to desired length.
Hem ribbing: switch to smaller needles (US 4 / 3.5 mm) and work 1.5 in / 4 cm of 1x1 rib (k1, p1). Bind off loosely in rib pattern to maintain stretch.
Pick up stitches evenly around each armhole where the sleeve stitches were removed. Suggested pick-up: pick up every stitch around through the bound-off edge or along the live edge and pick up 1 stitch for every 1-1.5 rows depending on how tight your edge is. Work 4 rounds of 1x1 rib or work 4 rounds stockinette and bind off; alternatively, use a small slip-stitch crochet edge for a neat finish. Bind off snugly but not too tight.
If you want a very shallow cap sleeve: transfer sleeve stitches from waste yarn to needles, join yarn, and knit in the round decreasing 2 sts near the underarm over the first round to reduce bulk, then work 4 rounds of 1x1 rib and bind off. For a truly sleeveless tank, do not add sleeve stitches; simply finish armholes as above.
Because the neck started with rib at the cast-on, finishing is already neat. If you used a larger needle for the first round of increases and want a firmer neckline, pick up around the neckline and work 4 rounds 1x1 rib with smaller needles and bind off.
Follow yarn care instructions. For wool, hand wash and dry flat; steam block to shape if needed.
Pattern support: team@verde.uk. Project gallery and notes: https://purljam.verde.uk. Share finished projects with #purljam on social. For help with sizing or stitch placement, email the support address and include your gauge swatch and needle sizes.
Designer note: this pattern is intentionally modular. If you prefer a crocheted armhole edgings or decorative crochet trim, that is an easy addition: after blocking, use a 3.5 mm crochet hook and work a single crochet or picot edging around armholes.
Happy knitting — enjoy your German style top!