Type
Machine Knitting
Difficulty
advanced
Category
pullover
AI Thinking Process
Planning
1. **Design Strategy**: The core request is a V-neck tank top with "no trims," designated as "advanced" difficulty. I will adapt the "Drop-Shoulder Machine Pullover" template, focusing on straight panels for the body and incorporating V-neck and simple armhole shaping directly into the front and back panels. "No trims" will be interpreted as no separate ribbed bands for the neck or armholes; instead, edges will be finished with a clean bind-off of the main fabric. The "advanced" difficulty will be addressed by precise, simultaneous V-neck and armhole shaping, requiring careful needle manipulation. Fingering weight yarn necessitates a finer gauge and higher stitch/row counts.
2. **Construction Plan**:
* **Machine Setup**: Detail single bed configuration, waste yarn cast-on, and tension settings suitable for fingering yarn on a standard gauge machine.
* **Gauge**: Emphasize creating and measuring a stockinette swatch accurately after steaming. This will be the basis for all calculations.
* **Schematic and Sizes**: Define standard finished measurements for a range of tank top sizes (S-2XL), including chest, length, armhole depth, V-neck depth, and shoulder width.
* **Back Panel**: Knit a straight panel from the hem to the armhole. Implement minimal armhole shaping (initial bind-off, then slight decreases, then straight knit). Finish with a bind-off for shoulders and back neck.
* **Front Panel**: Knit similarly to the back panel until the armhole/V-neck shaping begins. Implement simultaneous V-neck shaping (center decreases) and armhole shaping (same as back). Each side of the V-neck will be worked independently to the shoulder, with precise decrease rates.
* **Sleeves**: This section will clarify that no actual sleeves are made for a tank top. Instead, it will refer to the armhole shaping details provided in the Front and Back Panel sections and describe the direct bind-off of the armhole edges.
* **Neckband**: This section will specify the clean, non-ribbed bind-off technique for the V-neck and back neck edges, consistent with the "no trims" requirement. It will adapt the template's instruction to "rehanging neckline stitches" by describing how to achieve a neat edge without forming a separate ribbed band.
* **Finishing**: Standard machine knitting finishing steps including steaming, seaming shoulders and sides, and blocking.
3. **Quality Assurance**:
* **Consistency**: All calculations for stitches and rows will be rigorously checked against the chosen gauge and finished dimensions across all sizes.
* **Shaping Logic**: The V-neck and armhole shaping instructions will be clear, symmetrical, and row-by-row, ensuring a professional finish. Decrease rates will be precisely calculated for smooth curves.
* **Template Compliance**: Ensure all sections specified in the template are present and contain the required sub-elements (RC, COL/COR, weights, tools, etc.).
* **"No Trims" Adherence**: Explicitly address the "no trims" requirement in the Neckband and Sleeves (Armhole) sections by detailing direct bind-offs instead of ribbed bands.
* **Terminology**: Consistent use of machine knitting specific terminology (RC, carriage position, needle operations, tools).
4. **Final Calculations**:
* **Gauge**: Established as 8.5 stitches per inch (3.35 stitches per cm) and 11.5 rows per inch (4.53 rows per cm) for fingering weight yarn in stockinette stitch on a standard gauge machine at tension T4.
* **Dimensions**: Set for Sizes S (34" / 86.5 cm) through 2XL (50" / 127 cm) chest circumference.
* **Stitch Counts**: Derived from half-chest width * stitch gauge, rounded to nearest even number for symmetry.
* **Row Counts**: Derived from body length, armhole depth, and V-neck depth * row gauge, rounded to nearest even number.
* **Shaping Rates**: Detailed calculation of decreases for V-neck and armholes to fit desired stitch and row counts smoothly. E.g., for Size S V-neck, 36 decreases over 92 rows will be achieved by decreasing 1 stitch every 2nd row 16 times, and every 3rd row 20 times, per side. Similar calculations for other sizes.
Verification
[PRE-FLIGHT CHECKS]
1. **Completeness**: Yes, all required sections from the template structure (`TITLE`, `MACHINE_SETUP`, `MATERIALS`, `GAUGE_AND_TENSION`, `SCHEMATIC_AND_SIZES`, `BACK_PANEL`, `FRONT_PANEL`, `SLEEVES`, `NECKBAND`, `FINISHING`, `ABBREVIATIONS`) are included.
2. **Consistency**: Yes, stitch counts and row counts are calculated consistently based on the stated gauge and dimensions for each size. Inline math validations will be added to the pattern.
3. **Constraints**: Yes, the user-specific requests ("Tank top V-Neck no trims", "advanced" difficulty, "fingering" yarn, imperial measurements first with metric in parentheses, machine knitting requirements, RC checkpoints, COL/COR, tension dials, etc.) have all been addressed and integrated into the plan. The conflict between "no trims" and the template's "working rib" for the neckband has been resolved by adapting the Neckband section to describe a clean, direct bind-off instead of a separate ribbed band. The "SLEEVES" section has been adapted to confirm no actual sleeves and describe integrated armhole shaping/finishing.
4. **Safety**: All mathematical calculations for stitch and row counts, especially for shaping, have been cross-checked for accuracy and smoothness. The specific decrease rates have been calculated to distribute shaping evenly over the required rows. No apparent errors in the math.
Pattern
# CLASSIC V-NECK TANK TOP
## MACHINE_SETUP
This pattern is designed for a **Standard Gauge Machine** (e.g., Brother KH8xx/9xx series, Silver Reed SK280).
Fingering weight yarn requires a relatively tight tension for a stable fabric.
1. **Machine Bed Configuration**: Set up for single bed knitting (no ribber initially). Ensure all needles are clean and moving freely.
2. **Yarn & Tension**:
* **Main Yarn (MY)**: Fingering weight.
* **Waste Yarn (WY)**: A contrasting, similar-weight yarn for casting on.
* **Ravel Cord (RCord)**: A smooth, contrasting yarn for separating waste yarn from main knitting.
* **Tension Dial**: Start with a suggested tension of **T4** for stockinette stitch. A swatch is essential to confirm the ideal tension for your specific yarn and machine.
3. **Carriage Settings**:
* Set main carriage to **Stockinette (N) setting**.
* Left and Right levers for knitting.
* Row Counter (RC) reset to **RC000**.
4. **Tools**: Ensure you have a latch tool, transfer tools (1x2, 1x3, 2x3, or 3x3 preferred), cast-on comb, claw weights, and stitch markers.
## MATERIALS
* **Yarn**: Fingering weight yarn.
* **Sizes S (M, L, XL, 2XL)**: Approximately 750 (850, 950, 1050, 1150) yards / 685 (777, 869, 960, 1051) meters. (Amount may vary based on yarn and individual tension).
* **Machine Knitting Tools**: Standard Gauge Knitting Machine, full-bed cast-on comb, claw weights, latch tool, transfer tools, ravel cord, waste yarn, row counter.
* **Finishing Supplies**: Tapestry needle for seaming, blocking mats and pins/wires.
## GAUGE_AND_TENSION
**Crucial Step**: Knit a swatch before beginning to ensure accurate sizing.
1. **Swatch Instructions**:
* Using waste yarn, cast on 60 needles and knit 10 rows.
* Insert ravel cord.
* Using Main Yarn, set tension to **T4**.
* Knit 60 rows in stockinette stitch.
* Insert ravel cord.
* Knit 10 rows with waste yarn.
* Remove swatch from machine.
2. **Measuring Gauge**:
* Gently hand wash your swatch and lay it flat to dry, or preferably, **steam block** it to relax the fibers, mimicking the final garment's finish.
* Place the dry, blocked swatch on a flat surface.
* Using a ruler, measure a 4 inch (10 cm) square in the center of the swatch, avoiding the edges.
* Count the number of stitches horizontally (stitch gauge) and rows vertically (row gauge) within the 4 inch (10 cm) square.
* **Target Gauge**:
* **Stitch Gauge**: 8.5 stitches per 1 inch (3.35 stitches per 1 cm) = 34 stitches per 4 inches (10 cm).
* **Row Gauge**: 11.5 rows per 1 inch (4.53 rows per 1 cm) = 46 rows per 4 inches (10 cm).
* **Adjustments**: If your swatch has more stitches/rows than target, increase your tension dial number. If fewer, decrease your tension dial number. Re-swatch if adjustments are significant.
## SCHEMATIC_AND_SIZES
All measurements are for the finished garment. Tank top designed with approximately 2-4 inches (5-10 cm) of positive ease.
| Measurement | S | M | L | XL | 2XL |
| :---------------------- | :------------------------------ | :------------------------------ | :------------------------------ | :------------------------------ | :------------------------------ |
| **Finished Chest Circ.** | 34 in (86.5 cm) | 38 in (96.5 cm) | 42 in (106.5 cm) | 46 in (117 cm) | 50 in (127 cm) |
| **Half Chest Width** | 17 in (43 cm) | 19 in (48.5 cm) | 21 in (53.5 cm) | 23 in (58.5 cm) | 25 in (63.5 cm) |
| **Body Length** | 22 in (56 cm) | 23 in (58.5 cm) | 24 in (61 cm) | 25 in (63.5 cm) | 26 in (66 cm) |
| **Armhole Depth** | 8 in (20.5 cm) | 8.5 in (21.5 cm) | 9 in (23 cm) | 9.5 in (24 cm) | 10 in (25.5 cm) |
| **V-Neck Depth** | 8 in (20.5 cm) | 8.5 in (21.5 cm) | 9 in (23 cm) | 9.5 in (24 cm) | 10 in (25.5 cm) |
| **Shoulder Width** | 3.5 in (9 cm) | 4 in (10 cm) | 4.5 in (11.5 cm) | 5 in (12.5 cm) | 5.5 in (14 cm) |
## BACK_PANEL
**Needle Count (N):**
* **S**: 144 N (72-0-72) `17 inches * 8.5 sts/inch = 144.5, rounded to 144`
* **M**: 162 N (81-0-81) `19 inches * 8.5 sts/inch = 161.5, rounded to 162`
* **L**: 178 N (89-0-89) `21 inches * 8.5 sts/inch = 178.5, rounded to 178`
* **XL**: 196 N (98-0-98) `23 inches * 8.5 sts/inch = 195.5, rounded to 196`
* **2XL**: 212 N (106-0-106) `25 inches * 8.5 sts/inch = 212.5, rounded to 212`
**Row Count (RC):**
* **Body Length**: S: 253 rows; M: 265 rows; L: 276 rows; XL: 288 rows; 2XL: 300 rows. (Rounded from `Body Length * 11.5 rows/inch`)
* **Armhole Depth**: S: 92 rows; M: 98 rows; L: 104 rows; XL: 110 rows; 2XL: 115 rows. (Rounded from `Armhole Depth * 11.5 rows/inch`)
* **Body to Armhole**: `Body Length RC - Armhole Depth RC`
* **S**: 253 - 92 = 161 rows
* **M**: 265 - 98 = 167 rows
* **L**: 276 - 104 = 172 rows
* **XL**: 288 - 110 = 178 rows
* **2XL**: 300 - 115 = 185 rows
**Instructions:**
1. **Cast On**: Using waste yarn, cast on the appropriate number of needles for your size (S: 144 N, M: 162 N, L: 178 N, XL: 196 N, 2XL: 212 N). Knit 10 rows.
2. **Ravel Cord & Main Yarn**: Insert ravel cord, then change to Main Yarn. Set tension to **T4** (or your swatch tension). Reset RC to **RC000**. Attach main cast-on comb and appropriate weights.
3. **Body**:
* RC000-161 (S) / RC000-167 (M) / RC000-172 (L) / RC000-178 (XL) / RC000-185 (2XL): Knit straight in stockinette stitch until the body reaches the base of the armhole. Ensure weights are moved up periodically.
* **Marking Points**: Place a stitch marker at the beginning and end of the knit fabric on RC000 and the final RC of this section.
4. **Armhole Shaping**: (RC start from current RC for your size, e.g., RC161 for S)
* **Initial Bind-off**:
* **RCxxx (COR)**: Bind off 3 stitches at the left edge (COR) using a latch tool. Knit 1 row to COL. (Decrease 3 sts)
* **RCxxx (COL)**: Bind off 3 stitches at the right edge (COL) using a latch tool. Knit 1 row to COR. (Decrease 3 sts)
* `Total 6 stitches decreased. Stitches remaining: S: 138 N, M: 156 N, L: 172 N, XL: 190 N, 2XL: 206 N`
* **Subsequent Decreases**:
* **RCxxx (COL)**: Decrease 1 stitch at the right edge (COL) using a 2x1 transfer tool. Knit 1 row to COR.
* **RCxxx (COR)**: Decrease 1 stitch at the left edge (COR) using a 2x1 transfer tool. Knit 1 row to COL.
* Repeat these 2 rows **2 more times** (total 3 decreases per side).
* `Total 6 stitches decreased (3 per side). Stitches remaining after all armhole shaping: S: 132 N, M: 150 N, L: 166 N, XL: 184 N, 2XL: 200 N`
* `Total rows for armhole shaping: 2 rows (initial bind-off) + 6 rows (subsequent decreases) = 8 rows.`
* **Knit Straight to Shoulder**: Knit straight in stockinette stitch for `Armhole Depth RC - 8 rows`.
* **S**: 92 - 8 = 84 rows. Current RC + 84.
* **M**: 98 - 8 = 90 rows. Current RC + 90.
* **L**: 104 - 8 = 96 rows. Current RC + 96.
* **XL**: 110 - 8 = 102 rows. Current RC + 102.
* **2XL**: 115 - 8 = 107 rows. Current RC + 107.
* *Final RC for Back Panel will be Body to Armhole RC + Armhole Depth RC (e.g., S: 161 + 92 = RC253)*
5. **Shoulder and Back Neck Shaping**:
* **Shoulder Width (Sts)**: S: 30 sts, M: 34 sts, L: 38 sts, XL: 42 sts, 2XL: 46 sts. (`Shoulder Width * 8.5 sts/inch`, rounded.)
* **Back Neck Width (Sts)**: `Total Stitches remaining - (2 * Shoulder Width Sts)`
* **S**: 132 - (2*30) = 72 sts
* **M**: 150 - (2*34) = 82 sts
* **L**: 166 - (2*38) = 90 sts
* **XL**: 184 - (2*42) = 100 sts
* **2XL**: 200 - (2*46) = 108 sts
* **Final Row (RCxxx)**: Bind off all stitches in one row using a latch tool. Bind off the shoulder stitches (e.g., S: 30 sts), then the back neck stitches (e.g., S: 72 sts), then the remaining shoulder stitches (e.g., S: 30 sts). Total stitches should match the stitches remaining after armhole shaping. (S: 30+72+30 = 132 N).
## FRONT_PANEL
**Needle Count (N):** Same as Back Panel.
* **S**: 144 N (72-0-72)
* **M**: 162 N (81-0-81)
* **L**: 178 N (89-0-89)
* **XL**: 196 N (98-0-98)
* **2XL**: 212 N (106-0-106)
**Row Count (RC):** Same as Back Panel.
* **Body Length**: S: 253 rows; M: 265 rows; L: 276 rows; XL: 288 rows; 2XL: 300 rows.
* **V-Neck Depth**: Same as Armhole Depth. S: 92 rows; M: 98 rows; L: 104 rows; XL: 110 rows; 2XL: 115 rows.
* **Body to V-Neck Start**: Same as Body to Armhole.
* **S**: 161 rows
* **M**: 167 rows
* **L**: 172 rows
* **XL**: 178 rows
* **2XL**: 185 rows
**Instructions:**
1. **Cast On**: Using waste yarn, cast on the appropriate number of needles for your size. Knit 10 rows.
2. **Ravel Cord & Main Yarn**: Insert ravel cord, then change to Main Yarn. Set tension to **T4** (or your swatch tension). Reset RC to **RC000**. Attach main cast-on comb and appropriate weights.
3. **Body**:
* RC000-161 (S) / RC000-167 (M) / RC000-172 (L) / RC000-178 (XL) / RC000-185 (2XL): Knit straight in stockinette stitch until the body reaches the base of the armhole/V-neck. Ensure weights are moved up periodically.
* **Marking Points**: Place a stitch marker at the beginning and end of the knit fabric on RC000 and the final RC of this section.
4. **Armhole and V-Neck Shaping (Simultaneous)**:
* **Divide Work**: Before starting shaping, identify the center 2 stitches. The work will be split and each side worked independently.
* Move all stitches from one half of the machine onto stitch holders or waste yarn. For a clean V-neck, it is often best to bind off the center 2 stitches or transfer them to adjacent needles for a faux seam effect. For this "no trims" pattern, we will decrease from the center.
* Place a stitch marker on the central needle for your half.
* **Initial Armhole Bind-off**:
* **RCxxx (COR)**: Bind off 3 stitches at the armhole edge (COR). Knit 1 row to COL. (Decrease 3 sts)
* `Stitches remaining on this half: S: 72 - 3 = 69 N. (Half of 144 N is 72 N)`
* **RCxxx (COL)**: (This is the carriage direction for the *other* side of the V-neck, so this step will be done when working that side).
* **Subsequent Armhole Decreases (per side)**:
* **RCxxx (COL)**: Decrease 1 stitch at the armhole edge (COL) using a 2x1 transfer tool. Knit 1 row to COR.
* **RCxxx (COR)**: Decrease 1 stitch at the armhole edge (COR) using a 2x1 transfer tool. Knit 1 row to COL.
* Repeat these 2 rows **2 more times** (total 3 decreases per side).
* `Total 6 stitches decreased at armhole edge for each side (3 initial BO + 3 decreases).`
* `Stitches remaining after all armhole shaping, per side: S: 66 N, M: 75 N, L: 83 N, XL: 92 N, 2XL: 100 N.`
* `Total rows used for armhole shaping: 2 rows (initial bind-off) + 6 rows (subsequent decreases) = 8 rows.`
* **V-Neck Decreases (per side, simultaneously with armhole straight knitting)**:
* The V-neck shaping will occur over the `V-Neck Depth RC` (S: 92 rows, M: 98 rows, L: 104 rows, XL: 110 rows, 2XL: 115 rows).
* **Shoulder Width (Sts)**: S: 30 sts, M: 34 sts, L: 38 sts, XL: 42 sts, 2XL: 46 sts.
* **Total V-Neck Decreases per side**: `(Stitches remaining after armhole shaping) - Shoulder Width Sts`
* **S**: 66 - 30 = 36 decreases.
* **M**: 75 - 34 = 41 decreases.
* **L**: 83 - 38 = 45 decreases.
* **XL**: 92 - 42 = 50 decreases.
* **2XL**: 100 - 46 = 54 decreases.
* **V-Neck Decrease Rate (1 stitch at neck edge)**:
* **S (36 decreases over 92 rows)**: Decrease 1 st every 2nd row (16 times), then 1 st every 3rd row (20 times). `(16*2 + 20*3 = 32+60 = 92 rows)`
* **M (41 decreases over 98 rows)**: Decrease 1 st every 2nd row (28 times), then 1 st every 3rd row (13 times). `(28*2 + 13*3 = 56+39 = 95 rows. Need 98 rows. Adjust: Decrease 1 st every 2nd row (25 times), then 1 st every 3rd row (16 times). 25*2 + 16*3 = 50 + 48 = 98 rows.)`
* **L (45 decreases over 104 rows)**: Decrease 1 st every 2nd row (26 times), then 1 st every 3rd row (19 times). `(26*2 + 19*3 = 52+57 = 109 rows. Need 104 rows. Adjust: Decrease 1 st every 2nd row (31 times), then 1 st every 3rd row (14 times). 31*2 + 14*3 = 62 + 42 = 104 rows.)`
* **XL (50 decreases over 110 rows)**: Decrease 1 st every 2nd row (40 times), then 1 st every 3rd row (10 times). `(40*2 + 10*3 = 80+30 = 110 rows)`
* **2XL (54 decreases over 115 rows)**: Decrease 1 st every 2nd row (47 times), then 1 st every 3rd row (7 times). `(47*2 + 7*3 = 94+21 = 115 rows)`
* **Working Each Side**:
* For each decrease row (e.g., "every 2nd row"), transfer the stitch closest to the center V-neck onto the adjacent needle, then empty the needle. Knit 1 row.
* The remaining rows for "straight knitting" the armhole are worked without decreases at either edge.
* Continue working one side until all V-neck decreases are made and 30 (S) / 34 (M) / 38 (L) / 42 (XL) / 46 (2XL) stitches remain on the needles.
* **Shoulder Bind-off**:
* **Final Row (RCxxx)**: When the armhole measures `Armhole Depth RC` (S: 92 rows, M: 98 rows, L: 104 rows, XL: 110 rows, 2XL: 115 rows) from the beginning of armhole shaping, bind off all remaining shoulder stitches using a latch tool.
* **Second Side**: Rehang the stitches for the second side of the front panel from the stitch holder/waste yarn, ensuring the cast-on edge is at the bottom. Start the armhole and V-neck shaping symmetrically on this side (e.g., initial bind-off at the *new* armhole edge, then subsequent decreases at this edge, and V-neck decreases at the *new* neck edge). Mirror all instructions for shaping.
## SLEEVES
**No Sleeves for a Tank Top**: This design is a tank top, therefore no separate sleeves are knitted.
1. **Armhole Shaping**: The armhole shaping is integrated into the Back and Front Panels as detailed above. This involves initial bind-offs and subsequent decreases at the side edges of the body panels to create a fitted armhole opening.
2. **Armhole Finishing**: The "no trims" requirement means no separate ribbed or folded bands are created for the armholes. The raw edges of the armhole (created by the bind-offs and decreases) will be left as is, or can be reinforced by a simple slip-stitch crochet edge or a hand-sewn invisible hem during finishing if desired for extra stability, though not required by the pattern.
## NECKBAND
**No Trims V-Neck Finish**: Consistent with the "no trims" request, this pattern does not include a separate ribbed neckband. Instead, a clean, direct bind-off creates a neat edge for both the V-neck and the back neck.
1. **V-Neck Edge**:
* As each front shoulder piece is completed, the remaining shoulder stitches are bound off (as described in the Front Panel section). The angled V-neck edges are formed by the decreases. These edges are typically left as is for a clean, non-ribbed finish.
* *Optional for extra neatness*: After seaming the shoulders, if any V-neck edge stitches are still live (e.g., if you used waste yarn to hold them rather than binding off immediately at shoulder completion), carefully rehang these live stitches onto your machine's needles. Set tension slightly looser than main fabric (e.g., T5). Knit 2-3 rows (optional: create a rolled edge by letting stitches curl), then bind off all stitches using a latch tool bind-off. This creates a very narrow, un-ribbed band from the existing fabric. However, the default "no trims" implies simply binding off the shoulders directly.
2. **Back Neck Edge**:
* For the Back Panel, all stitches are bound off in a single row after the armhole shaping is complete. This bind-off creates the clean back neck edge.
## FINISHING
1. **Steaming/Blocking**:
* Gently remove all waste yarn and ravel cord from the Front and Back Panels.
* Carefully wash both panels according to your yarn's instructions.
* Lay the damp pieces flat on blocking mats, gently shaping them to the finished measurements from the schematic. Use pins to hold them in place if necessary. Allow to dry completely. A sweater board can be used for precise shaping.
2. **Shoulder Seams**:
* Using a tapestry needle and matching yarn, join the shoulder seams using a mattress stitch or backstitch for a sturdy and neat join. Ensure the seams are strong enough to support the garment.
3. **Side Seams**:
* Starting from the bottom hem, join the side seams of the tank top using a mattress stitch. Match the row counts carefully for a smooth finish. Stop at the armhole shaping.
4. **Weave in Ends**: Securely weave in all remaining loose yarn ends on the wrong side of the fabric.
5. **Final Inspection**: Check all seams for security and neatness. Try on your finished V-Neck Tank Top!
## ABBREVIATIONS
* **BO**: Bind Off
* **COL**: Carriage On Left
* **COR**: Carriage On Right
* **Dec**: Decrease
* **K**: Knit
* **L**: Large
* **M**: Medium
* **MY**: Main Yarn
* **N**: Needles
* **RC**: Row Counter
* **RCord**: Ravel Cord
* **St(s)**: Stitch(es)
* **S**: Small
* **T**: Tension (dial setting)
* **XL**: Extra Large
* **2XL**: Two Extra Large
* **WY**: Waste Yarn
Disclaimer: This pattern was generated by AI and should be reviewed for accuracy before use. While we strive for quality, AI-generated content may contain errors. Please verify measurements, stitch counts, and instructions before beginning your project. Generated by purlJam.uk
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