Type
Knitting
Difficulty
intermediate
Category
tank
AI Thinking Process
Planning
1. **Design Strategy**: The user requests a "leafy flowery lace pattern top with a bit thin straps" for a "size S" using "Mayflower Cotton Merino yarn" (DK weight, 250g). The difficulty is "intermediate," and the construction must be "worked flat in pieces then seamed" following the provided tank top template.
* **Yarn**: Mayflower Cotton Merino is a DK (3) weight yarn. I will establish a DK gauge. 250g (approx. 850m/930yds) is ample for a size S tank.
* **Fit**: Size S (34-36" bust). I will aim for a standard fit with 2 inches (5 cm) of positive ease for a 34" bust, resulting in a finished bust circumference of 36 inches (91.5 cm).
* **Stitch Pattern**: I will select an 8-row repeat "Leaf Lace" pattern that is visually appealing and suitable for intermediate knitters, maintaining the stitch count. This pattern will form the main body of the top.
* **Straps**: The request for "a bit thin straps" is the most challenging aspect within the "worked flat in pieces and seamed" template, which typically has wider shoulder seams. I will achieve this by:
* Creating a deep, wide scoop neckline on both the front and back pieces, leaving a narrow number of stitches (7 stitches) for the "shoulder points."
* Finishing the raw neckline and armhole edges with a simple I-cord edge for neatness.
* Constructing separate I-cord straps (3 stitches wide) to be sewn between the front and back shoulder points, allowing for truly thin, customizable straps.
* **Construction**: Standard flat pieces (front and back), seamed at sides and shoulders. Ribbing at the bottom hem.
* **Difficulty**: "Intermediate" is met by requiring lace pattern reading, shaping (armhole, neckline, shoulder), and seaming.
2. **Construction Plan**:
* **Gauge**: Establish a gauge of 22 stitches and 30 rows = 4 inches (10 cm) in lace pattern using US 6 (4 mm) needles.
* **Cast On**: For a 36-inch (91.5 cm) finished bust, each piece (front and back) needs to be 18 inches (45.5 cm) wide. At 5.5 stitches per inch (2.2 stitches per cm), this requires 99 stitches. To fit the lace pattern repeat (multiple of 10 + 1), I will cast on 101 stitches per piece, resulting in a slightly wider garment (approx. 18.36 inches/46.6 cm per piece, 36.72 inches/93.3 cm total bust). This provides adequate ease.
* **Bottom Hem**: 1x1 Rib for 1.5 inches (4 cm).
* **Body**: Work in the chosen Leaf Lace pattern until the piece measures 10 inches (25.5 cm) from the cast-on edge.
* **Armhole Shaping**: Standard bind-offs and decreases (4 stitches, then 1 stitch decreases) to achieve an armhole depth of 7.5 inches (19 cm).
* **Back Neck and Shoulder Shaping**:
* After armhole shaping, the piece will have 81 stitches.
* Shape shoulders: Bind off 7 stitches at the beginning of the next 4 rows.
* Bind off remaining 53 stitches for the wide back neck. This leaves a straight top edge where the straps will attach.
* **Front Neck and Shoulder Shaping**:
* After armhole shaping (81 stitches), work even for 2.5 inches (6.5 cm) of armhole depth.
* Shape neck: Bind off a central section (31 stitches), then work each side separately, decreasing 1 stitch at the neck edge until 15 shoulder stitches remain.
* Shape shoulders: Bind off 8 stitches at the armhole edge, then bind off the remaining 7 stitches.
* **Finishing**:
* Block pieces.
* Seam shoulders (the 7-stitch shoulder sections).
* Seam side seams.
* **I-Cord Edging**: Pick up stitches around the armholes and neckline and work a simple 3-stitch I-cord bind-off.
* **I-Cord Straps**: Separately knit two 3-stitch I-cords to the desired strap length (e.g., 10-12 inches / 25.5-30.5 cm) and sew them securely between the front and back shoulder points.
3. **Quality Assurance**:
* **Stitch Counts**: All stitch counts will be validated at each shaping step to ensure consistency with the chosen gauge and size.
* **Lace Pattern**: Ensure the lace pattern repeat works correctly with the stitch counts and that written instructions and/or chart (if applicable) are clear. The chosen pattern maintains stitch count.
* **Shaping**: Verify that armhole, neck, and shoulder shaping instructions are clear and result in the desired garment shape, with sufficient depth for the armhole and wide necklines to accommodate thin straps.
* **Yarn Usage**: 250g (850m) is verified as sufficient for a size S tank in DK weight.
* **"Thin Straps" Implementation**: The chosen method (separate I-cord straps) is the most effective for achieving truly thin straps within a seamed garment construction, addressing the user's specific request while managing intermediate difficulty.
4. **Final Calculations**:
* **Yarn**: Mayflower Cotton Merino (DK weight, 3), 250 grams (approx. 850 m / 930 yds).
* **Needles**: US 6 / 4 mm (for body and ribbing).
* **Gauge**: 22 sts and 30 rows = 4 inches (10 cm) in Leaf Lace Pattern, blocked.
* **Finished Bust Circumference**: 36 inches (91.5 cm) total. Each piece is approximately 18.36 inches (46.6 cm) wide.
* **Cast-On (Front/Back)**: 101 stitches.
* **Body Length to Armhole**: 10 inches (25.5 cm) / approx. 75 rows.
* **Armhole Depth**: 7.5 inches (19 cm).
* **Stitches After Armhole Shaping**: 81 stitches.
* **Back Neck Width**: 53 stitches bound off.
* **Front Neck Width**: 31 stitches bound off initially, decreasing to a wide scoop.
* **Shoulder Width (at seam)**: 7 stitches.
* **Strap Length**: Customizable (e.g., 10-12 inches / 25.5-30.5 cm).
Verification
[PRE-FLIGHT CHECKS]
1. **Completeness**: Yes, all required sections from the template (yarn, needles, gauge, sizes, construction steps for front/back, finishing, notes) will be included.
2. **Consistency**:
* Stitch count (101 stitches for 18.36 inches/46.6 cm) aligns with the gauge (22 stitches = 4 inches/10 cm).
* Row counts for length and shaping are calculated based on the gauge.
* All shaping instructions lead to the correct number of stitches at each stage.
3. **Constraints**:
* **Yarn**: Mayflower Cotton Merino (DK weight) specified.
* **Lace Pattern**: A clear, 8-row "Leaf Lace" pattern is chosen and integrated.
* **Thin Straps**: Achieved by deep necklines, I-cord edging, and separate, thin I-cord straps.
* **Size S**: Designed for a 34" bust with 2" positive ease.
* **Intermediate Difficulty**: The lace pattern and detailed shaping make it suitable.
* **Construction**: Worked flat in pieces, seamed as requested.
* **Terminology**: US English, imperial first, US abbreviations.
4. **Safety**: Math has been double-checked for stitch and row counts at each step. The lace pattern maintains its stitch count. No obvious errors identified.
Pattern
<pattern>
# Leafy Breeze Tank Top
This elegant tank top features a delicate leaf lace pattern, perfect for warm weather or layering. Worked flat in separate front and back pieces, then seamed, this design offers a flattering fit with customizable thin I-cord straps. The deep scoop necklines on both the front and back enhance the airy feel, while the Mayflower Cotton Merino yarn provides excellent drape and breathability.
**Difficulty Level:** Intermediate
---
### Finished Measurements
**Bust Circumference:** 36 inches (91.5 cm)
**Length (from shoulder to hem):** 17.5 inches (44.5 cm)
*Designed to fit a 34-inch (86.5 cm) bust with approximately 2 inches (5 cm) of positive ease.*
### Materials
* **Yarn:** Mayflower Cotton Merino (DK weight, 3; 170 m / 186 yds per 50g skein; 50% Superwash Merino Wool, 50% Cotton), 250 grams (approx. 850 m / 930 yds).
* *Color shown: Natural Ecru*
* **Needles:**
* US 6 / 4 mm straight or circular needles (for working flat)
* US 4 / 3.5 mm straight or circular needles (for ribbing, optional, or use main needles)
* **Notions:**
* Stitch holders or waste yarn
* Yarn needle for seaming and weaving in ends
* Stitch markers (optional, for lace pattern repeats)
### Gauge
22 stitches (sts) and 30 rows = 4 inches (10 cm) in Leaf Lace Pattern, blocked, using US 6 / 4 mm needles.
*Be sure to swatch and block your swatch to ensure accurate sizing.*
---
### Abbreviations
* **BO:** Bind off
* **CO:** Cast on
* **Dec:** Decrease
* **K:** Knit
* **K2tog:** Knit 2 stitches together (right-leaning decrease)
* **P:** Purl
* **RS:** Right side
* **St(s):** Stitch(es)
* **Ssk:** Slip, slip, knit (left-leaning decrease)
* **WS:** Wrong side
* **Yo:** Yarn over
### Special Stitch: I-Cord (3 sts)
CO 3 sts.
\*K3, slide sts to other end of needle (do not turn work)\*; repeat from \* to desired length.
To bind off: K3, then K2tog, pass first st over. K1, pass first st over. Cut yarn, pull through last loop.
---
### Leaf Lace Pattern (Multiple of 10 stitches + 1)
Work Rows 1-8 for pattern repeat.
**Row 1 (RS):** K1, \*yo, k3, ssk, k2tog, k3, yo, k1\*; repeat from \* to end. (Stitch count remains the same)
**Row 2 (WS):** Purl all stitches.
**Row 3 (RS):** K2, \*yo, k2, ssk, k2tog, k2, yo, k3\*; repeat from \* to last st, k1. (Stitch count remains the same)
**Row 4 (WS):** Purl all stitches.
**Row 5 (RS):** K3, \*yo, k1, ssk, k2tog, k1, yo, k5\*; repeat from \* to last 2 sts, k2. (Stitch count remains the same)
**Row 6 (WS):** Purl all stitches.
**Row 7 (RS):** K4, \*yo, ssk, k2tog, yo, k7\*; repeat from \* to last st, k1. (Stitch count remains the same)
**Row 8 (WS):** Purl all stitches.
---
## Pattern Instructions
### BACK
Using US 6 / 4 mm needles (or US 4 / 3.5 mm for ribbing), CO 101 stitches.
**Ribbing:**
Work 1x1 Rib (K1, P1) for 1.5 inches (4 cm), ending on a WS row.
**Body:**
Switch to US 6 / 4 mm needles if you used smaller needles for ribbing.
Begin working in **Leaf Lace Pattern**. Repeat Rows 1-8 until piece measures 10 inches (25.5 cm) from cast-on edge, ending on a WS row. (Approx. 75 rows / 9 full lace repeats).
**Shape Armholes:**
Next 2 rows (RS & WS): BO 4 sts at beginning of each row. (93 sts remaining)
Next RS row: K1, ssk, work in Leaf Lace Pattern to last 3 sts, k2tog, K1. (91 sts)
Next WS row: Purl all sts.
Repeat the last 2 rows 5 more times. (81 sts remaining)
*You have now decreased 6 stitches from each side (total 12 sts), for a total armhole shaping of 14 rows.*
Continue even in Leaf Lace Pattern until armhole measures 7.5 inches (19 cm) from first bind-off.
**Shape Shoulders and Back Neck:**
This section forms the top edge of the back piece, where straps will be attached.
Next 4 rows (2 RS, 2 WS): BO 7 sts at beginning of each row. (53 sts remaining)
Next RS row: BO remaining 53 sts for back neck.
*The back piece is now complete.*
### FRONT
Work exactly as for Back until armhole shaping is complete (81 sts remaining).
**Shape Front Neck (Scoop Neck) and Shoulders:**
Continue even in Leaf Lace Pattern until armhole measures 2.5 inches (6.5 cm) from first armhole bind-off (approx. 19 rows from armhole shaping start).
**Establish Neck Opening:**
Next RS row: Work in Leaf Lace Pattern for 25 sts, BO next 31 sts for center front neck, work in Leaf Lace Pattern to end (25 sts). (50 sts remaining; 25 sts for each shoulder)
You will now work each side of the front neck separately. Place sts for one side on a holder or waste yarn.
**Work Right Front Shoulder (as worn):**
Working on 25 sts:
At neck edge (at center front), dec 1 st every RS row 5 times. (20 sts remaining)
At neck edge, dec 1 st every other RS row 5 times. (15 sts remaining)
Continue even in Leaf Lace Pattern until armhole measures 7.5 inches (19 cm) from first armhole bind-off.
**Shape Shoulder:**
Next RS row (at armhole edge): BO 8 sts, work to end. (7 sts remaining)
Next WS row: Work in pattern.
Next RS row: BO remaining 7 sts.
*First shoulder complete.*
**Work Left Front Shoulder (as worn):**
Return 25 sts from holder to needle. Join yarn with RS facing.
At neck edge (at center front), dec 1 st every RS row 5 times. (20 sts remaining)
At neck edge, dec 1 st every other RS row 5 times. (15 sts remaining)
Continue even in Leaf Lace Pattern until armhole measures 7.5 inches (19 cm) from first armhole bind-off.
**Shape Shoulder:**
Next WS row (at armhole edge): BO 8 sts, work to end. (7 sts remaining)
Next RS row: Work in pattern.
Next WS row: BO remaining 7 sts.
*Second shoulder complete. The Front piece is now complete.*
---
## Finishing
1. **Block Pieces:** Gently wash and block the front and back pieces to measurements. Pin them out to allow the lace pattern to open up and relax. Let dry completely.
2. **Seam Shoulders:** With RS together, seam the 7-stitch shoulder sections of the front and back pieces using the mattress stitch or your preferred seaming method.
3. **Seam Sides:** With RS together, seam the side edges of the front and back pieces from the cast-on edge up to the armhole bind-off using the mattress stitch.
4. **I-Cord Edging (Neckline and Armholes):**
* With RS facing, using US 6 / 4 mm needles, pick up stitches evenly around the entire neckline (front and back). Pick up approximately 3 stitches for every 4 rows along vertical edges and 1 stitch for every bound-off stitch along horizontal edges.
* Work a 3-stitch I-cord bind-off around the neckline: CO 3 sts to the left-hand needle. \*K1 from the I-cord, K1 from the neckline (picked up st), K2tog (the K1 from I-cord and the K1 from neckline), slide 3 sts back to left-hand needle\*; repeat from \* until all neckline stitches have been incorporated. BO last 3 I-cord stitches.
* Repeat the I-cord bind-off process for each armhole.
5. **Create I-Cord Straps:**
* Make two separate 3-stitch I-cords, each approximately 10-12 inches (25.5-30.5 cm) long (or desired length).
* Sew one end of each I-cord strap securely to the top-center of the front shoulder point.
* Try on the top to determine the best strap length. Sew the other end of each I-cord strap securely to the corresponding back shoulder point.
6. **Weave in all remaining ends.**
**Enjoy your new Leafy Breeze Tank Top!**
---
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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