Type

Knitting

Difficulty

intermediate

Planning

1. **Design Strategy**: Original relaxed “Mello Mood” tank — easy summer/layering piece in worsted stockinette with 2×2 rib edges, about 4–6" positive ease, gentle scoop neck, no waist shaping. Beginner-friendly stitches only (k, p, k2tog, ssk, pick-up). Name reads as mellow/casual, so the silhouette stays boxy and comfortable rather than fitted. 2. **Construction Plan**: Bottom-up in the round to the underarms, then split and work Front and Back flat; shoulders joined with 3-needle bind-off; neck and armholes finished with picked-up rib in the round. 3. **Quality Assurance**: - Body is in the round; upper is worked flat (standard — no steeks). - Armhole shaping finishes before neck shaping so decreases never overlap. - Front/back shoulder counts match exactly for a clean join. 4. **Final Calculations**: Gauge 18 sts / 24 rows = 4" (US 8). CO 160 (180, 200, 220, 240). Finished bust 35½ (40, 44½, 49, 53¼)". Length to underarm 14 (14, 14½, 15, 15½)"; armhole 7½ (8, 8½, 9, 9½)"; total length 21½ (22, 23, 24, 25)". After armholes: 68 (74, 80, 86, 92) sts each piece; shoulders 20 (22, 24, 26, 28) sts each.

Verification

[PRE-FLIGHT CHECKS] 1. **Completeness**: Title, skill, sizes, measurements, materials, gauge, abbreviations, notes, body (in the round), divide, back, front, shoulders, neckband, armhole bands, finishing, schematic — all present. User request for in-the-round + beginner is honored; template’s flat two-piece seaming is adapted, not copied. 2. **Consistency**: 160/18×4 = 35.56" → 35½"; 180 → 40"; 200 → 44.44" → 44½"; 220 → 48.89" → 49"; 240 → 53.33" → 53¼". Half-body 80 (90, 100, 110, 120). Underarm BO 3 (4, 5, 6, 7) each side → 74 (82, 90, 98, 106). Then 3 (4, 5, 6, 7) paired decs → 68 (74, 80, 86, 92). Front neck: center BO 16 (18, 20, 22, 24) + 6 decs each side → shoulders 20 (22, 24, 26, 28), matching back. 3. **Constraints**: Knitted in the round (body); worsted; beginner; tank; US terms; inches first. 4. **Safety**: Sequential shaping (no AT SAME TIME); all counts even or multiple of 4 where rib requires it; pickup counts multiple of 4. 5. **Fix before writing**: None. Pattern uses the numbers above only.

Pattern

Mello Mood Top

A relaxed worsted tank • knitted in the round • beginner

An easy, mellow tank for slow mornings and warm afternoons. The body is worked in the round from the hem to the underarms — no side seams — then Front and Back are split and worked flat. A gentle scoop neck, ribbed edges, and a little extra ease keep it comfortable over a bralette or under a cardigan. If you can knit, purl, and knit in the round, you can make this.

Skill Level

Beginner. You will knit in the round, work flat, decrease with k2tog and ssk, pick up stitches, and join the shoulders with a 3-needle bind-off (fully explained; a sewn join is offered as an alternative).

Sizes

XS (S, M, L, XL)

To fit bust: 30–32 (34–36, 38–40, 42–44, 46–48)" / 76–81 (86–91, 97–102, 107–112, 117–122) cm

Shown in size S with about 5" / 12.5 cm of ease. Choose the size closest to your bust, then size up if you want it slouchier.

Finished Measurements

Bust: 35½ (40, 44½, 49, 53¼)" / 90 (101.5, 113, 124.5, 135.5) cm
Ease: approx 4–6" / 10–15 cm of positive ease (relaxed fit)
Length to underarm: 14 (14, 14½, 15, 15½)" / 35.5 (35.5, 37, 38, 39.5) cm
Armhole depth: 7½ (8, 8½, 9, 9½)" / 19 (20.5, 21.5, 23, 24) cm
Total length: 21½ (22, 23, 24, 25)" / 54.5 (56, 58.5, 61, 63.5) cm
Upper back width: 15 (16½, 17¾, 19, 20½)" / 38 (42, 45, 48.5, 52) cm

Materials

Yarn: Worsted weight (CYC 4), about 550 (650, 750, 875, 1000) yd / 505 (595, 685, 800, 915) m.

Cotton or cotton-linen blends are ideal for summer (breathable, nice drape). Wool or wool-blend worsted makes a cozy layering tank. A typical 100 g / 180–200 yd skein: 3 (4, 4, 5, 6) skeins. Buy an extra skein if your yarn is cotton — it has less bounce and you may want a slightly longer body.

Needles:

US 8 / 5 mm circular, 24–32" / 60–80 cm, for the body
US 7 / 4.5 mm circular, 24–32" / 60–80 cm, for the hem
US 7 / 4.5 mm circular, 16" / 40 cm (or DPNs), for neck and armholes

If you only have one needle size, use US 8 / 5 mm throughout; the ribbed edges will just be a little looser.

Notions: Stitch marker; 2 stitch holders or waste yarn; spare US 8 / 5 mm needle for 3-needle bind-off; yarn needle; scissors.

Gauge

18 sts and 24 rows/rounds = 4" / 10 cm in stockinette stitch on US 8 / 5 mm, blocked.

Check gauge. A 4" / 10 cm stockinette swatch in the round is ideal (the body is knit in the round). If you have too many stitches per 4", go up a needle size; too few, go down.

Abbreviations (US)

Abbr	Meaning
BO	bind off
BOR	beginning of round
CO	cast on
dec	decrease
k	knit
k2tog	knit 2 together (right-leaning dec)
p	purl
pm	place marker
rep	repeat
rnd(s)	round(s)
RS	right side
ssk	slip 1 knitwise, slip 1 knitwise, knit those 2 tog through back loops (left-leaning dec)
st(s)	stitch(es)
St st	stockinette stitch (knit every rnd in the round; knit RS, purl WS when flat)
WS	wrong side

Notes

Numbers are given as XS (S, M, L, XL). When only one number appears, it applies to every size. Highlight your size before you start.
The body is knitted in the round. At the underarms the work splits; Front and Back are then worked flat (back and forth). This is the standard seamless-body method for a tank — no steeks, no side seams.
Join in the round carefully and do not twist the cast-on edge.
Stitch counts are confirmed after every shaping step (look for ✓).
Length is easy to change: knit extra (or fewer) even rounds before the divide. Try it on before you split.
Cotton ribbing can stretch. The smaller needle at hem, neck, and armholes helps it hold.

Pattern

Body (worked in the round)

With smaller needle (US 7 / 4.5 mm) and using a long-tail cast-on, CO 160 (180, 200, 220, 240) sts. Place marker for BOR and join to work in the round, being careful not to twist. (Multiple of 4 for 2×2 rib ✓)

Rib rnd: *K2, p2; rep from * to end of rnd.

Work rib until hem measures 2" / 5 cm from the cast-on edge.

Change to larger needle (US 8 / 5 mm).

Next rnd: Knit all sts.

Work even in stockinette (knit every round) until piece measures 14 (14, 14½, 15, 15½)" / 35.5 (35.5, 37, 38, 39.5) cm from the cast-on edge.

Place side marker: On the last round, knit 80 (90, 100, 110, 120) sts, pm for the left side, knit to BOR. You now have two equal halves: 80 (90, 100, 110, 120) sts each for Front and Back (80 + 80 = 160, 90 + 90 = 180, 100 + 100 = 200, 110 + 110 = 220, 120 + 120 = 240 ✓).

Divide for Front and Back

You will now work Back and Front separately, back and forth in rows.

Next rnd: Knit 80 (90, 100, 110, 120) sts (Front) and place them on a holder or waste yarn. The remaining 80 (90, 100, 110, 120) sts are the Back. Turn to work the Back flat, starting with a RS row. Remove the side marker as you come to it.

Back

Shape armholes

Row 1 (RS): BO 3 (4, 5, 6, 7) sts, knit to end. — 77 (86, 95, 104, 113) sts (80 − 3 = 77, 90 − 4 = 86, 100 − 5 = 95, 110 − 6 = 104, 120 − 7 = 113 ✓)

Row 2 (WS): BO 3 (4, 5, 6, 7) sts, purl to end. — 74 (82, 90, 98, 106) sts (77 − 3 = 74, 86 − 4 = 82, 95 − 5 = 90, 104 − 6 = 98, 113 − 7 = 106 ✓)

Dec row (RS): K1, ssk, knit to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1. — 2 sts decreased.

Next row (WS): Purl.

Rep the last 2 rows 2 (3, 4, 5, 6) more times — 3 (4, 5, 6, 7) dec rows total.

68 (74, 80, 86, 92) sts remain (74 − 6 = 68, 82 − 8 = 74, 90 − 10 = 80, 98 − 12 = 86, 106 − 14 = 92 ✓).

Work even in St st (knit RS rows, purl WS rows) until the armhole measures 7½ (8, 8½, 9, 9½)" / 19 (20.5, 21.5, 23, 24) cm from the divide, ending with a WS row.

Shape back neck

Next row (RS): K20 (22, 24, 26, 28) and place these sts on a holder for the right back shoulder, BO the center 28 (30, 32, 34, 36) sts, k20 (22, 24, 26, 28) and place these sts on a second holder for the left back shoulder.

Check: 20 + 28 + 20 = 68; 22 + 30 + 22 = 74; 24 + 32 + 24 = 80; 26 + 34 + 26 = 86; 28 + 36 + 28 = 92 ✓.

Cut yarn, leaving a 12" / 30 cm tail. Set Back aside.

Front

Return the held 80 (90, 100, 110, 120) Front sts to the larger needle. With RS facing, join yarn at the right underarm (as worn).

Shape armholes (same as Back)

Row 1 (RS): BO 3 (4, 5, 6, 7) sts, knit to end. — 77 (86, 95, 104, 113) sts

Row 2 (WS): BO 3 (4, 5, 6, 7) sts, purl to end. — 74 (82, 90, 98, 106) sts

Dec row (RS): K1, ssk, knit to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1. — 2 sts decreased.

Next row (WS): Purl.

Rep the last 2 rows 2 (3, 4, 5, 6) more times — 3 (4, 5, 6, 7) dec rows total.

68 (74, 80, 86, 92) sts remain (same math as Back ✓).

Work even in St st until the armhole measures 3 (3¼, 3½, 3¾, 4)" / 7.5 (8.5, 9, 9.5, 10) cm from the divide, ending with a WS row.

(Armhole decreases are already finished — they took only about 1¼–2½" / 3–6.5 cm — so neck shaping starts on even fabric. No “at the same time” ✓.)

Shape front neck

Next row (RS): K26 (28, 30, 32, 34), join a second ball of yarn (or place these 26 (28, 30, 32, 34) sts on a holder and come back), BO the center 16 (18, 20, 22, 24) sts, knit to end.

Check: 26 + 16 + 26 = 68; 28 + 18 + 28 = 74; 30 + 20 + 30 = 80; 32 + 22 + 32 = 86; 34 + 24 + 34 = 92 ✓.

You now have 26 (28, 30, 32, 34) sts on each side of the neck. Work both sides at once with two balls, or finish one side then the other.

Left Front (as worn) — this is the second group of sts, with yarn already attached at the armhole edge:

Next row (WS): Purl.

Neck dec row (RS): Knit to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1. — 1 st decreased at neck.

Next row (WS): Purl.

Rep the last 2 rows 5 more times — 6 neck decreases total.

20 (22, 24, 26, 28) sts remain (26 − 6 = 20, 28 − 6 = 22, 30 − 6 = 24, 32 − 6 = 26, 34 − 6 = 28 ✓).

Work even in St st until the armhole measures 7½ (8, 8½, 9, 9½)" / 19 (20.5, 21.5, 23, 24) cm from the divide, matching the Back, ending with a WS row. Place sts on a holder.

Right Front (as worn) — join yarn at the neck edge with WS facing (or continue with the second ball):

Next row (WS): Purl.

Neck dec row (RS): K1, ssk, knit to end. — 1 st decreased at neck.

Next row (WS): Purl.

Rep the last 2 rows 5 more times — 6 neck decreases total.

20 (22, 24, 26, 28) sts remain (same math as Left Front ✓).

Work even until the armhole matches the Left Front and the Back. Place sts on a holder.

Front and Back shoulders are now the same width: 20 (22, 24, 26, 28) sts each ✓.

Join Shoulders

Turn the tank inside out so right sides are together. Using the spare US 8 / 5 mm needle and a length of yarn, join one Front shoulder to the matching Back shoulder with a 3-needle bind-off:

Hold the two needles parallel, tips pointing the same way, with the shoulder stitches on each.
Insert a third needle into the first st on the front needle and the first st on the back needle; knit them together. (1 st now on the third needle.)
Knit the next pair together the same way. (2 sts on the third needle.)
Pass the first st on the third needle over the second st (standard bind-off).
Repeat steps 3–4 until all shoulder sts are bound off. Fasten off.

Repeat for the second shoulder. 20 (22, 24, 26, 28) sts joined each side ✓.

Sewn alternative (if you prefer): Bind off each shoulder separately on a RS row, then sew Front to Back with mattress stitch, matching stitch for stitch.

Neckband

With smaller 16" / 40 cm needle (US 7 / 4.5 mm), RS facing, and beginning at the left shoulder seam, pick up and knit stitches around the neck as follows:

20 (22, 24, 26, 28) sts down the left front neck edge
16 (18, 20, 22, 24) sts across the front bind-off
20 (22, 24, 26, 28) sts up the right front neck edge
28 (30, 32, 34, 36) sts across the back bind-off

84 (92, 100, 108, 116) sts (20+16+20+28 = 84; 22+18+22+30 = 92; 24+20+24+32 = 100; 26+22+26+34 = 108; 28+24+28+36 = 116 ✓ — multiple of 4 for 2×2 rib).

Pm for BOR and join.

Rib rnd: *K2, p2; rep from * to end.

Work 5 rounds of rib (about 1" / 2.5 cm). Bind off loosely in rib (use a larger needle to bind off if the neck feels tight).

Armhole Bands

With smaller 16" / 40 cm needle, RS facing, and beginning at the center of the underarm bind-off, pick up and knit 76 (84, 92, 100, 108) sts evenly around the armhole — about 3 sts for every 4 rows along the vertical edges, plus 1 st in each bound-off underarm st. Adjust by 1–3 sts if needed so the total is a multiple of 4.

Pm for BOR and join.

Rib rnd: *K2, p2; rep from * to end.

Work 4 rounds of rib (about ¾" / 2 cm). Bind off loosely in rib.

Repeat for the second armhole.

Finishing

Weave in all ends on the wrong side.

Block. Soak in lukewarm water with a little wool wash for 15–20 minutes. Press out water in a towel (do not wring). Lay flat to the finished measurements, gently shaping the scoop neck and armholes. Let dry completely.

Cotton will grow a little; wool will bloom and even out. After blocking, the ribbed edges should sit flat and the body should measure 35½ (40, 44½, 49, 53¼)" / 90 (101.5, 113, 124.5, 135.5) cm at the bust.

Schematic (flat measurements)

                    shoulder 4½ (5, 5¼, 5¾, 6¼)"
                   |------|              |------|
              _____        ______________        _____
             /     \______/   neck ~7"   \______/     \     armhole
            |                                              |  7½ (8, 8½, 9, 9½)"
            |                                              |
            |                                              |
            |                                              |  length to
            |                                              |  underarm
            |                                              |  14 (14, 14½, 15, 15½)"
            |                                              |
             \____________________________________________/

              bust / hem  35½ (40, 44½, 49, 53¼)"

              total length  21½ (22, 23, 24, 25)"

Beginner Tips

Twisted join: After casting on, lay the work flat and confirm the cast-on edge runs in a smooth circle before you knit the first round.
k2tog vs ssk: k2tog slants right; ssk slants left. Used as a pair, they make a neat, mirrored armhole.
Picking up stitches: Slide the needle under both legs of the edge stitch, wrap the yarn as if to knit, and pull through. Aim for a steady rhythm rather than a perfect count — then add or skip 1 st so the total is a multiple of 4.
Loose neck bind-off: If the neck won’t fit over your head, rip the bind-off and use a needle one size larger, or bind off in pattern very loosely.
Trying on: Before you divide at the underarm, try the tube on. Add rounds if you want a longer body; this is the easiest place to customize.

Customizing

Cropped: Work only 10–11" / 25.5–28 cm to the underarm.
Longer / tunic: Add 2–4" / 5–10 cm before the divide; budget extra yarn.
Closer fit: Knit the size whose finished bust is 1–2" / 2.5–5 cm larger than your actual bust.
Same-needle version: Skip the smaller needle; rib with US 8 / 5 mm. Fine for a first garment.

Wear it with linen shorts, under an open shirt, or on its own. That’s the whole mood.

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, charts, and instructions before beginning your project. Generated by purlJam.uk

Love this pattern?

Save this pattern to your free PurlJam library

Access your pattern anytime

Bookmark this page to access your pattern anytime

Generate Another

🎨 Want a Custom Pattern?

Planning

Verification

Pattern

Mello Mood Top

A relaxed worsted tank • knitted in the round • beginner

Skill Level

Sizes

Finished Measurements

Materials

Gauge

Abbreviations (US)

Notes

Pattern

Body (worked in the round)

Divide for Front and Back

Back

Front

Join Shoulders

Neckband

Armhole Bands

Finishing

Schematic (flat measurements)

Beginner Tips

Customizing

More free patterns to try

Access your pattern anytime