Modern Square-Neck Tank Top

Size M–L (Beginner)

A clean, modern sleeveless tank worked flat in stockinette with 2×2 rib trim and a structured square neckline. Perfect for summer or layering. Designed for knitters who tend to work tightly.

Sizes

M–L (one size) Finished bust circumference: 42½" (108 cm) with ~2–4" positive ease Finished length (shoulder to hem): 22½" (57 cm) Armhole depth: 8" (20.5 cm)

Yarn

Tarn acrylic (or similar worsted-weight acrylic), 100 g = 238 yd / 218 m 4 skeins = 400 g / 952 yd / 872 m total Estimated usage: approx. 350 g

Needles

US 7 / 4.5 mm straight or circular needles (or size needed to obtain gauge) Optional: US 6 / 4 mm for firmer rib bands

Notions

Stitch holders or waste yarn Tapestry needle Scissors Blocking mats and pins

Gauge

18 sts and 17 rows = 4" (10 cm) in stockinette stitch on US 7 / 4.5 mm, after blocking (User swatch: 18 sts = 10 cm, 18 rows = 10.5 cm — matches closely; knits tightly so do not go down a needle size)

Abbreviations (US)

BO = bind off CO = cast on dec = decrease k = knit k2tog = knit 2 together p = purl p2tog = purl 2 together RS = right side ssk = slip, slip, knit (or slip 1, knit 1, pass slipped stitch over) st(s) = stitch(es) WS = wrong side St st = stockinette stitch (knit RS, purl WS)

Notes

• Pattern is written for beginners: only basic bind-offs and single decreases.
• Work flat. Seam after blocking.
• Slip the first stitch of every row purlwise for neat edges (optional but recommended).
• When shaping, work decreases 1 st in from the edge (k1, ssk at start of RS row; k2tog, k1 at end) for clean selvedges.
• Square neck is formed by binding off center stitches and working each side separately—no short rows needed.
• Because you knit tightly, measure your pieces against the schematic rather than relying solely on row counts.
• Inline counts are validated with ✓.

BACK

With US 7 / 4.5 mm needles, CO 96 sts.

Ribbing Row 1 (RS): *K2, p2; rep from * to end. Row 2 (WS): *K2, p2; rep from * to end. Repeat Rows 1–2 until ribbing measures 2" (5 cm), ending after a WS row. (96 sts remain ✓)

Body Change to St st. Work even in St st until piece measures 14" (35.5 cm) from CO edge, ending after a WS row.

Shape Armholes Next row (RS): BO 4 sts, knit to end. (92 sts) Next row (WS): BO 4 sts, purl to end. (88 sts ✓) Dec row (RS): K1, ssk, knit to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1. (2 sts dec) Next row (WS): Purl. Repeat Dec row every RS row 5 more times (6 dec rows total). (88 – 12 = 76 sts ✓)

Work even in St st on 76 sts until armhole measures 8" (20.5 cm), ending after a WS row. Total length from CO approx. 22" (56 cm).

Shape Shoulders and Back Neck Next row (RS): BO 7 sts, k15 (including st left from BO), join a second ball of yarn and BO center 32 sts, knit to end. (You now have two sides: 22 sts Right Back shoulder / 22 sts Left Back shoulder ✓)

Work both sides at the same time with separate balls.

Left Back shoulder (as worn) Next row (WS): BO 7 sts, purl to neck edge. Next row (RS): Knit. Next row (WS): BO 7 sts, purl to end. Next row (RS): Knit. Next row (WS): BO remaining 8 sts.

Right Back shoulder Next row (WS): Purl to end. Next row (RS): BO 7 sts, knit to end. Next row (WS): Purl. Next row (RS): BO 7 sts, knit to end. Next row (WS): Purl. Next row (RS): BO remaining 8 sts.

Fasten off. (Shoulder totals each side: 7+7+8 = 22 sts ✓)

FRONT

Work exactly as for Back until armhole shaping is complete and you have 76 sts, then continue until armhole measures 4" (10 cm), ending after a WS row. (This leaves 4" / 10 cm for neck depth.)

Shape Square Neck Next row (RS): K22, join a second ball of yarn and BO center 32 sts, knit to end. (22 sts each side ✓)

Working both sides at the same time:

Work even in St st on each side until armhole measures same as Back (8" / 20.5 cm), ending after a WS row. (No further neck decreases—square neck stays straight.)

Shape Shoulders Work shoulder bind-offs exactly as for Back (BO 7 sts once, then 7 sts, then 8 sts on each shoulder). Fasten off.

FINISHING

Block both pieces to measurements:

• Width: 21¼" (54 cm)
• Length: 22½" (57 cm)
• Armhole depth: 8" (20.5 cm)
• Neck width: 7" (18 cm)
• Each shoulder: 5" (12.5 cm)

Seam With mattress stitch, sew shoulder seams. Sew side seams from hem to underarm, leaving armholes open.

Armhole Bands (make 2) With RS facing and US 7 / 4.5 mm (or optional smaller needle), pick up and knit 84 sts evenly around armhole (approx. 3 sts for every 4 rows). Work 2×2 rib (*k2, p2; rep from *) for 4 rows (or 1" / 2.5 cm). BO loosely in rib.

Neckband With RS facing, pick up and knit:

• 32 sts across back neck,
• 18 sts down left front neck,
• 32 sts across front neck BO,
• 18 sts up right front neck. Total 100 sts ✓

Join to work in the round if using circular needle, or work flat and seam later. Work 2×2 rib for 4 rounds/rows (1" / 2.5 cm). BO loosely in rib.

Weave in all ends. Block bands lightly if needed.

Schematic Measurements (after blocking)

          5" shoulder   7" neck   5" shoulder
         |------------|---------|------------|
         |                                 |
    8"   |           SQUARE NECK           |  8"
 armhole |                                 | armhole
         |                                 |
         |--------------- 21¼" ---------------|
         |                                 |
   14"   |              BODY               |
         |                                 |
         |--------------- 21¼" ---------------|
                    (42½" full bust)

Tips for Success

• Check gauge again after 2" of body; adjust needle size if piece is wider/narrower than 21¼".
• Keep selvage edges even for easier seaming.
• If you prefer a slightly closer fit, wash and block aggressively to relax the acrylic.
• Yarn remaining can be used for a matching headband or small pouch.

Enjoy your modern tank!