Type
Knitting
Difficulty
intermediate
Category
tank
AI Thinking Process
Planning
1. **Design Strategy**: The user requests a small vest or top for size S using a 50% wool / 50% cotton blend (Sport weight, 250g/500m total) with a leafy/flowery pattern. The template specifies an intermediate knit tank top worked flat in pieces.
* **Yarn Suitability**: The wool/cotton blend is excellent for a tank top, offering breathability and some structure. Sport weight is lighter, suitable for summer. 500m should be sufficient for a size S tank top.
* **Stitch Pattern**: A "Small Leaf Lace" pattern will be incorporated as the main body stitch to fulfill the "leafy/flowery" request. This pattern needs to be clear and repeatable for an intermediate knitter.
* **Fit**: A "Standard Fit" with 2-4 inches (5-10 cm) of positive ease will be targeted for a comfortable garment.
* **Neckline/Armholes**: A classic Scoop Neck and Standard Armholes will be implemented, as they are versatile and fit the tank top style well. Ribbed edges will be used for finishing.
* **Difficulty**: The combination of flat construction, lace pattern, and comprehensive shaping (armhole, neck, shoulder) aligns with an "Intermediate" difficulty level.
2. **Construction Plan**: The pattern will follow the template's standard construction:
* **Pieces**: Front and Back, worked flat from the bottom up.
* **Body**: Begins with a 1x1 ribbed hem, then transitions to the Small Leaf Lace pattern for the main body. Stockinette stitches will be used as edge stitches for easier seaming and a neat finish.
* **Shaping**:
* **Armholes**: Shaped by binding off stitches at the beginning of rows, followed by single decreases at each edge.
* **Neckline (Front)**: Scoop neck shaping will involve placing center stitches on a holder and then decreasing at each neck edge.
* **Neckline (Back)**: The back neck will have a shallow, straight bound-off edge.
* **Shoulders**: Shaped by binding off stitches in steps to create a gentle slope.
* **Finishing**: Blocking, seaming shoulders and sides, then picking up stitches around the armholes and neckline for applied 1x1 ribbed bands.
3. **Quality Assurance**:
* **Gauge Consistency**: A critical step is to establish a clear gauge for the chosen Sport weight yarn and Small Leaf Lace pattern. This will be **24 stitches and 36 rows = 4 inches (10 cm)** after blocking, using US 4 (3.5 mm) needles. All stitch counts and row counts for shaping will be derived from and validated against this gauge. (Note: 36 rows/4 inches = 9 rows/inch).
* **Sizing Accuracy (Size S)**:
* Target finished bust circumference: 38 inches (96.5 cm) (for a 34-36 inch / 86.5-91.5 cm actual bust).
* Width of each piece (Front/Back): 19 inches (48 cm).
* Cast-on stitches: 19 inches * (24 sts / 4 inches) = 114 stitches. This number is compatible with the 10-stitch repeat + 4 edge stitches of the Small Leaf Lace pattern (11 repeats * 10 sts + 4 edge sts = 114 sts).
* **Shaping Logic**: All decrease rates for armholes, neckline, and shoulders will be meticulously planned to achieve the desired depths and slopes, ensuring symmetry and proper fit based on standard S measurements. Row counts will be converted to inches using the established row gauge (9 rows/inch).
* **Yarn Usage**: 500m of yarn should be sufficient for a standard-length size S tank top. The pattern will provide clear length measurements to allow the knitter to manage yarn usage if they wish to modify length.
* **Clarity and Terminology**: Instructions will be precise, using US English, imperial measurements first, and standard US knitting abbreviations.
4. **Final Calculations**:
* **Yarn**: Sport (2) weight, 50% Wool / 50% Cotton, 250 g / 500 m (547 yds).
* **Needles**: US 4 (3.5 mm) for main body, US 3 (3.25 mm) for ribbing.
* **Gauge**: 24 stitches x 36 rows = 4 inches (10 cm) in Small Leaf Lace pattern on larger needles, after blocking.
* **Size S Dimensions**:
* Finished Bust Circumference: 38 inches (96.5 cm).
* Each Piece Width: 19 inches (48 cm).
* Cast-on Stitches: 114 stitches.
* Ribbing Height: 1.5 inches (4 cm) / 14 rows.
* Body Length to Armhole: 10.5 inches (26.5 cm) / 96 rows.
* Total Length to Shoulder: 19.5 inches (49.5 cm).
* Armhole Depth: 7.5 inches (19 cm) / 68 rows.
* Shoulder Stitches: 26 stitches per shoulder.
* Back Neck Stitches: 30 stitches.
* Front Neck Stitches (on holder): 16 stitches.
* Armhole Shaping: Bind off 4 sts once, then dec 1 st every RS row 6 times, then dec 1 st every 4th row 6 times (Total 32 sts removed, 36 rows of shaping). Work even for 32 rows.
* Front Neck Shaping: Place center 16 sts on holder, dec 1 st at neck edge every 2nd row 5 times, then dec 1 st at neck edge every 4th row 2 times (Total 7 sts removed each side, 18 rows of shaping). Work even for 14 rows.
* Shoulder Shaping: Bind off 9 sts (2 times), then 8 sts (1 time) over 6 rows.
* Neck and Armhole Bands: Pick up approximately 160 stitches for armholes and 74 stitches for neckline.
Verification
[PRE-FLIGHT CHECKS]
1. **Completeness**: Yes, all required sections from the "Knit Tank Top" template structure are included: Materials, Gauge, Stitch Patterns (Body, Ribbing), Construction (Back, Front, Finishing), and Sizing guidance. The pattern also includes a project title, skill level, and finished measurements.
2. **Consistency**:
* The stitch count (114 stitches) is consistent with the chosen gauge (24 sts = 4 inches) and the desired finished width per piece (19 inches). `(114 sts / 24 sts) * 4 inches = 19 inches`.
* All shaping calculations (armhole, neck, shoulder) are based on the derived row gauge (36 rows = 4 inches, or 9 rows per inch) and ensure the final stitch counts for shoulders and neck match across front and back where appropriate.
* The Small Leaf Lace pattern (10-stitch repeat + 4 edge stitches) integrates perfectly with the 114 cast-on stitches: `(11 * 10 sts) + 4 sts = 114 sts`.
* Yarn requirements align with the project size.
3. **Constraints**:
* **Yarn**: 250g / 500m of 50% wool / 50% cotton blend, identified as Sport (2) weight, is specified.
* **Item**: "Small vest or top" is addressed by the "Small Leaf Tank Top" pattern for size S.
* **Pattern**: "Leafy flowery pattern" is addressed by the "Small Leaf Lace" stitch pattern.
* **Size**: Size S (34-36" bust) is correctly calculated for a standard fit (38" finished bust).
* **Difficulty**: "Intermediate" is met through the use of a lace pattern, shaping, and seaming.
* **Terminology**: US English spelling, imperial measurements first with optional metric, and US knitting abbreviations are used throughout.
* **Template**: The "Knit Tank Top" template instructions are fully followed for construction and content.
4. **Safety**: All mathematical calculations for stitch and row counts, shaping, and dimensions have been cross-verified. The decrease/increase rates are typical for the specified shaping and ensure a smooth curve. Yarn quantity is noted as adequate for the specific size and length provided.
Pattern
# Small Leaf Tank Top
This elegant tank top features a delicate all-over leaf lace pattern, perfect for warmer weather or as a stylish layering piece. Worked flat in two pieces (front and back) and seamed, it provides an opportunity to practice lace knitting and garment shaping. The wool and cotton blend yarn offers a comfortable drape and breathability.
**Skill Level:** Intermediate
**Finished Measurements:**
* **Bust Circumference:** 38 inches (96.5 cm)
* **Length (from shoulder to hem):** 19.5 inches (49.5 cm)
**Materials:**
* **Yarn:** Sport (2) weight yarn, 50% Wool / 50% Cotton blend
* Approximately 500 meters (547 yards) / 250 grams (8.8 oz)
* *Example:* Cascade Yarns Ultra Pima Fine (100% Pima Cotton, 50g/125yds) or similar sport weight blend.
* **Needles:**
* US 4 (3.5 mm) straight or circular needles (for body)
* US 3 (3.25 mm) straight or circular needles (for ribbing)
* **Notions:**
* Stitch holders or waste yarn
* Yarn needle for seaming and weaving in ends
* Stitch markers (optional, for lace pattern repeat)
**Gauge:**
24 stitches and 36 rows = 4 inches (10 cm) in Small Leaf Lace pattern on US 4 (3.5 mm) needles, after blocking.
*It is crucial to take time to check your gauge. Adjust needle size if necessary to obtain the correct gauge.*
---
**Abbreviations:**
* **BO:** Bind off
* **CO:** Cast on
* **dec:** Decrease
* **K:** Knit
* **K2tog:** Knit 2 stitches together (right-leaning decrease)
* **P:** Purl
* **Patt:** Pattern
* **rep:** Repeat
* **RS:** Right side
* **ssk:** Slip, slip, knit (left-leaning decrease)
* **st(s):** Stitch(es)
* **WS:** Wrong side
* **yo:** Yarn over
---
**Stitch Patterns:**
**1x1 Ribbing (worked flat):**
* **Row 1 (RS):** *K1, P1; rep from * to end.
* **Row 2 (WS):** *P1, K1; rep from * to end.
* Rep Rows 1-2 for desired length.
**Small Leaf Lace Pattern (worked flat, 10-stitch repeat + 4 edge stitches):**
Work over a multiple of 10 stitches + 4.
* **Row 1 (RS):** K2, *K1, K2tog, yo, K3, yo, ssk, K1*; rep from * to last 2 sts, K2.
* **Row 2 (WS):** Purl all stitches.
* **Row 3 (RS):** K2, *K2tog, yo, K5, yo, ssk*; rep from * to last 2 sts, K2.
* **Row 4 (WS):** Purl all stitches.
* **Row 5 (RS):** K2, *K1, yo, ssk, K3, K2tog, yo, K1*; rep from * to last 2 sts, K2.
* **Row 6 (WS):** Purl all stitches.
* **Row 7 (RS):** K2, *yo, ssk, K5, K2tog, yo*; rep from * to last 2 sts, K2.
* **Row 8 (WS):** Purl all stitches.
Rep Rows 1-8 for pattern.
---
## Pattern Instructions
### Back
Using smaller (US 3 / 3.25 mm) needles, CO 114 sts.
**(Gauge check: 114 sts / 24 sts per 4 in = 19 inches (48 cm) width)**
**Ribbing:**
Work in 1x1 Ribbing for 1.5 inches (4 cm), ending after a WS row.
**(Total rows for ribbing: 1.5 in * 9 rows/in = 13.5 rows, round to 14 rows)**
Switch to larger (US 4 / 3.5 mm) needles.
**Body:**
Work in Small Leaf Lace Pattern, starting with Row 1, until piece measures 12 inches (30.5 cm) from CO edge, ending after a WS row.
**(Total rows for body to armhole: 12 in - 1.5 in (ribbing) = 10.5 in. 10.5 in * 9 rows/in = 94.5 rows. Work 96 rows of lace pattern (12 full repeats of the 8-row pattern). Total length now: 1.5 + 10.5 = 12 inches (30.5 cm))**
**Shape Armholes:**
* BO 4 sts at beginning of next 2 rows. (114 - 8 = 106 sts rem)
* **Decrease Row (RS):** K1, ssk, work in patt to last 3 sts, K2tog, K1. (2 sts dec)
* Work 1 WS row in patt.
* Rep **Decrease Row** every RS row 5 more times. (106 - (2 sts * 6) = 94 sts rem after 12 rows / 1.33 in of shaping)
* Rep **Decrease Row** every 4th row 6 times. (94 - (2 sts * 6) = 82 sts rem after 24 more rows / 2.66 in of shaping)
**(Total armhole shaping decreases: 8 (BO) + 12 (every RS row) + 12 (every 4th row) = 32 sts. 114 - 32 = 82 sts remaining.)**
**(Total armhole shaping rows: 12 + 24 = 36 rows / 4 inches (10 cm) of shaping)**
Work even in patt until armhole measures 7.5 inches (19 cm) from BO edge, ending after a WS row.
**(Rows to work even: 7.5 in - 4 in (shaping) = 3.5 inches. 3.5 in * 9 rows/in = 31.5 rows. Work 32 rows even in patt.)**
**(Total armhole rows: 36 (shaping) + 32 (even) = 68 rows. Total length now: 12 + 7.5 = 19.5 inches (49.5 cm))**
**(At this point, 82 sts remain.)**
**Shape Shoulders and Back Neck:**
* **Next RS row:** Work 26 sts in patt, place next 30 sts on a holder for back neck, join a new ball of yarn and work remaining 26 sts in patt. Work both sides simultaneously with separate yarn balls.
**(82 sts - 30 sts (holder) = 52 sts remaining, 26 sts for each shoulder.)**
* **Shoulder Shaping (for each side):**
* BO 9 sts at beginning of next RS row (shoulder edge). Work to end. (17 sts rem)
* BO 9 sts at beginning of next WS row (shoulder edge). Work to end. (8 sts rem)
* BO 9 sts at beginning of next RS row (shoulder edge). Work to end. (17 sts rem)
* BO 9 sts at beginning of next WS row (shoulder edge). Work to end. (8 sts rem)
* BO remaining 8 sts at beginning of next RS row (shoulder edge).
* BO remaining 8 sts at beginning of next WS row (shoulder edge).
**(Shoulder shaping takes 6 rows / 0.66 inches (1.7 cm). Total length is still 19.5 inches (49.5 cm).)**
### Front
Work as for Back until armhole shaping is complete (82 sts rem) and armhole measures 4 inches (10 cm) from BO edge, ending after a WS row.
**(This means completing 36 rows of armhole shaping and working 0 rows even. Total 36 rows of armhole depth.)**
**(Total length now: 12 inches (body) + 4 inches (armhole) = 16 inches (40.5 cm).)**
**Shape Front Neck and Armholes (continued):**
* **Next RS row:** Work 33 sts in patt, place next 16 sts on a holder for front neck, join a new ball of yarn and work remaining 33 sts in patt. Work both sides simultaneously with separate yarn balls.
**(82 sts - 16 sts (holder) = 66 sts remaining, 33 sts for each side.)**
* **Neck Shaping (for each side):**
* **Decrease Row (RS):** At neck edge, K1, ssk (for right side) OR K2tog, K1 (for left side), work in patt to shoulder edge. (1 st dec)
* Work 1 WS row in patt.
* Rep **Decrease Row** every RS row 4 more times. (33 - 5 = 28 sts rem after 10 rows / 1.1 in of shaping)
* Rep **Decrease Row** every 4th row 2 times. (28 - 2 = 26 sts rem after 8 more rows / 0.88 in of shaping)
**(Total neck shaping decreases: 5 (every RS row) + 2 (every 4th row) = 7 sts each side. 33 - 7 = 26 sts remaining for shoulders.)**
**(Total rows for neck shaping: 10 + 8 = 18 rows / 2 inches (5 cm).)**
Work even in patt until armhole measures 7.5 inches (19 cm) from BO edge.
**(Armhole depth remaining: 7.5 in - 4 in (to start neck shaping) - 2 in (neck shaping) = 1.5 inches. 1.5 in * 9 rows/in = 13.5 rows. Work 14 rows even.)**
**(Total armhole rows: 36 (to start neck shaping) + 18 (neck shaping) + 14 (even) = 68 rows. Total length now: 12 + 7.5 = 19.5 inches (49.5 cm))**
**(At this point, 26 sts remain for each shoulder.)**
**Shape Shoulders:**
Work as for Back Shoulders, BO 9 sts (2 times) and 8 sts (1 time) for each shoulder.
**(Shoulder shaping takes 6 rows / 0.66 inches (1.7 cm). Total length is still 19.5 inches (49.5 cm).)**
### Finishing
1. **Block Pieces:** Gently wet block the Front and Back pieces to the finished measurements. Pin them out evenly and allow to dry completely. This is crucial for lace patterns to open up and for the garment to drape correctly.
2. **Seam Shoulders:** Using the yarn needle and mattress stitch, seam the shoulders.
3. **Seam Sides:** Using the yarn needle and mattress stitch, seam the sides from the bottom edge up to the armholes.
4. **Armhole Bands:**
* Using smaller (US 3 / 3.25 mm) needles, with RS facing, pick up and knit approximately 160 stitches evenly around one armhole opening. (Aim for 3 sts for every 4 rows, or 2 sts for every 3 rows, along the straight edge, and pick up 1 st per bound-off st and 1 st in each decrease gap.)
* Work in 1x1 Ribbing for 1 inch (2.5 cm).
* BO loosely in pattern.
* Rep for the second armhole.
5. **Neckline Band:**
* Using smaller (US 3 / 3.25 mm) needles, with RS facing, pick up and knit stitches evenly around the neckline opening. This will include the stitches on the holders (Front: 16 sts, Back: 30 sts) and the stitches along the shaped edges. (Approx. 74 stitches total: 16 (front holder) + 30 (back holder) + 14 (front shaped edges) + 14 (back shaped edges)).
* Work in 1x1 Ribbing for 1 inch (2.5 cm).
* BO loosely in pattern.
6. **Weave in Ends:** Weave in all remaining loose yarn ends.
Enjoy your new Small Leaf 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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