purlJam

# The Simple Lines Tank Top
### A Minimalist Single Crochet Tank for Her

A clean, modern tank top worked entirely in single crochet — no fancy stitches, no complicated shaping, just relaxed everyday wear. Made in two straight panels and seamed, this is an ideal confidence-building project for advanced beginners. The fabric is soft and structured, with a straight neckline and comfortable straps.

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## Skill Level
**Easy** — requires only single crochet, basic increases/decreases, and simple seaming.

## Materials
- **Yarn:** Worsted weight (#4 medium), smooth cotton or cotton blend recommended for drape and breathability.
- **Yardage:**
  - Size S: ~750 yds (685 m)
  - Size M: ~850 yds (777 m)
  - Size L: ~975 yds (892 m)
  - Size XL: ~1,100 yds (1,006 m)
- **Hook:** US I/9 (5.5 mm) — *or size needed to obtain gauge*
- **Notions:** Tapestry needle, stitch markers, scissors

## Gauge
**14 sc × 16 rows = 4" (10 cm)** in single crochet, worked flat.
- Stitches per inch: 3.5
- Rows per inch: 4

> **Gauge tip:** Single crochet runs dense. Crochet a 5" × 5" swatch and block it. If your fabric feels stiff, go up to a US J/10 (6 mm) hook. Accurate gauge ensures correct fit.

## Sizes
Pattern is written for **Size S (M, L, XL)**.

| Size | Finished Bust | Panel Width (each) | Length (approx.) |
|------|---------------|--------------------|------------------|
| S    | 34" (86 cm)   | 17" / 60 sts       | 21" (53 cm)      |
| M    | 38" (97 cm)   | 19" / 66 sts       | 22" (56 cm)      |
| L    | 42" (107 cm)  | 21" / 74 sts       | 22" (56 cm)      |
| XL   | 46" (117 cm)  | 23" / 80 sts       | 23" (58 cm)      |

*Designed with ~2–3" of positive ease for a relaxed fit. Numbers throughout are given as S (M, L, XL).*

## Abbreviations (US Terms)
- **ch** = chain
- **sc** = single crochet
- **sc2tog** = single crochet two stitches together (decrease)
- **st(s)** = stitch(es)
- **RS / WS** = right side / wrong side
- **rep** = repeat
- **sl st** = slip stitch

## Pattern Notes
- The tank is made in **two identical panels** (Front and Back), worked **flat** from the bottom hem upward.
- The **turning chain (ch 1) does NOT count as a stitch.**
- Work all single crochet through **both loops** unless stated otherwise.
- Stitch counts are given in parentheses at the end of each row/section.
- Panels are seamed at the sides and shoulders during finishing.
- To begin each panel: the starting chain count = stitch count + 1 (the extra chain is your turning chain).

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## PANEL (Make 2 — Front and Back are identical)

### Foundation
Ch **61 (67, 75, 81)**.

**Row 1 (RS):** Sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across. Turn. — **60 (66, 74, 80) sc**

> *Math check: starting ch 61 minus the 1 skipped chain = 60 sc. ✓*

### Body
**Rows 2–56 (2–56, 2–56, 2–60):** Ch 1, sc in each st across. Turn. — **60 (66, 74, 80) sc**

Work until panel measures **14" (14", 14", 15")** from foundation edge.

> *Row math: 14" × 4 rows/in = 56 rows total (Rows 1–56). XL: 15" × 4 = 60 rows. ✓*

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### Armhole Shaping
You will decrease at both edges to shape the armholes.

**Next Row (RS):** Sl st across first **4 (4, 5, 5)** sts, ch 1, sc in next st and in each st until **4 (4, 5, 5)** sts remain, leave remaining sts unworked. Turn.
— **52 (58, 64, 70) sc**

> *Math check: 60 − 4 − 4 = 52 (M: 66 − 8 = 58; L: 74 − 10 = 64; XL: 80 − 10 = 70). ✓*

**Decrease Row:** Ch 1, sc2tog, sc in each st to last 2 sts, sc2tog. Turn. — decrease 2 sts.

Repeat the **Decrease Row** a total of **3 (4, 4, 5)** times.
— **46 (50, 56, 60) sc**

> *Math check: 52 − (3×2) = 46; M: 58 − (4×2) = 50; L: 64 − (4×2) = 56; XL: 70 − (5×2) = 60. ✓*

### Straight Armhole Section
**Next Rows:** Ch 1, sc in each st across. Turn.
Work even until armhole measures **5" (5", 5", 5")** from the first armhole shaping row — approximately **20 rows**.
— **46 (50, 56, 60) sc**

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### Neckline Shaping (Straight Minimalist Neckline)
The neckline is split to create two shoulder straps with a straight center front/back.

**Divide for Straps — Row 1 (RS):**
Ch 1, sc in first **12 (13, 15, 16)** sts (this is your first strap), leave the center **22 (24, 26, 28)** sts unworked for the neckline, and leave the remaining **12 (13, 15, 16)** sts for the second strap. Turn, working on the first strap only.
— **12 (13, 15, 16) sc** per strap

> *Math check: 12 + 22 + 12 = 46 (M: 13+24+13 = 50; L: 15+26+15 = 56; XL: 16+28+16 = 60). ✓*

**First Strap:**
Ch 1, sc in each st across. Turn.
Repeat until strap measures **3" (3", 3.5", 3.5")** — approximately **12 (12, 14, 14)** rows.
Fasten off, leaving a 12" tail for seaming.
— **12 (13, 15, 16) sc**

**Second Strap:**
With RS facing, rejoin yarn to the first st of the remaining **12 (13, 15, 16)** sts at the opposite edge.
Ch 1, sc in each st across. Turn.
Work to match the first strap — approximately **12 (12, 14, 14)** rows.
Fasten off, leaving a 12" tail.
— **12 (13, 15, 16) sc**

**Repeat the entire PANEL instructions for the second piece.**

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## FINISHING

### 1. Block
Gently wet-block or steam-block both panels to even out the single crochet stitches and set measurements. This greatly improves drape and appearance.

### 2. Shoulder Seams
With RS facing each other, align the Front and Back straps. Using the tapestry needle and the long tails, whipstitch or mattress-stitch each pair of straps together (left strap to left strap, right strap to right strap).

### 3. Side Seams
With RS facing each other, align the side edges of the Front and Back panels. Seam from the **bottom hem up to the start of the armhole shaping** on each side, using a whipstitch or mattress stitch. Leave the armhole openings unseamed.

### 4. Optional Edging (keeps it minimalist & tidy)
For clean edges around the armholes and neckline:
- With RS facing, join yarn at any point along an armhole opening.
- **Round 1:** Ch 1, work an even row of sc evenly around the opening (about 3 sc for every 4 rows along row-edges, 1 sc per st along stitch-edges). Join with a sl st to first sc. Fasten off.
- Repeat around the second armhole and around the neckline.

> *Tip: Work the edging slightly snug to prevent the openings from stretching out.*

### 5. Weave in Ends
Weave in all remaining yarn tails securely on the wrong side. Trim.

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## Care
Machine wash cold on gentle, lay flat to dry. Reshape while damp. Avoid wringing the fabric.

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### Final Measurement Verification
- **Bust:** 2 panels × 17" (19", 21", 23") = **34" (38", 42", 46")** ✓
- **Body to underarm:** 56 rows ÷ 4 rows/in = **14"** (XL: 60 ÷ 4 = 15") ✓
- **Armhole depth:** shaping (~3–5 rows ÷ 4) + 20 straight rows ÷ 4 ≈ **5"+** ✓
- **Total length:** ~14" body + ~5" armhole + ~3" strap = **~22"** ✓

Enjoy your handmade Simple Lines Tank — a clean, comfortable staple you'll reach for again and again!