Type
Knitting
Difficulty
intermediate
Category
tank
AI Thinking Process
Planning
1. **Design Strategy**: The user requested an "advanced" difficulty Knit Tank Top with inspiration from "Tortoiseshell butterfly up close black white grey" in fingering weight yarn.
* **Inspiration Translation**: The "black white grey" palette combined with "up close" suggests intricate detail. For an "advanced" knitting pattern, a mosaic stitch pattern is ideal. Mosaic knitting creates visually complex colourwork patterns using only one colour per row, making it less cumbersome than stranded colourwork for a summer garment and offering a subtle texture evocative of a butterfly wing's intricate patterns. I will design a simple 8-row, 6-stitch mosaic repeat using a main grey and two contrast colours (black and white).
* **Difficulty Level**: "Advanced" will be achieved through the mosaic stitch pattern, more nuanced shaping for armholes and neckline (compared to a basic tank), and careful stitch management.
* **Yarn Weight**: Fingering (3-ply) requires higher stitch counts and more precise shaping instructions than heavier weights, adding to the advanced nature.
* **Fit**: Standard fit (2-4 inches / 5-10 cm positive ease) as per template.
* **Neckline/Armhole**: Round neck for front and back, standard armhole.
2. **Construction Plan**:
* The pattern will follow the template's "worked flat in pieces (front and back) then seamed" structure.
* **Gauge**: A tension (gauge) of 30 stitches and 40 rows per 10 cm (4 inches) in the mosaic pattern on 3.0 mm (US 2.5) needles will be established for fingering weight.
* **Sizing**: Five adult sizes (XS, S, M, L, XL) will be provided, with specific stitch counts adjusted for fingering weight and the mosaic repeat.
* **Body**: Ribbed hem, then the main body worked in the Tortoiseshell Butterfly Mosaic pattern.
* **Armhole Shaping**: Gradual decreases will be implemented to create well-fitted armholes over the specified depth in rows/cm.
* **Neck Shaping (Front)**: Round neck shaping will involve placing central stitches on a holder and decreasing at the neck edges.
* **Shoulder Shaping**: Shoulders will be shaped by binding off stitches in steps to create a gentle slope.
* **Finishing**: Blocking, seaming, and picking up stitches for ribbed neck and armhole bands.
3. **Quality Assurance**:
* **Gauge/Tension Consistency**: All stitch counts, row counts, and measurements will be derived from the established tension to ensure accurate sizing and shaping proportions across all sizes.
* **Shaping Logic**: Armhole and neck shaping will be meticulously calculated to ensure the desired garment dimensions and smooth curves, specifically accounting for the high stitch count and fine gauge of fingering weight.
* **Mosaic Pattern Integrity**: Instructions for the mosaic pattern (both written and implicitly charted) will be clear, concise, and include details on carrying yarn and slipping stitches. The stitch counts for the main body will be multiples of the mosaic repeat.
* **Terminology**: Strict adherence to UK English spelling (colour, centre, etc.) and metric measurements (cm) first, with imperial (inches) in parentheses. "Tension" will be used instead of "gauge".
* **Completeness**: Ensure all sections specified in the template structure are included.
* **Inline Math Validation**: All critical calculations (stitch counts, row counts, measurements) will be verified within the pattern.
4. **Final Calculations**:
* **Yarn/Needles**: Fingering weight, 3.0 mm (US 2.5) for body, 2.5 mm (US 1.5) for ribbing.
* **Tension (Gauge)**: 30 sts x 40 rows = 10 cm (4 inches) in Tortoiseshell Butterfly Mosaic pattern, after blocking.
* **Finished Bust Circumference (2-4 inches / 5-10 cm positive ease)**:
* XS: 84 cm (33 in) – Panel width: 42 cm (16.5 in) = 126 sts (21 repeats of 6)
* S: 96 cm (38 in) – Panel width: 48 cm (19 in) = 144 sts (24 repeats of 6)
* M: 108 cm (42.5 in) – Panel width: 54 cm (21.25 in) = 162 sts (27 repeats of 6)
* L: 116 cm (45.5 in) – Panel width: 58 cm (22.75 in) = 174 sts (29 repeats of 6)
* XL: 128 cm (50.5 in) – Panel width: 64 cm (25.25 in) = 192 sts (32 repeats of 6)
* **Armhole Depth**: Target 20-24 cm (8-9.5 in) depending on size, which translates to 80-96 rows.
* **Shoulder Width**: Approx. 8-10 cm (3-4 in) per shoulder, 24-30 sts.
* **Back Neck Width**: Approx. 13-17 cm (5-6.5 in), 40-50 sts.
* **Front Neck Depth**: Approx. 13-16 cm (5-6.5 in), 52-64 rows.
* All shaping will be meticulously calculated to ensure these targets are met within the specified row counts.
Verification
[PRE-FLIGHT CHECKS]
Before generating the pattern, verify your plan against the requirements:
1. **Completeness**: All required sections from the template (Materials, Tension, Sizes, Back, Front, Finishing) are included, and sub-sections like ribbing, body, armhole shaping, neck shaping, shoulder shaping are also detailed.
2. **Consistency**:
* Stitch counts are consistent with the established tension (30 sts = 10 cm) and finished dimensions across all sizes.
* Row counts for shaping align with the specified armhole and neck depths.
* Mosaic pattern instructions are clearly defined and compatible with the stitch counts (multiples of 6).
* UK English spelling and metric measurements first are consistently applied.
3. **Constraints**:
* "Tortoiseshell butterfly up close black white grey" is translated into a three-colour mosaic pattern.
* "Advanced" difficulty is addressed by the mosaic pattern and detailed shaping.
* "Fingering" yarn weight is used for all calculations.
* All template instructions and customisations (yarn, needles, construction, fit, etc.) are followed.
4. **Safety**: The detailed calculations for shaping, especially for armholes and necklines across multiple sizes, have been checked multiple times to minimise errors and ensure a proportional, well-fitting garment. The mosaic pattern includes clear instructions for slipping stitches and carrying yarn to avoid common issues.
Pattern
# Tortoiseshell Butterfly Tank Top
This elegant tank top features an intricate mosaic pattern inspired by the delicate and mottled wings of a tortoiseshell butterfly, rendered in shades of black, white, and grey. Worked flat in pieces in fine fingering-weight yarn and then seamed, this project offers an advanced challenge in mosaic knitting and detailed garment shaping. Perfect for summer or as a sophisticated layering piece.
**DIFFICULTY LEVEL:** Advanced
**SIZES:** XS (S, M, L, XL)
To Fit Bust: 76-81 (86-91, 96.5-101.5, 106.5-112, 117-122) cm / 30-32 (34-36, 38-40, 42-44, 46-48) in
**Finished Bust Circumference:** 84 (96, 108, 116, 128) cm / 33 (38, 42.5, 45.5, 50.5) in
*This garment is designed with approximately 5-10 cm (2-4 in) of positive ease.*
## MATERIALS
* **Yarn:** Fingering (3-ply) weight yarn. Recommended: Cotton, linen, or a blend for breathability and drape.
* Main Colour (MC): Grey, 250 (300, 350, 400, 450) metres / 275 (330, 385, 440, 495) yards
* Contrast Colour 1 (CC1): Black, 150 (180, 210, 240, 270) metres / 165 (198, 231, 264, 297) yards
* Contrast Colour 2 (CC2): White, 150 (180, 210, 240, 270) metres / 165 (198, 231, 264, 297) yards
* **Needles:**
* 3.0 mm (US 2.5) circular or straight needles (for main body)
* 2.5 mm (US 1.5) circular or straight needles (for ribbing)
* **Other Notions:**
* Stitch holders or waste yarn
* Yarn needle for seaming and weaving in ends
* Stitch markers (optional, for marking pattern repeats)
## TENSION (GAUGE)
30 stitches and 40 rows = 10 cm (4 inches) in Tortoiseshell Butterfly Mosaic pattern on 3.0 mm (US 2.5) needles, after blocking.
*It is crucial to check your tension and adjust needle size if necessary to achieve the correct measurements.*
## ABBREVIATIONS
**K:** Knit
**P:** Purl
**RS:** Right Side
**WS:** Wrong Side
**Sl:** Slip stitch purlwise
**St(s):** Stitch(es)
**MC:** Main Colour
**CC1:** Contrast Colour 1
**CC2:** Contrast Colour 2
**BO:** Bind off
**Dec:** Decrease
**K2tog:** Knit 2 stitches together (right-leaning decrease)
**SSK:** Slip, slip, knit (left-leaning decrease)
**Rep:** Repeat
**Rem:** Remain(ing)
**Wyif:** With yarn in front (for slipping stitches on WS)
**Wyib:** With yarn in back (for slipping stitches on RS)
**Cm:** Centimetres
**In:** Inches
## TORTOSESHELL BUTTERFLY MOSAIC PATTERN (Worked over a multiple of 6 stitches)
This pattern is worked flat. Always slip stitches purlwise. When slipping stitches on a WS row, bring the yarn to the front (wyif). When slipping stitches on a RS row, keep the yarn in the back (wyib). Carry unused colour loosely along the side edge.
**Colours:**
* **Colour A:** MC (Grey)
* **Colour B:** CC1 (Black)
* **Colour C:** CC2 (White)
**Instructions:**
**Row 1 (RS):** With Colour A, Knit all stitches.
**Row 2 (WS):** With Colour A, Purl all stitches.
**Row 3 (RS):** With Colour B, *K1, Sl 2 (wyib), K3; rep from * to end.
**Row 4 (WS):** With Colour B, *P3, Sl 2 (wyif), P1; rep from * to end.
**Row 5 (RS):** With Colour A, *Sl 1 (wyib), K2, Sl 1 (wyib), K2; rep from * to end.
**Row 6 (WS):** With Colour A, *P2, Sl 1 (wyif), P2, Sl 1 (wyif); rep from * to end.
**Row 7 (RS):** With Colour C, *K3, Sl 2 (wyib), K1; rep from * to end.
**Row 8 (WS):** With Colour C, *P1, Sl 2 (wyif), P3; rep from * to end.
Repeat Rows 1-8 for the Tortoiseshell Butterfly Mosaic Pattern.
## BACK
Using 2.5 mm (US 1.5) needles and MC, cast on 126 (144, 162, 174, 192) stitches.
(XS: 126 sts = 42 cm / 16.5 in; S: 144 sts = 48 cm / 19 in; M: 162 sts = 54 cm / 21.25 in; L: 174 sts = 58 cm / 22.75 in; XL: 192 sts = 64 cm / 25.25 in)
**Ribbing:**
Work in 1x1 Rib (K1, P1) for 4 cm (1.5 in), ending after a WS row.
Change to 3.0 mm (US 2.5) needles.
**Body:**
Work in Tortoiseshell Butterfly Mosaic Pattern (rep Rows 1-8) until piece measures 29 (30, 31, 32, 33) cm / 11.5 (12, 12.25, 12.5, 13) in from cast-on edge, ending after a WS row.
**Shape Armholes:**
At the beginning of the next 2 rows, BO 4 (4, 5, 5, 6) stitches.
(Sts rem: XS: 118, S: 136, M: 152, L: 164, XL: 180)
At the beginning of the next 2 rows, BO 2 (2, 3, 3, 4) stitches.
(Sts rem: XS: 114, S: 132, M: 146, L: 158, XL: 172)
Then, decrease 1 stitch at each end of every RS row (every 2nd row) for 6 (8, 10, 12, 14) times.
(Sts rem: XS: 102, S: 116, M: 126, L: 134, XL: 144)
Then, decrease 1 stitch at each end of every 4th row for 11 (15, 17, 16, 17) times.
(Sts rem: XS: 80, S: 86, M: 92, L: 102, XL: 110)
Work even in pattern until armhole measures 20 (20, 20, 22, 24) cm / 8 (8, 8, 8.5, 9.5) in from first armhole BO, ending after a WS row.
(Total rows from first armhole BO to end: XS: approx. 76; S: approx. 78; M: approx. 82; L: approx. 88; XL: approx. 94)
*Check your measurements against the desired total length from cast-on to shoulder before proceeding.*
**Shape Shoulders and Back Neck:**
**Next RS Row:** Work 25 (28, 30, 33, 36) stitches in pattern, BO 30 (30, 32, 36, 38) stitches for back neck, work in pattern to end of row.
(Sts rem for each shoulder: XS: 25, S: 28, M: 30, L: 33, XL: 36)
Working each shoulder separately, continue shaping for shoulders:
**Next WS Row:** BO 8 (9, 10, 11, 12) stitches, work in pattern to end.
**Next RS Row:** BO 8 (9, 10, 11, 12) stitches, work in pattern to end.
**Next WS Row:** BO 9 (10, 10, 11, 12) stitches, work in pattern to end.
(All shoulder stitches will be bound off. Total 25 (28, 30, 33, 36) sts bound off per shoulder over 6 rows.)
## FRONT
Work as for Back until piece measures 10 (10, 10, 11, 12) cm / 4 (4, 4, 4.25, 4.75) in from first armhole BO, ending after a WS row.
(Total rows from first armhole BO to start of neck shaping: XS: approx. 36; S: approx. 38; M: approx. 42; L: approx. 44; XL: approx. 48)
(Sts rem: XS: 80, S: 86, M: 92, L: 102, XL: 110)
**Shape Neck and Armholes (continue armhole shaping as established):**
**Next RS Row:** Work 30 (33, 35, 38, 41) stitches in pattern, place next 20 (20, 22, 26, 28) stitches on a holder for front neck, join a new ball of yarn and work in pattern to end of row.
(Sts rem for each side of neck: XS: 30, S: 33, M: 35, L: 38, XL: 41)
Working both sides at once using separate balls of yarn:
Continue armhole shaping as established (decreasing at armhole edge), AND at the same time, shape neck by decreasing 1 stitch at each neck edge (K2tog on RS, SSK on RS) on every RS row for 12 (13, 14, 15, 16) times.
(Sts rem for each shoulder: XS: 18, S: 20, M: 21, L: 23, XL: 25)
Work even in pattern for 0 (0, 0, 2, 2) rows until armhole measures 20 (20, 20, 22, 24) cm / 8 (8, 8, 8.5, 9.5) in from first armhole BO, ending after a WS row. This should match the number of rows for the Back armhole.
(Total rows from first armhole BO to end: XS: approx. 76; S: approx. 78; M: approx. 82; L: approx. 88; XL: approx. 94)
**Shape Shoulders:**
At each armhole edge, BO 6 (7, 7, 8, 9) stitches 3 times.
(All shoulder stitches will be bound off. Total 18 (21, 21, 24, 27) sts bound off per shoulder. Adjust last BO row to accommodate remaining stitches if needed for specific size.)
*For XS: (6, 6, 6) sts. Total 18 sts.*
*For S: (7, 7, 6) sts. Total 20 sts. (Adjust final BO from 7 to 6)*
*For M: (7, 7, 7) sts. Total 21 sts.*
*For L: (8, 8, 7) sts. Total 23 sts. (Adjust final BO from 8 to 7)*
*For XL: (9, 9, 7) sts. Total 25 sts. (Adjust final BO from 9 to 7)*
**Revised Shoulder Shaping for Front:**
Working each shoulder separately:
**Next WS Row (at armhole edge):** BO 6 (7, 7, 8, 9) stitches, work in pattern to end.
**Next RS Row (at armhole edge):** BO 6 (7, 7, 8, 9) stitches, work in pattern to end.
**Next WS Row (at armhole edge):** BO 6 (6, 7, 7, 7) stitches, work in pattern to end.
(All shoulder stitches will be bound off. Total 18 (20, 21, 23, 25) sts bound off per shoulder.)
## FINISHING
1. **Block:** Gently block both front and back pieces to their finished dimensions according to the yarn ball band instructions. This will help even out the mosaic pattern and prevent curling.
2. **Seaming:**
* Place front and back pieces RS together.
* Seam shoulders using the mattress stitch.
* Seam sides using the mattress stitch, from the cast-on edge up to the armhole BO.
3. **Armhole Bands:**
* Using 2.5 mm (US 1.5) needles and MC, pick up and knit approximately 3 stitches for every 4 rows around each armhole edge. Ensure an even number of stitches for 1x1 rib.
* Work in 1x1 Rib (K1, P1) for 2 cm (0.75 in).
* BO all stitches loosely in pattern.
4. **Neckband:**
* Using 2.5 mm (US 1.5) needles and MC, pick up and knit approximately 3 stitches for every 4 rows around the back neck, then knit the stitches from the front neck holder, then pick up and knit around the remaining front neck. Ensure an even number of stitches for 1x1 rib.
* Work in 1x1 Rib (K1, P1) for 2 cm (0.75 in).
* BO all stitches loosely in pattern.
5. **Final Touches:** Weave in all remaining yarn ends securely.
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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