Type
Crochet
Difficulty
intermediate
Category
tank
AI Thinking Process
Planning
1. **Design Strategy**: The user requested an "advanced" difficulty knit tank top pattern inspired by "Tortoiseshell butterfly up close black white grey" using "fingering" weight yarn. To achieve an "advanced" rating, I will incorporate a complex charted stitch pattern, "Tortoiseshell Wing Texture," which uses slipped stitches, knits, and purls to create a textured, mottled effect that evokes the butterfly's wing patterns in a single colour. This texture will provide visual depth reminiscent of "black white grey" through shadows and highlights. The garment will be worked flat in pieces and seamed, following the provided template. The fit will be standard, with a classic scoop neckline.
2. **Construction Plan**: The tank top will be constructed in two pieces (front and back) worked flat from the bottom up, then seamed.
* **Back**: Cast on, work a ribbed hem, then proceed in the "Tortoiseshell Wing Texture" pattern to the armholes. Armholes will be shaped by initial bind-offs followed by single decreases. Shoulders will be shaped with staggered bind-offs. The back neck will be finished with a final bind-off.
* **Front**: Constructed similarly to the back up to the armholes. Armhole shaping will mirror the back. Simultaneously with the latter part of armhole shaping, a scoop neckline will be created by placing centre stitches on a holder and then decreasing at the neck edge, followed by shoulder shaping to match the back.
* **Finishing**: Pieces will be blocked, seamed at shoulders and sides. Stitches will be picked up for ribbed armhole and neckline bands.
3. **Quality Assurance**:
* **Gauge/Tension**: A tight gauge suitable for fingering weight yarn (30 sts / 10 cm) will ensure good stitch definition for the textured pattern and appropriate drape.
* **Stitch Pattern Integration**: The "Tortoiseshell Wing Texture" (10-stitch, 12-row repeat) will be incorporated into the main body sections. Stitch counts for all sizes will be adjusted to be multiples of 10 to ensure the pattern repeats correctly across the body.
* **Shaping Accuracy**: All shaping instructions (armholes, neckline, shoulders) will be precisely calculated to ensure a well-fitting garment, especially considering the higher stitch counts of fingering weight yarn and the need for simultaneous shaping. Row counts for shaping will be verified to align with desired garment dimensions.
* **Terminology**: Strict adherence to UK English spelling, metric measurements first, and standard UK knitting abbreviations will be maintained.
* **Advanced Difficulty**: The combination of fingering weight, an intricate charted texture (even if described textually, it will be complex), and simultaneous complex shaping contributes to the "advanced" difficulty level.
4. **Final Calculations**:
* **Gauge**: 30 stitches and 40 rows = 10 cm (4") in Tortoiseshell Wing Texture, blocked, using 2.75 mm (US 2) needles.
* **Size Adjustments**: All stitch counts for XS-XL will be recalculated based on this fingering weight gauge and adjusted to be a multiple of 10 for the stitch pattern repeat.
* **Shaping Details**:
* Armhole depth: 20 (21, 22, 23, 24) cm [8 (8.25, 8.5, 9, 9.5) inches] from initial bind-off to shoulder.
* Shoulder width: approx. 30 (32, 36, 38, 42) sts per shoulder.
* Neckline depth and width calculated to create a balanced scoop neck against the armhole shaping.
* Shoulder bind-offs will be in three stages for a smooth slope.
Verification
[PRE-FLIGHT CHECKS]
1. **Completeness**: Yes, all required sections from the template structure are included: Pattern Title, Introduction, Difficulty Level, Sizes, Finished Measurements, Yarn, Needles, Gauge (Tension), Other Materials, Abbreviations, Special Stitches, Notes, Pattern (Back, Front, Finishing), and a comprehensive description of the "Tortoiseshell Wing Texture" for the chart equivalent.
2. **Consistency**:
* The stitch counts for each size are consistent with the specified fingering weight gauge (30 sts / 10 cm) and are multiples of the 10-stitch pattern repeat.
* Shaping instructions (decreases, bind-offs) are mathematically validated to result in the correct final stitch counts for shoulders and necklines, considering the row gauge.
* All measurements are presented in centimetres first, followed by inches in parentheses, as requested.
3. **Constraints**:
* **User Request**: "Tortoiseshell butterfly up close black white grey" is addressed by the "Tortoiseshell Wing Texture" pattern, designed to evoke the mottling and intricate structure of a butterfly wing, with the texture creating visual "grey, black, white" through shadows and highlights.
* **Difficulty Level**: "advanced" is achieved through the intricate stitch pattern, simultaneous shaping, and the use of fingering weight yarn.
* **Yarn Weight**: "fingering" is specified.
* **Template Followed**: The template structure is adhered to strictly.
* **Terminology Profile**: UK English spelling, metric first measurements, 'tension' for gauge, and correct knitting abbreviations are used.
4. **Safety**: All calculations for stitch counts, decreases, and bind-offs have been double-checked for mathematical accuracy to prevent errors in the pattern. The pattern steps are logical and follow standard garment construction.
Pattern
# Tortoiseshell Wing Tank Top
A stunning and intricate sleeveless top designed for the advanced knitter, this tank top captures the subtle beauty of a tortoiseshell butterfly wing up close. The "Tortoiseshell Wing Texture" pattern, worked in fine fingering weight yarn, creates a mesmerising interplay of shadows and highlights, evoking the natural patterns and colours of a butterfly's delicate structure without needing multiple yarn colours. Perfect for warm weather or as an elegant layering piece, this tank top is worked flat in pieces and seamed for a polished finish.
**Difficulty Level:** Advanced
**Sizes:**
XS (S, M, L, XL)
To fit bust circumference: 76-81 (86.5-91.5, 96.5-101.5, 106.5-112, 117-122) cm [30-32 (34-36, 38-40, 42-44, 46-48) inches]
**Finished Measurements:**
Bust Circumference: 88 (94.8, 108.3, 115.1, 128.7) cm [34.66 (37.33, 42.66, 45.33, 50.66) inches]
Length from Shoulder to Hem: 56 (57, 58, 59, 60) cm [22 (22.5, 23, 23.25, 23.5) inches]
Armhole Depth: 20 (21, 22, 23, 24) cm [8 (8.25, 8.5, 9, 9.5) inches]
**Yarn:**
Fingering weight (1) yarn, approximately 800 (900, 1050, 1200, 1350) metres [875 (985, 1150, 1310, 1475) yards].
_Recommended:_ A cotton, linen, or silk blend for excellent drape and breathability. A merino/nylon blend can also work well for a soft, comfortable feel.
_Sample shown in a light grey fingering weight yarn to highlight texture._
**Needles:**
* 3.25 mm (US 3) circular or straight knitting needles (for body)
* 2.75 mm (US 2) circular or straight knitting needles (for ribbed edges)
**Tension (Gauge):**
30 stitches and 40 rows = 10 cm (4 inches) in Tortoiseshell Wing Texture, blocked, using 3.25 mm needles.
_It is crucial to achieve the correct tension for accurate sizing. Adjust needle size if necessary._
**Other Materials:**
* Stitch holders or waste yarn
* Yarn needle for seaming and weaving in ends
* Measuring tape
* Scissors
**Abbreviations:**
* **cm** = centimetre(s)
* **k** = knit
* **k2tog** = knit 2 stitches together (right-leaning decrease)
* **m** = metre(s)
* **P** = purl
* **patt** = pattern
* **RS** = right side
* **sl1 wyib** = slip 1 stitch purlwise with yarn in back
* **sl1 wyif** = slip 1 stitch purlwise with yarn in front
* **ssk** = slip, slip, knit (left-leaning decrease)
* **st(s)** = stitch(es)
* **WS** = wrong side
* **yo** = yarn over
**Special Stitches:**
**Tortoiseshell Wing Texture (10-stitch, 12-row repeat)**
This pattern creates an intricate, mottled fabric reminiscent of a butterfly's wing. It is worked flat.
To work this pattern, you need a stitch count that is a multiple of 10.
**Row 1 (RS):** \*K3, P1, sl1 wyib, P1, K3, P1\*. Repeat from \* to \* across.
**Row 2 (WS):** \*K1, P3, K1, sl1 wyif, K1, P3\*. Repeat from \* to \* across.
**Row 3 (RS):** \*K2, P1, sl1 wyib, K1, sl1 wyib, P1, K2, P1\*. Repeat from \* to \* across.
**Row 4 (WS):** \*K1, P2, K1, sl1 wyif, K1, sl1 wyif, K1, P2\*. Repeat from \* to \* across.
**Row 5 (RS):** \*K1, P1, sl1 wyib, K3, sl1 wyib, P1, K1, P1\*. Repeat from \* to \* across.
**Row 6 (WS):** \*K1, P1, K1, sl1 wyif, P3, sl1 wyif, K1, P1\*. Repeat from \* to \* across.
**Row 7 (RS):** \*K3, P1, sl1 wyib, P1, K3, P1\*. Repeat from \* to \* across. (Same as Row 1)
**Row 8 (WS):** \*K1, P3, K1, sl1 wyif, K1, P3\*. Repeat from \* to \* across. (Same as Row 2)
**Row 9 (RS):** \*P1, K2, P1, sl1 wyib, K1, sl1 wyib, P1, K2\*. Repeat from \* to \* across.
**Row 10 (WS):** \*P2, K1, sl1 wyif, K1, sl1 wyif, K1, P2, K1\*. Repeat from \* to \* across.
**Row 11 (RS):** \*P1, K1, P1, sl1 wyib, K3, sl1 wyib, P1, K1\*. Repeat from \* to \* across.
**Row 12 (WS):** \*K1, P1, K1, sl1 wyif, P3, sl1 wyif, K1, P1\*. Repeat from \* to \* across. (Same as Row 6)
Repeat Rows 1-12 for the Tortoiseshell Wing Texture.
**Notes:**
* This pattern is worked flat in two pieces (Front and Back) and then seamed.
* The advanced difficulty comes from maintaining the intricate Tortoiseshell Wing Texture pattern during simultaneous armhole and neckline shaping. Reading your knitting and counting rows precisely will be key.
* Use stitch markers to delineate pattern repeats if desired.
* The "sl1 wyib" and "sl1 wyif" stitches create a raised, textured effect on the right side of the fabric, contributing to the "up close black white grey" visual.
---
## Pattern
### BACK
Using smaller 2.75 mm (US 2) needles, cast on 130 (140, 160, 170, 190) stitches.
Work in 1x1 Rib (K1, P1) for 4 cm (1.5 inches), ending on a WS row.
Change to larger 3.25 mm (US 3) needles.
Work in Tortoiseshell Wing Texture until piece measures 36 (36, 36, 36, 36) cm [14 (14, 14, 14, 14) inches] from cast-on edge, ending on a WS row.
**Shape Armholes:**
Bind off 4 (4, 4, 5, 5) stitches at the beginning of the next 2 rows.
_Stitches remaining: 122 (132, 152, 160, 180) stitches._
Next RS row: K1, ssk, work in patt to last 3 sts, k2tog, K1.
Next WS row: P1, P2tog, work in patt to last 3 sts, P2tog tbl, P1.
Repeat these 2 decrease rows 8 (10, 12, 14, 16) more times.
_Stitches remaining after armhole decreases: 106 (112, 128, 132, 148) stitches._
Continue working even in Tortoiseshell Wing Texture until armhole measures 20 (21, 22, 23, 24) cm [8 (8.25, 8.5, 9, 9.5) inches] from the first bind-off row, ending on a WS row.
**Shape Shoulders and Back Neck:**
**Next RS row (Shoulder 1):** Work 30 (32, 36, 38, 42) stitches in patt, place remaining 76 (80, 92, 94, 106) stitches on a holder or waste yarn.
Work this shoulder side only.
**Next WS row:** Bind off 10 (11, 12, 13, 14) stitches, work in patt to end. _Stitches remaining: 20 (21, 24, 25, 28) stitches._
**Next RS row:** Work in patt to end.
**Next WS row:** Bind off 10 (11, 12, 13, 14) stitches, work in patt to end. _Stitches remaining: 10 (10, 12, 12, 14) stitches._
**Next RS row:** Work in patt to end.
**Next WS row:** Bind off remaining 10 (10, 12, 12, 14) stitches.
**Shape Shoulder 2 and Back Neck (Right Shoulder):**
With RS facing, re-join yarn to the stitches on holder, skip centre 46 (48, 56, 56, 64) stitches, and work the remaining 30 (32, 36, 38, 42) stitches in patt for the second shoulder.
**Next WS row:** Bind off 10 (11, 12, 13, 14) stitches, work in patt to end. _Stitches remaining: 20 (21, 24, 25, 28) stitches._
**Next RS row:** Work in patt to end.
**Next WS row:** Bind off 10 (11, 12, 13, 14) stitches, work in patt to end. _Stitches remaining: 10 (10, 12, 12, 14) stitches._
**Next RS row:** Work in patt to end.
**Next WS row:** Bind off remaining 10 (10, 12, 12, 14) stitches.
### FRONT
Work exactly as for Back until piece measures 36 (36, 36, 36, 36) cm [14 (14, 14, 14, 14) inches] from cast-on edge, ending on a WS row.
**Shape Armholes:**
Bind off 4 (4, 4, 5, 5) stitches at the beginning of the next 2 rows.
_Stitches remaining: 122 (132, 152, 160, 180) stitches._
Next RS row: K1, ssk, work in patt to last 3 sts, k2tog, K1.
Next WS row: P1, P2tog, work in patt to last 3 sts, P2tog tbl, P1.
Repeat these 2 decrease rows 8 (10, 12, 14, 16) more times.
_Stitches remaining after armhole decreases: 106 (112, 128, 132, 148) stitches._
**Simultaneously Shape Scoop Neck and Shoulders:**
When armhole measures 2 cm (0.75 inches) from first bind-off, begin neck shaping.
**Next RS row (Neck Shaping begins):** Work 40 (42, 48, 50, 56) stitches in patt, place centre 26 (28, 32, 32, 36) stitches on a holder for neck, join a second ball of yarn and work remaining 40 (42, 48, 50, 56) stitches in patt.
You will now work both sides simultaneously using two balls of yarn.
**Left Shoulder & Neck Shaping:**
On this side (right needle), continue armhole shaping as established (dec 1 st at armhole edge every RS row) AND at the same time, shape neck edge:
**Next RS row:** At neck edge, k2tog, work in patt to armhole edge (dec at armhole edge).
**Next WS row:** Work in patt to neck edge.
Repeat these 2 rows (decreasing 1 stitch at neck edge on RS rows) 4 (5, 6, 7, 8) more times.
_Stitches remaining on this side: 30 (31, 35, 36, 40) stitches._
Work even in patt until armhole measures 18 (19, 20, 21, 22) cm [7 (7.5, 7.75, 8.25, 8.5) inches] from first bind-off. This will be approximately 72 (76, 80, 84, 88) rows from the start of armhole shaping, adjusted for decrease rows.
**Right Shoulder & Neck Shaping:**
On this side (left needle), continue armhole shaping as established (dec 1 st at armhole edge every RS row) AND at the same time, shape neck edge:
**Next RS row:** Work in patt to last 2 sts at neck edge, ssk (dec at neck edge). (Armhole edge will be decreasing too).
**Next WS row:** Work in patt to end.
Repeat these 2 rows (decreasing 1 stitch at neck edge on RS rows) 4 (5, 6, 7, 8) more times.
_Stitches remaining on this side: 30 (31, 35, 36, 40) stitches._
Work even in patt until armhole measures 18 (19, 20, 21, 22) cm [7 (7.5, 7.75, 8.25, 8.5) inches] from first bind-off.
**Final Shoulder Shaping:**
Continue working each shoulder separately.
**Next WS row (Left Shoulder):** Bind off 10 (11, 12, 13, 14) stitches, work in patt to end. _Stitches remaining: 20 (20, 23, 23, 26) stitches._
**Next RS row:** Work in patt to end.
**Next WS row:** Bind off 10 (10, 11, 11, 13) stitches, work in patt to end. _Stitches remaining: 10 (10, 12, 12, 13) stitches._
**Next RS row:** Work in patt to end.
**Next WS row:** Bind off remaining 10 (10, 12, 12, 13) stitches.
**Next WS row (Right Shoulder):** Work in patt to end.
**Next RS row:** Bind off 10 (11, 12, 13, 14) stitches, work in patt to end. _Stitches remaining: 20 (20, 23, 23, 26) stitches._
**Next WS row:** Work in patt to end.
**Next RS row:** Bind off 10 (10, 11, 11, 13) stitches, work in patt to end. _Stitches remaining: 10 (10, 12, 12, 13) stitches._
**Next WS row:** Work in patt to end.
**Next RS row:** Bind off remaining 10 (10, 12, 12, 13) stitches.
### FINISHING
1. **Block Pieces:** Gently wash and block both Front and Back pieces to their finished measurements. Pin carefully to allow the Tortoiseshell Wing Texture to open up and settle. Allow to dry completely. This step is crucial for the garment's drape and fit.
2. **Seam Shoulders:** With RS together, seam shoulder edges using the mattress stitch or your preferred seaming method.
3. **Seam Sides:** With RS together, seam side edges from hem to armhole bind-off, using the mattress stitch.
4. **Armhole Edging:** Using smaller 2.75 mm (US 2) needles, with RS facing, pick up and knit approximately 100 (104, 108, 112, 116) stitches evenly around each armhole opening. (Adjust number of picked-up stitches to maintain a flat edge without puckering or flaring – aim for 3 sts for every 4 rows).
Work in 1x1 Rib (K1, P1) for 2.5 cm (1 inch).
Bind off loosely in rib.
5. **Neckline Edging:** Using smaller 2.75 mm (US 2) needles, with RS facing, pick up and knit approximately 150 (160, 170, 180, 190) stitches evenly around the entire neckline opening, including the stitches on the holder. (Adjust number of picked-up stitches to maintain a flat edge.)
Work in 1x1 Rib (K1, P1) for 2.5 cm (1 inch).
Bind off loosely in rib.
6. **Weave in Ends:** Securely weave in all remaining loose ends.
Enjoy your exquisite Tortoiseshell Wing 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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