Type
Crochet
Difficulty
intermediate
Category
tank
AI Thinking Process
Planning
1. **Design Strategy**: The user requested an "advanced" difficulty "Tortoiseshell butterfly up close black white grey" tank top using "fingering" weight yarn. To achieve the "advanced" difficulty and the "up close" butterfly detail, I will incorporate an Intarsia colourwork motif on the Front piece, depicting an abstract, mottled tortoiseshell wing pattern using the specified black, white, and grey tones. The pattern will be worked flat in pieces (front and back) and seamed, as per the template. A standard fit, crew neck, and standard armholes will keep the focus on the colourwork. The fine fingering yarn will allow for intricate detail in the colourwork.
2. **Construction Plan**:
* **Yarn & Needles**: Fingering weight yarn (Category 1) requiring smaller needles (2.5 mm and 3.0 mm).
* **Gauge/Tension**: A tight, consistent tension of 30 stitches and 40 rows per 10 cm (4 inches) in Stockinette stitch will be established.
* **Sizing**: Five adult sizes (XS, S, M, L, XL) will be provided, with finished bust measurements offering 5-10 cm (2-4 inches) of positive ease for a "Standard Fit". All stitch counts will be recalculated based on the fingering weight tension.
* **Pieces**: Front and Back pieces are worked identically for the lower body and armhole shaping start.
* **Front**: Will feature the Intarsia colourwork motif, which will be described conceptually with specific colour placement, starting above the ribbing. Neck and armhole shaping will be integrated around the motif.
* **Back**: Will be worked in solid Stockinette in the main background colour.
* **Shaping**: Standard armhole, neck, and shoulder shaping will be applied as specified in the template. A crew neck will be used for the neckline.
* **Finishing**: Seaming, blocking, and picking up stitches for ribbed neck and armhole bands will complete the garment.
* **Terminology**: All terminology will adhere to UK English spelling (e.g., colour, centre, grey) and metric measurements will be prominent, followed by imperial in parentheses. "Tension" will be used.
3. **Quality Assurance**:
* **Difficulty**: The inclusion of a multi-colour Intarsia motif, which requires managing multiple bobbins and careful yarn changes, elevates the difficulty to "Advanced" as requested. This is combined with standard garment shaping and seaming.
* **Consistency**: All stitch counts, row counts, and shaping instructions will be meticulously calculated and checked for internal consistency across all sizes, ensuring they align with the chosen tension.
* **Clarity**: Instructions for Intarsia colour changes and chart interpretation (even if conceptual in text) will be made clear to a knitter experienced with such techniques.
* **Template Adherence**: All sections outlined implicitly by the template instructions (e.g., Materials, Tension, Front, Back, Finishing) will be included.
4. **Final Calculations**:
* **Tension (Gauge)**: 30 sts x 40 rows = 10 cm (4 inches) in Stockinette Stitch.
* **Needle Sizes**: 3.0 mm (US 2.5) for main fabric, 2.5 mm (US 1.5) for ribbing.
* **Finished Bust Circumference (with 5-10 cm / 2-4" ease)**:
* XS: 86 cm (34") -> 129 sts per piece.
* S: 96 cm (38") -> 144 sts per piece.
* M: 106 cm (42") -> 159 sts per piece.
* L: 117 cm (46") -> 176 sts per piece (351 total / 2 = 175.5, rounded up).
* XL: 127 cm (50") -> 191 sts per piece (381 total / 2 = 190.5, rounded up).
* **Armhole Shaping**: Initial bind-off of 3 (3, 4, 4, 5) sts at each armhole edge, followed by decreases every right-side row.
* **Neck Shaping (Crew Neck)**: Central bind-off for neck opening, followed by further decreases at neck edge.
* **Shoulder Shaping**: Incremental bind-offs across shoulder width.
Verification
[PRE-FLIGHT CHECKS]
1. **Completeness**: Yes, the pattern will include all necessary sections derived from typical knit patterns and explicitly mentioned in the template instructions (Materials, Tension, Sizes, Finished Measurements, Front, Back, Finishing, etc.).
2. **Consistency**: Yes, all stitch counts and shaping instructions are derived directly from the chosen fingering weight tension and desired finished measurements. The math for cast-on stitches, shaping decreases/increases, and bind-offs will be consistent across all sizes and with the tension.
3. **Constraints**: Yes, all user requests have been addressed:
* "Tortoiseshell butterfly up close black white grey": Implemented via Intarsia colourwork motif on the Front piece, using specified black, white, and grey yarns.
* "difficulty level: advanced": Achieved by the Intarsia colourwork technique in addition to standard shaping.
* "YARN WEIGHT: fingering": All calculations and material recommendations are for fingering weight.
* "UK English spelling and metric measurements first": Applied throughout the pattern.
* "Use the term tension": Used instead of gauge.
* "TEMPLATE TO FOLLOW: Knit Tank Top" & "TEMPLATE STRUCTURE (you MUST include all these sections): []" -> The structure will follow a professional knit pattern format, incorporating all construction steps from the template instructions (Back, Front, Finishing, Materials, Sizes, etc.).
4. **Safety**: The calculations have been double-checked for each size, especially rounding for half stitches and ensuring the shaping percentages make sense for the chosen yarn weight. The method of working flat in pieces is standard and poses no particular safety risks. The Intarsia technique will require careful management of yarns to prevent tangles but is a common advanced technique.
Pattern
# Tortoiseshell Wing Tank Top
This elegant tank top features a stunning, abstract tortoiseshell butterfly wing motif on the front, rendered in monochrome shades of black, white, and grey. Worked flat in pieces and seamed, this project offers an engaging challenge for the advanced knitter with its intricate Intarsia colourwork and precise shaping. The use of fingering weight yarn creates a beautifully draped, lightweight fabric, perfect for warmer weather or sophisticated layering.
**Difficulty Level:** Advanced
**Sizes:**
XS (S, M, L, XL)
**Finished Measurements:**
Bust Circumference: 86 (96, 106, 117, 127) cm / 34 (38, 42, 46, 50) inches
Length from Shoulder to Hem: 53 (54, 55, 56, 57) cm / 21 (21.25, 21.75, 22, 22.5) inches
**Materials:**
* **Yarn:** Fingering weight (Category 1) yarn in the following colours:
* **MC (Main Colour):** Charcoal Grey – 250 (300, 350, 400, 450) metres / 275 (325, 385, 440, 495) yards
* **CC1 (Contrast Colour 1):** Silver Grey – 100 (120, 140, 160, 180) metres / 110 (130, 155, 175, 200) yards
* **CC2 (Contrast Colour 2):** Off-White – 80 (100, 120, 140, 160) metres / 90 (110, 130, 155, 175) yards
* **CC3 (Contrast Colour 3):** Black – 60 (80, 100, 120, 140) metres / 65 (90, 110, 130, 155) yards
* *Examples: Scheepjes Metropolis, Malabrigo Sock, Drops Fabel*
* **Needles:**
* 3.0 mm (US 2.5) circular or straight knitting needles (for main fabric)
* 2.5 mm (US 1.5) circular or straight knitting needles (for ribbing)
* **Other Notions:**
* Stitch holders or waste yarn
* Yarn bobbins (approximately 6-8 recommended for Intarsia)
* Tapestry needle for seaming and weaving in ends
* Stitch markers (optional)
**Tension (Gauge):**
30 stitches and 40 rows = 10 cm (4 inches) in Stockinette Stitch (knit on RS, purl on WS) using 3.0 mm needles, after blocking.
*It is crucial to check your tension and adjust needle size if necessary to achieve the stated tension. Incorrect tension will affect the finished garment size and yarn quantities.*
**Abbreviations:**
* **k** - knit
* **p** - purl
* **st(s)** - stitch(es)
* **RS** - right side
* **WS** - wrong side
* **rep** - repeat
* **MC** - main colour
* **CC1** - contrast colour 1
* **CC2** - contrast colour 2
* **CC3** - contrast colour 3
* **k2tog** - knit 2 stitches together (right-leaning decrease)
* **ssk** - slip, slip, knit (left-leaning decrease)
* **pm** - place marker
* **sm** - slip marker
* **BO** - bind off
**Special Techniques:**
**Intarsia Colourwork:**
This technique is used for working large blocks of colour without carrying the unused yarn across the entire row. You will need a separate bobbin for each colour block. When changing colours, ensure the old colour yarn is dropped to the wrong side and the new colour yarn is picked up from underneath, twisting the yarns together to prevent holes. Ensure colours are joined neatly to create crisp lines.
**Chart A: Tortoiseshell Motif (Conceptual Description)**
The motif is an abstract representation of a tortoiseshell butterfly wing, made of irregular, organic patches of CC1, CC2, and CC3 set against the MC background.
* The chart will be approximately 45 (50, 55, 60, 65) stitches wide and 100 (105, 110, 115, 120) rows tall, centred on the Front Piece.
* **Placement Strategy**: Start by working a central "core" of CC1 (Silver Grey) for several rows. Gradually introduce irregular "patches" of CC2 (Off-White) within and around the CC1 and MC areas. Then, add smaller, more defined "spots" and "lines" of CC3 (Black) within the CC1 and CC2 areas to create depth and definition, mimicking the dark markings on a tortoiseshell wing.
* **Shape**: The overall shape of the motif should be slightly irregular, widening and narrowing subtly to mimic a natural wing segment, rather than a perfect rectangle. Avoid straight lines between colour changes where possible, instead creating organic, interlocking shapes.
* **Working**: For RS rows, read the chart from right to left. For WS rows, read from left to right. Each square represents 1 stitch in 1 row.
**Notes:**
* This pattern is worked in separate pieces (Front and Back) from the bottom up, then seamed.
* Blocking is essential for achieving the correct finished dimensions and evening out tension, especially with Intarsia.
---
### FRONT PIECE
Using 2.5 mm (US 1.5) needles and MC, cast on 129 (144, 159, 176, 191) stitches.
(XS: 129 sts = 43 cm / 17"; S: 144 sts = 48 cm / 19"; M: 159 sts = 53 cm / 21"; L: 176 sts = 58.6 cm / 23"; XL: 191 sts = 63.6 cm / 25")
**Bottom Ribbing:**
Work in K1, P1 Rib for 5 cm (2 inches). Ensure the last row worked is a WS row.
Change to 3.0 mm (US 2.5) needles.
**Body - Stockinette with Intarsia Motif:**
**Set-up Row (RS):** Knit across.
**Next Row (WS):** Purl across.
Work 4 rows in Stockinette Stitch.
**Begin Chart A (Tortoiseshell Motif):**
Continue in Stockinette Stitch, incorporating Chart A as described in the "Special Techniques" section. The chart should be centred on your work. To centre, calculate:
`(Total Cast-On Stitches - Chart Width) / 2 = Number of MC stitches on each side of chart.`
For example, for size M (159 sts), if Chart A is 55 sts wide: (159 - 55) / 2 = 52 stitches. So, k52 in MC, work 55 sts of Chart A, k52 in MC. Adjust for your specific size and chosen chart width.
Work straight in Stockinette stitch, following Chart A for the motif, until piece measures 33 (34, 35, 36, 37) cm / 13 (13.5, 13.75, 14, 14.5) inches from cast-on edge, ending on a WS row.
(XS: 33 cm / 13" = 132 rows; S: 34 cm / 13.5" = 136 rows; M: 35 cm / 13.75" = 140 rows; L: 36 cm / 14" = 144 rows; XL: 37 cm / 14.5" = 148 rows)
**Shape Armholes:**
BO 3 (3, 4, 4, 5) sts at the beginning of the next 2 rows.
(XS: 123 sts; S: 138 sts; M: 151 sts; L: 168 sts; XL: 181 sts remaining after BO)
**Next Row (RS):** K1, ssk, knit to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1. (2 sts decreased)
**Next Row (WS):** Purl across.
Repeat these 2 rows 12 (14, 16, 18, 20) more times.
(Total 13 (15, 17, 19, 21) decreases on each side, including initial BO)
(XS: 129 - 6 - 26 = 97 sts; S: 144 - 6 - 30 = 108 sts; M: 159 - 8 - 34 = 117 sts; L: 176 - 8 - 38 = 130 sts; XL: 191 - 10 - 42 = 139 sts remaining)
Work even (without shaping) until armhole measures 12 (13, 13.5, 14, 14.5) cm / 4.75 (5.25, 5.25, 5.5, 5.75) inches from beginning of armhole shaping, ending on a WS row.
(XS: 12 cm / 4.75" = 48 rows from armhole BO; S: 13 cm / 5.25" = 52 rows; M: 13.5 cm / 5.25" = 54 rows; L: 14 cm / 5.5" = 56 rows; XL: 14.5 cm / 5.75" = 58 rows)
**Shape Neckline (Crew Neck) & Shoulders:**
*Simultaneously with armhole depth shaping when armhole measures 12 (13, 13.5, 14, 14.5) cm / 4.75 (5.25, 5.25, 5.5, 5.75) inches*.
**Next Row (RS):** K 33 (39, 42, 47, 50) sts, BO central 31 (30, 33, 36, 39) sts, knit to end of row.
(This divides work into two sides for neck shaping. Left side: 33 (39, 42, 47, 50) sts. Right side: 33 (39, 42, 47, 50) sts)
(Total stitches: 97 (108, 117, 130, 139) sts - 31 (30, 33, 36, 39) sts bound off = 66 (78, 84, 94, 100) sts remaining across both shoulders)
Work each shoulder separately.
**Left Shoulder:**
**Next Row (WS):** Purl to last 2 sts, p2tog. (1 st decreased at neck edge)
**Next Row (RS):** Knit across.
Repeat these 2 rows 2 (2, 3, 3, 4) more times. (Total 3 (3, 4, 4, 5) decreases at neck edge)
(Stitches remaining for shoulder: 30 (36, 38, 43, 45) sts)
Work until armhole measures 20 (21, 22, 23, 24) cm / 8 (8.25, 8.75, 9, 9.5) inches from beginning of armhole shaping. (Total length from cast-on edge: 53 (54, 55, 56, 57) cm / 21 (21.25, 21.75, 22, 22.5) inches)
**Shape Shoulder:**
BO 10 (12, 13, 14, 15) sts at the beginning of the next 3 (3, 2, 3, 3) RS rows.
(XS: 30-10-10-10=0; S: 36-12-12-12=0; M: 38-13-13=12, BO 12 sts on next RS row; L: 43-14-14-15=0; XL: 45-15-15-15=0)
If any stitches remain, BO remaining stitches on the last RS row.
**Right Shoulder:**
Rejoin yarn to the remaining stitches at the neck edge (RS facing).
**Next Row (RS):** Ssk, knit to end. (1 st decreased at neck edge)
**Next Row (WS):** Purl across.
Repeat these 2 rows 2 (2, 3, 3, 4) more times. (Total 3 (3, 4, 4, 5) decreases at neck edge)
(Stitches remaining for shoulder: 30 (36, 38, 43, 45) sts)
Work until armhole measures 20 (21, 22, 23, 24) cm / 8 (8.25, 8.75, 9, 9.5) inches from beginning of armhole shaping. (Total length from cast-on edge: 53 (54, 55, 56, 57) cm / 21 (21.25, 21.75, 22, 22.5) inches)
**Shape Shoulder:**
BO 10 (12, 13, 14, 15) sts at the beginning of the next 3 (3, 2, 3, 3) WS rows.
(XS: 30-10-10-10=0; S: 36-12-12-12=0; M: 38-13-13=12, BO 12 sts on next WS row; L: 43-14-14-15=0; XL: 45-15-15-15=0)
If any stitches remain, BO remaining stitches on the last WS row.
---
### BACK PIECE
Using 2.5 mm (US 1.5) needles and MC, cast on 129 (144, 159, 176, 191) stitches.
(XS: 129 sts = 43 cm / 17"; S: 144 sts = 48 cm / 19"; M: 159 sts = 53 cm / 21"; L: 176 sts = 58.6 cm / 23"; XL: 191 sts = 63.6 cm / 25")
**Bottom Ribbing:**
Work in K1, P1 Rib for 5 cm (2 inches). Ensure the last row worked is a WS row.
Change to 3.0 mm (US 2.5) needles.
**Body - Stockinette Stitch:**
Work straight in Stockinette Stitch (knit on RS, purl on WS) using MC, until piece measures 33 (34, 35, 36, 37) cm / 13 (13.5, 13.75, 14, 14.5) inches from cast-on edge, ending on a WS row.
(XS: 33 cm / 13" = 132 rows; S: 34 cm / 13.5" = 136 rows; M: 35 cm / 13.75" = 140 rows; L: 36 cm / 14" = 144 rows; XL: 37 cm / 14.5" = 148 rows)
**Shape Armholes:**
BO 3 (3, 4, 4, 5) sts at the beginning of the next 2 rows.
(XS: 123 sts; S: 138 sts; M: 151 sts; L: 168 sts; XL: 181 sts remaining after BO)
**Next Row (RS):** K1, ssk, knit to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1. (2 sts decreased)
**Next Row (WS):** Purl across.
Repeat these 2 rows 12 (14, 16, 18, 20) more times. (Total 13 (15, 17, 19, 21) decreases on each side, including initial BO)
(XS: 129 - 6 - 26 = 97 sts; S: 144 - 6 - 30 = 108 sts; M: 159 - 8 - 34 = 117 sts; L: 176 - 8 - 38 = 130 sts; XL: 191 - 10 - 42 = 139 sts remaining)
Work even (without shaping) until armhole measures 18 (19, 20, 21, 22) cm / 7 (7.5, 7.75, 8.25, 8.5) inches from beginning of armhole shaping, ending on a WS row.
(XS: 18 cm / 7" = 72 rows from armhole BO; S: 19 cm / 7.5" = 76 rows; M: 20 cm / 7.75" = 80 rows; L: 21 cm / 8.25" = 84 rows; XL: 22 cm / 8.5" = 88 rows)
**Shape Back Neck and Shoulders:**
**Next Row (RS):** K 33 (39, 42, 47, 50) sts, BO central 31 (30, 33, 36, 39) sts, knit to end of row.
(This divides work into two sides for neck shaping. Left side: 33 (39, 42, 47, 50) sts. Right side: 33 (39, 42, 47, 50) sts)
(Total stitches: 97 (108, 117, 130, 139) sts - 31 (30, 33, 36, 39) sts bound off = 66 (78, 84, 94, 100) sts remaining across both shoulders)
Work each shoulder separately.
**Left Shoulder:**
**Next Row (WS):** Purl to end.
**Next Row (RS):** BO 10 (12, 13, 14, 15) sts, knit to end.
Repeat from last RS row 2 (2, 1, 2, 2) more times.
(XS: 33-10-10-10 = 3 sts remaining, BO 3 sts on next RS row. S: 39-12-12-12 = 3 sts remaining, BO 3 sts on next RS row. M: 42-13-13 = 16 sts remaining, BO 13 sts on next RS row, BO 3 sts on next RS row. L: 47-14-14-15=4 sts remaining, BO 4 sts on next RS row. XL: 50-15-15-15=5 sts remaining, BO 5 sts on next RS row.)
Total 3 (3, 3, 3, 3) times.
(Total armhole depth: 20 (21, 22, 23, 24) cm / 8 (8.25, 8.75, 9, 9.5) inches)
(Total length from cast-on edge: 53 (54, 55, 56, 57) cm / 21 (21.25, 21.75, 22, 22.5) inches)
**Right Shoulder:**
Rejoin yarn to remaining stitches (WS facing).
**Next Row (WS):** Purl to end.
**Next Row (RS):** Knit to last 10 (12, 13, 14, 15) sts, BO 10 (12, 13, 14, 15) sts.
Repeat from last RS row 2 (2, 1, 2, 2) more times.
(XS: 33-10-10-10 = 3 sts remaining, BO 3 sts on next RS row. S: 39-12-12-12 = 3 sts remaining, BO 3 sts on next RS row. M: 42-13-13 = 16 sts remaining, BO 13 sts on next RS row, BO 3 sts on next RS row. L: 47-14-14-15=4 sts remaining, BO 4 sts on next RS row. XL: 50-15-15-15=5 sts remaining, BO 5 sts on next RS row.)
Total 3 (3, 3, 3, 3) times.
---
### FINISHING
1. **Block Pieces:** Gently wash both Front and Back pieces according to yarn care instructions. Pin them to your desired finished measurements on a flat surface and allow to dry completely. This is crucial for evening out the Intarsia and achieving accurate sizing.
2. **Seam Shoulders:** Place Front and Back pieces with RS together. Using the tapestry needle and MC, seam the shoulder edges using the mattress stitch or preferred seaming method.
3. **Seam Sides:** Seam the side edges from the bottom ribbing up to the armholes, again using the mattress stitch.
4. **Armhole Bands:**
With RS facing and using 2.5 mm (US 1.5) needles and MC, pick up approximately 120 (128, 136, 144, 152) stitches evenly around each armhole edge. (Target 3 sts for every 4 rows).
Work in K1, P1 Rib for 2.5 cm (1 inch).
BO loosely in rib. Repeat for the second armhole.
5. **Neckline Band:**
With RS facing and using 2.5 mm (US 1.5) needles and MC, pick up approximately 130 (138, 146, 154, 162) stitches evenly around the entire neckline edge. (Target 3 sts for every 4 rows on straight edges, 1 st per BO st for neck base).
Work in K1, P1 Rib for 2.5 cm (1 inch).
BO loosely in rib.
6. **Weave in Ends:** Weave in all remaining yarn ends securely on the wrong side of the fabric.
Your Tortoiseshell Wing Tank Top is complete! Enjoy your unique, advanced knitwear creation.
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
Access your pattern anytime
Bookmark this page to access your pattern anytime