Classic Elite Yarns Swing Tank Jumper Knitting Pattern

Classic Elite Yarns Swing Tank

What is Being Made

The Swing Tank is a versatile sleeveless garment designed by Suzanne Shaw and originally published in Spring 2013 in Handmade Los Angeles II. This intermediate-level knitting project creates a drapey, skimming tank top that transitions seamlessly from casual to dressy occasions. Available in five sizes ranging from XS to XL with finished bust measurements of 36 to 44 inches, the Swing Tank is engineered to be a wardrobe staple that works for multiple settings and occasions.

Techniques Used

The Swing Tank is constructed using a bottom-up knitting method, meaning the garment is worked from the hem upward. The pattern employs a seamed construction approach, with separate front and back pieces that are later joined together. The garment is worked flat on circular needles, allowing the knitter to work back and forth in rows rather than in the round for most sections. The pattern incorporates strategic armhole shaping using decreases worked at the edges, with techniques including k2tog (knit two together) and ssk (slip, slip, knit) for right-leaning decreases, as well as ssp (slip, slip, purl) and p2tog (purl two together) for left-leaning decreases on the wrong side.

Stitches Used

The Swing Tank utilizes fundamental knitting stitches appropriate for creating a smooth, drapey fabric. Core stitches include knit and purl stitches for the stockinette base. Decreases are essential throughout the pattern, particularly for armhole shaping, using k2tog, ssk, ssp, and p2tog techniques. The pattern also employs bind off techniques to secure stitches when separating the front and back pieces at the armholes. Markers are used strategically to denote decrease points and the center front stitches that require special attention during shaping.

Materials

The recommended yarn for the Swing Tank is Firefly by Classic Elite Yarns, a luxurious blend of 75% viscose and 25% linen. This fiber composition creates the characteristic drapey fabric that defines the tank's elegant silhouette. The yarn is supplied in 50-gram balls with approximately 155 yards per ball, and the pattern requires 3 to 4 balls depending on size selection. Two colorway versions are shown in the pattern: 7735 Capri and 7777 Britannia.

For needles, the pattern calls for circular knitting needles in size US 8 (5 mm) measuring 24 inches in length, or the size needed to obtain the specified gauge. Additionally, a set of US 3 (3.25 mm) double pointed needles is required, likely for finishing details such as ribbing or neckline edging. Stitch holders are necessary to temporarily hold stitches for the back piece while working the front armhole shaping.

Design Philosophy

The Swing Tank embodies a design philosophy centered on versatility and practical elegance. The pattern description emphasizes the importance of creating casual pieces that can be elevated for formal occasions, reflecting a lifestyle approach where a single garment serves multiple purposes. The drapey viscose-linen blend and skimming fit work together to create a silhouette that flatters various body types while maintaining comfort and sophistication.