Debbie Bliss Harriet Tank Knitting Pattern

Debbie Bliss Harriet Tank

What is Being Made

The Harriet Tank is a sleeveless knitted top designed to fit bust sizes from 81–127 cm (32–50 inches). This intermediate-level garment features a sophisticated cable pattern and is available in five size options with finished bust measurements ranging from 88 cm to 130 cm (34¾ to 51¼ inches) and length to shoulder measurements from 48 to 56 cm (19 to 22 inches).

Techniques Used

This tank top is constructed using a combination of knitting techniques suited to intermediate crafters. The garment is worked flat on straight needles, meaning pieces are knitted in flat rows rather than in continuous circles, allowing for precise shaping and pattern placement. The design also incorporates worked in the round elements, particularly for finishing details such as necklines and armholes using a circular needle, which creates seamless edges and a polished appearance.

The primary decorative technique featured throughout the Harriet Tank is cable knitting. Cables are created by temporarily moving stitches onto a cable needle, knitting subsequent stitches, then knitting the held stitches, which causes the yarn to twist and create raised, textured patterns. This classic technique requires careful attention and adds visual interest and dimension to the finished garment.

Stitches Used

The Harriet Tank employs several fundamental knitting stitches to achieve its structure and patterning:

• Stocking stitch (st st) — the primary background stitch created by alternating knit and purl rows, producing a smooth, flat fabric with a characteristic V-pattern appearance on the right side
• Knit stitch (k) — the basic stitch that forms the foundation of all knitted fabric
• Purl stitch (p) — the reverse of the knit stitch, used to create texture and definition, particularly around cable motifs
• Cable stitches — including C4B (cable 4 back), C4F (cable 4 front), C5L (cable 5 left), C5R (cable 5 right), C6F (cable 6 front), and C6B (cable 6 back), which create the distinctive twisted rope-like patterns that repeat throughout the 16-row cable pattern

The cable pattern is set over 16 rows and repeats to create a continuous, symmetrical design across the front and back of the tank.

Materials

The Harriet Tank is designed to be knitted using Debbie Bliss Cashmerino Aran yarn in Silver 202. Depending on the size selected, the project requires between 8 and 11 balls of 50-gram weight yarn, providing approximately 400–550 meters of fiber. Cashmerino Aran is a blend yarn that combines the softness of cashmere with the durability of merino wool and acrylic, offering a luxurious feel with practical care properties.

The pattern calls for two pairs of straight needles in different sizes: 4.5 mm (US 7) needles and 5 mm (US 8) needles. The smaller needles are typically used for ribbed cuffs and edges to create a tighter, more elastic finish, while the larger needles are used for the main body to achieve the correct gauge. A circular 4 mm (US 6) needle is also required for finishing edges worked in the round. The recommended gauge is 18 stitches and 24 rows to a 10 cm (4 inch) square over stocking stitch using the 5 mm needles, ensuring proper fit and drape of the finished garment.