Debbie Bliss Karina Cable Tank Top Knitting Pattern

Debbie Bliss Karina Cable Tank Top

What is Being Made

The Karina Cable Tank Top is a sleeveless pullover sweater designed to fit chest measurements ranging from 81–147 cm (32–58 inches). This advanced-level knitting project features a sophisticated cable pattern combined with horizontal stripes, creating a striking visual design. The finished garment lengths range from 56–68 cm (22–26¾ inches) from back neck, with finished chest measurements from 104–170 cm (41–67 inches) across seven size options.

Techniques Used

This pattern employs several key knitting techniques suited to advanced crafters:

• Bottom-up construction: The tank top is knitted from the lower edge upward, allowing for easier fitting adjustments and a natural progression through the garment.
• Cable work: Multiple cable techniques are integrated throughout the design, including C3BP (cable 3 back purl), C3FP (cable 3 front purl), C4B (cable 4 back), C6B (cable 6 back), and C6F (cable 6 front). These cables create dimensional texture and visual interest across the front and back panels.
• Striping: Horizontal stripes are worked into the pattern using four coordinating yarn colors, adding complexity to the colorwork execution.
• Seamed construction: Pieces are knitted separately and then sewn together using a tapestry needle, requiring precision in finishing and assembly.

Stitches Used

The Karina Cable Tank Top utilizes fundamental and intermediate stitch techniques:

• Stocking stitch (stockinette stitch): The primary background stitch, created by alternating knit and purl rows to produce a smooth, flat fabric.
• Reverse stocking stitch: Used selectively, this inverted stitch (purling on the right side and knitting on the wrong side) creates textural contrast against the main stocking stitch areas.
• Cable stitches: Six-stitch and three-stitch cables are crossed at regular intervals using a cable needle to create the distinctive twisted rope effect characteristic of cable knit garments.
• Decreases and increases: Shaping techniques including skpo (slip, knit, pass slipped stitch over) and standard increases are used to achieve proper fit and garment shaping.

Materials

The Karina Cable Tank Top is worked in Debbie Bliss Cashmerino Aran, a premium yarn blend offering both softness and structure. Yarn requirements vary by size, with quantities ranging from 5–8 balls of Ecru 101 (A), 2–4 balls of Blackberry 055 (B), 2–4 balls of Baby Pink 603 (C), and 2–3 balls of Denim 205 (D). Each ball weighs 50 grams (1¾ ounces).

Needles required include a pair of 4mm (US 6) knitting needles and a pair of 5mm (US 8) knitting needles, along with a cable needle for executing cable crosses. Additional tools include stitch holders for managing live stitches and a tapestry needle for seaming the finished pieces together. The pattern specifies a gauge of 18 stitches and 24 rows over a 10 cm (4 inch) square using 5mm needles in reverse stocking stitch, ensuring proper fit and drape of the finished garment.