Kaliko Tank Top Knitting Pattern

Kaliko Tank Top in Juniper Moon Farm Zooey

What is Being Made

The Kaliko Tank Top is a sleeveless knitted garment designed by Tabetha Hedrick. This versatile tank top is available in seven sizes ranging from extra small through 3X, with finished bust circumferences from 37 inches (93.5 cm) to 61¼ inches (156 cm) and lengths from 18¾ inches (47.5 cm) to 24¼ inches (61.5 cm). The tank top is constructed by working flat on straight needles before being seamed together, making it an accessible project for knitters who prefer flat construction methods over working in the round.

Techniques Used

This knitting project employs several intermediate-level techniques that create visual interest and texture throughout the garment. The primary construction method involves working the body flat on straight needles, which are then seamed together at the sides and shoulders. The pattern incorporates i-cord elements at the back neckline, which require special attention during finishing—these i-cords must be blocked and stretched before being sewn in place to ensure proper fit and professional appearance. The use of both larger and smaller needle sizes allows for different stitch patterns and gauges within the same garment, demonstrating gauge control and the importance of checking tension before beginning.

Stitches Used

The Kaliko Tank Top features two primary stitch patterns that work together to create the finished design. The main fabric utilizes the Kaliko Stitch, a textured lace pattern that repeats over 32 rows and requires a multiple of 9 stitches plus 2 edge stitches. This stitch pattern combines yarn overs (yo), knit stitches (k), knit two together decreases (k2tog), and slip, slip, knit decreases (ssk) to create a sophisticated diagonal lace effect that shifts direction throughout the pattern repeat. The Kaliko Stitch creates visual movement as the yarn overs and decreases alternate positions across the 32-row repeat, producing a dynamic diagonal texture.

In addition to the Kaliko Stitch, the pattern incorporates stockinette stitch (knit on right-side rows, purl on wrong-side rows) in sections of the garment. Both stitch patterns are worked with garter stitch edges—a single knit stitch at the beginning and end of each row—which creates a neat, finished edge and helps prevent curling. The combination of the textured Kaliko Stitch with smoother stockinette sections provides visual contrast and structural balance to the finished tank top.

Materials: Yarn and Needles

The Kaliko Tank Top is designed to be worked with Juniper Moon Farm Zooey yarn in the colorway #22 Luscious. Yardage requirements vary by size: the extra small requires 2 balls of 100g each, sizes small through large and 2X require 3 to 4 balls, and sizes 3X requires 5 balls. Each ball contains 100 grams of yarn, providing ample yardage for the completed garment.

The pattern calls for two different needle sizes to achieve the appropriate gauges for different sections. US size 7 (4.5 mm) needles are used for working the Kaliko Stitch pattern, which should produce a gauge of 18 stitches and 30 rows per 4 inches (10 cm). US size 6 (4 mm) needles are used for stockinette stitch sections, achieving a gauge of 18 stitches and 28 rows per 4 inches (10 cm). Additionally, the pattern requires a set of 2 double-pointed needles in size US 6 (4 mm) for working the i-cord elements. The pattern also calls for 4 stitch markers to help track pattern repeats and shaping, and a tapestry needle for seaming and weaving in ends.

As with all knitting projects, checking gauge before beginning is essential—the pattern notes emphasize to "save time by taking time to check gauge," underscoring the importance of achieving the correct tension to ensure the finished garment matches the intended finished measurements.