Paintbox Yarns Surf The Wave Tank Top Knitting Pattern

Paintbox Yarns Surf The Wave Tank Top

What is Being Made

The Surf The Wave Tank Top is a sleeveless knitted garment designed to fit bust measurements ranging from 81 cm to 102 cm (31¾ to 40 inches). This intermediate-level knitting project produces a finished tank top with a length between 49.5 cm and 52 cm (19½ to 20½ inches) and armhole depths ranging from 22.5 cm to 25 cm (8¾ to 9¾ inches). The pattern is available in five size options to accommodate different body measurements.

Techniques Used

This tank top is constructed using a bottom-up seamed approach, meaning the garment is knitted from the lower edge upward and then assembled using seams. The pattern is worked flat on straight needles rather than in the round, requiring pieces to be knitted separately and joined together. The design incorporates intarsia colorwork, a technique that involves working with separate balls of yarn for each distinct section of color to create the wave pattern design. This method allows for detailed color changes without carrying yarn across the back of the work.

Stitches Used

The primary stitch structure used throughout this project is stocking stitch (stockinette stitch), which creates a smooth, classic knitted fabric with a flat appearance on the right side. Shaping is achieved through standard decreasing techniques including K2tog (knit 2 stitches together) and ssk (slip, slip, knit) decreases. The pattern also employs slip stitches worked both knitwise and purlwise for edge finishing and stitch management. Basic knit and purl stitches form the foundation of the construction.

Materials Required

This project uses Paintbox Yarns Cotton DK yarn in two colorways. The yarn requirements vary by size: the smallest size requires 3 balls of Color A (Dolphin Blue) and 2 balls of Color B (Vanilla Cream), while the largest size requires 4 balls of Color A and 3 balls of Color B. Each ball weighs 50g. Knitting is worked on 4mm (UK 8 – US 6) knitting needles, and a large-eyed needle is needed for seaming and weaving in ends. The recommended tension (gauge) is 22 stitches and 30 rows to 10 cm (4 inches) measured over stocking stitch, making accurate gauge checking essential before beginning the project.

Additional Pattern Information

• Instructions are written using UK knitting terminology with US equivalents provided in parentheses
• Size-specific modifications are clearly marked, with the smallest size given as the base instruction and larger sizes noted in square brackets
• Yarn quantities provided are approximate and based on average requirements
• The pattern recommends using only the specified Paintbox Yarns Cotton DK for best results
• Intarsia colorwork requires careful yarn management with separate balls wound for each color section