Sabal Sleeveless Tank Top Knitting Pattern

Sabal Sleeveless Tank in Juniper Moon Moonshine

What is Being Made

The Sabal Sleeveless Tank is a fitted, pullover-style sleeveless garment designed by Tabetha Hedrick. This knitted tank top features a sophisticated lace pattern and is available in four sizes: S/M, L, XL, and 2XL. The finished bust circumference ranges from 35 inches (89 cm) for the smallest size to 56 inches (142 cm) for the largest size, with length measurements varying from 26 inches (66 cm) to 29¼ inches (74.5 cm) depending on the selected size.

Craft and Techniques

This is a knitting project created using the top-down construction method. The pattern requires careful attention to gauge and stitch placement to achieve the proper drape and fit of the finished garment. Knitters will work through multiple decreases at the neckline to shape the armholes and neck opening, with decreases worked on right-side rows at specific intervals depending on the chosen size.

Stitches Used

The primary stitch pattern is the Sabal Stitch, which works over a multiple of 14 stitches plus 2 edge stitches. This 28-row repeat pattern combines several fundamental knitting techniques to create an elegant lace effect:

• Yarn overs (yo): Used throughout to create the openwork lace design
• Slip, slip, knit (ssk): A left-leaning decrease that appears in multiple rows of the pattern
• Knit two together (k2tog): A right-leaning decrease used in the second half of the pattern repeat
• Knit (k) and purl (p) stitches: Form the foundation of the pattern, with purl stitches creating vertical lines within the lace motif
• Edge stitches: Knit stitches worked at the beginning and end of each row to create neat selvage edges

The Sabal Stitch pattern creates a directional lace design with paired decreases and yarn overs that shift across the row, producing a flowing, diagonal quality. The pattern includes plain knit rows and purl rows that provide visual breaks within the 28-row repeat, allowing the lace motif to develop clearly across the fabric.

Materials

This pattern requires Juniper Moon Farm Moonshine yarn in color #38 scarlet. The yardage needed varies by size: 3 hanks (300g) for S/M, 3 hanks for L, 4 hanks (400g) for XL, and 5 hanks (500g) for 2XL. Each hank weighs 100 grams. Knitters will also need US size 8 (5 mm) needles or the size required to achieve the specified gauge of 16 stitches and 28 rows over 4 inches (10 cm) in the Sabal Stitch pattern when blocked. Additional notions include a tapestry needle for weaving in ends and four stitch markers for tracking pattern repeats and shaping points.

Gauge and Finishing

Achieving the correct gauge is essential for this project. The pattern specifies 16 stitches and 28 rows equal 4 inches (10 cm) in Sabal Stitch on blocked fabric. Swatching and blocking the gauge swatch before beginning the garment is strongly recommended to ensure proper fit and finished dimensions. The pattern includes detailed instructions for neck shaping with decreases worked on right-side rows at specified intervals based on size selection.