Scallop Stripe Tank Top Knitting Pattern

Scallop Stripe Tank in Noro Kumo

What Is Being Made

The Scallop Stripe Tank is a knitted sleeveless top designed for intermediate-level knitters. This garment features a distinctive scallop stripe pattern and is available in four sizes: Small, Medium, Large, and X-Large. The finished bust measurements range from 32 inches (81cm) for the smallest size to 46 inches (117cm) for the largest, with length options between 25 and 26.5 inches (64 to 67cm), making it a versatile wardrobe piece suitable for various body types and style preferences.

Knitting Techniques Used

This intermediate project employs several essential knitting techniques to create its signature appearance. The construction begins with casting on to form the foundation row of loops on the knitting needle. Throughout the garment, knitters will use increases to add stitches to rows—accomplished through methods such as knitting in the front and back of a stitch or using the make one technique, where the strand between stitches is lifted and worked into. Decreases reduce stitch counts using techniques like knit 2 together and purl 2 together. The pattern incorporates stitch markers placed on the needle to help track pattern repeats and shaping points. Finishing involves binding off in ribbing, where knitters maintain the established rib pattern by knitting knit stitches and purling purl stitches as they cast off, creating a neat, elastic edge.

Stitches and Stitch Details

The Scallop Stripe Tank utilizes fundamental knitting stitches combined in strategic ways to achieve its textured appearance. Knit stitches are created by inserting the needle knitwise (as if to knit), while purl stitches are formed by inserting the needle purlwise (as if to purl). The ribbing pattern—a combination of knit and purl stitches worked in vertical columns—provides elasticity and structure, particularly at the cast-on and bind-off edges. The scallop stripe effect is created through the strategic placement of increases and decreases across rows, often indicated on charts where "no stitch" spaces show where stitches have been decreased or not yet made. Knitters work the charted stitches while skipping over the no stitch spaces to create the scalloped visual effect. Selvage stitches at the edges help facilitate easier seaming when finishing the garment.

Materials and Tools

The Scallop Stripe Tank is worked in Noro Kumo, a premium yarn available in two colorways: color #15 serves as the main color (MC), while color #17 functions as the contrasting color (CC). Yardage requirements vary by size, with the smallest size requiring 1 hank of each color (100g each), while the three larger sizes each require 2 hanks of both the main color and contrasting color. The project calls for multiple needle sizes to achieve proper gauge and construction: a size US 6/4mm circular needle measuring 24 inches long for the main body, one pair of size US 5/3.75mm needles for ribbed sections, and two size US 5/3.75mm double-pointed needles for finishing details such as neckline or armhole edges. Additional notions include a stitch holder for temporarily securing stitches and two removable markers to help track pattern placement and shaping throughout the knitting process.