Stacy Charles Fine Yarns Gwen Tank Jumper Knitting Pattern

Stacy Charles Fine Yarns Gwen Tank

What is Being Made

The Gwen Tank is a sleeveless knitted sweater designed by Lisa Hoffman, available in sizes Small through XL. This garment features a sophisticated construction with a decorative cable hem and a fitted silhouette. The finished bust measurements range from 34¾ inches (88.5 cm) for the Small size to 45¼ inches (115 cm) for the XL size, with lengths varying from 22 inches (56 cm) to 23½ inches (59.5 cm) depending on size.

Techniques Used

The Gwen Tank employs multiple advanced knitting techniques to create its distinctive design. The garment is worked flat initially for the cable hem section, which is then joined using a three-needle bind-off method. After the hem is complete, stitches are picked up along the side edge and the body is worked in the round up to the underarm. At the underarm, the piece is divided and the back and front sections are worked flat separately to completion. The construction is bottom-up, meaning knitting begins at the hem and progresses upward toward the neckline. The garment features prominent cable detailing, particularly in the braided cable pattern used for the hem.

Stitches Used

The pattern incorporates several essential knitting stitches and cable techniques:

• Stockinette Stitch – The primary stitch used for the body, creating a smooth, classic knit fabric
• Braided Cable – A 16-row repeat cable pattern featuring two signature cable crosses: C12F (slip 6 stitches to cable needle and hold in front, knit 6, then knit 6 from cable needle) and C12B (slip 6 stitches to cable needle and hold in back, knit 6, then knit 6 from cable needle)
• Decreases – K2tog (knit 2 together) and ssk or ssp (slip, slip, knit or slip, slip, purl) techniques for shaping
• Provisional Cast-On – A crochet chain provisional cast-on method used to create live stitches that can be picked up later
• Three-Needle Bind-Off – A seaming technique that joins the cable hem to the body while simultaneously binding off

Materials and Tools

The Gwen Tank is knitted using Stacy Charles Collezione CRYSTAL yarn, a blend of 85% polyester and 15% cotton that provides durability and a refined drape. The yarn is available in color #24 night sky. Pattern requirements call for 4 balls for the Small size, increasing to 5 balls for Medium and Large sizes, and 6 balls for XL. Each ball contains 0.88 ounces (25 grams) and provides 144 yards (131 meters) of yardage.

Essential tools for completing this project include one size 6 (4mm) circular needle measuring 24 inches (60 cm) long, used for both the in-the-round and flat sections. An additional size 6 (4mm) needle is required for the three-needle bind-off technique. A cable needle (cn) is necessary for manipulating stitches during cable crosses. A crochet hook and smooth waste yarn are needed for the provisional cast-on method. Additional supplies include stitch holders for managing live stitches, stitch markers for tracking pattern repeats and shaping points, and a yarn needle for weaving in ends and finishing.

Gauge and Finishing

Achieving proper gauge is critical for this pattern. In Stockinette stitch, the target gauge is 18 stitches and 30 rows over 4 inches (10 cm) after steam blocking. For the Braided Cable pattern, 16 stitches should measure 2½ inches (6.5 cm) after steam blocking. The pattern emphasizes taking time to check gauges before beginning, as this ensures the finished garment will meet the specified measurements. Steam blocking is the recommended finishing method to set the stitches and achieve the correct dimensions.