String Pensacola Tank Jumper Knitting Pattern

String Pensacola Tank

What is Being Made

The Pensacola Tank is a sleeveless knitted garment designed by Lidia Karabinech. This tank top is available in four sizes: Small (bust 32"/81.5 cm), Medium (bust 36"/91.5 cm), Large (bust 40"/101.5 cm), and Extra Large (bust 44"/112 cm). The finished length measures 24"/61 cm, making it a classic tank silhouette suitable for layering or wearing as a standalone piece during warmer months.

Techniques Used

The Pensacola Tank employs a combination of knitting construction methods to create its finished form. The garment is worked flat for the body and front pieces, allowing for straightforward shaping and decreases. Additionally, sections are worked in the round using circular needles, which creates seamless fabric in certain areas. The tank is constructed using a bottom-up approach, meaning knitting begins at the lower edge and progresses upward toward the shoulders and neckline. This method allows for easy length adjustments and intuitive fit modifications during the knitting process.

A key finishing technique featured in this pattern is the Three-Needle Bind-Off, a special method for joining two pieces of knitted fabric together while simultaneously binding off the stitches. This technique creates a secure seam and can be worked with right sides facing each other for a hidden seam or with wrong sides facing for a decorative seam visible on the right side of the garment.

Stitches Used

The Pensacola Tank is primarily constructed in Stockinette Stitch (St st), the fundamental stitch pattern that creates the smooth, classic knit fabric appearance. The pattern incorporates decreases to shape the armholes and neckline, using two main decrease techniques: k2tog (knit 2 together), which decreases one stitch by knitting two stitches together through the front loops, and ssk (slip, slip, knit), which creates a left-leaning decrease. These decreases are strategically placed to create fitted shaping at the sides and neck opening. The pattern also uses slip stitches at the beginning of rows for a neat edge finish.

Materials

The Pensacola Tank pattern calls for String Yarns WINDSONG, a luxury blend composed of 50% silk and 50% linen. This fiber combination creates a breathable, drape-friendly fabric ideal for a sleeveless summer garment. The yarn is supplied in balls of 1.75 ounces (50 grams) with 98 yards (90 meters) per ball. Yardage requirements vary by size: Small requires 5 balls, Medium requires 6 balls, and both Large and Extra Large require 7 balls each.

Needles specified for this project include one size 10 (6mm) circular needle measuring 24 inches (60 centimeters) long for the main knitting, or a size that achieves the required gauge. Additionally, one set of size 10 (6mm) double-pointed needles is needed specifically for executing the Three-Needle Bind-Off technique. Supplementary notions include stitch markers for tracking pattern sections, stitch holders for temporarily securing stitches, and a yarn needle for weaving in ends.

Gauge

The pattern specifies a gauge of 16 stitches and 18 rounds measuring 4 inches (10 centimeters) in Stockinette Stitch. Achieving the correct gauge is essential for obtaining the intended finished measurements and fit of the garment.