Tahki Yarns Breakwater Tank Knitting Pattern

Tahki Yarns Breakwater Tank

What is Being Made

The Breakwater Tank is a sleeveless knitted top designed by Susan Mills, offered in five sizes ranging from XSmall to XL. This easy-level garment features a fitted silhouette with finished bust measurements of 34 to 49 inches and length measurements from 23¼ to 29¾ inches, making it suitable for various body types and preferences for fit.

Techniques Used

This tank top is constructed using seamed and worked flat techniques, meaning the pieces are knitted in flat panels rather than in the round, then sewn together at the seams. The pattern begins with a geometric triangle construction method for the back piece, which is then expanded using increases to reach the full width. The front and side shaping are accomplished through strategic decreases that create a tailored fit. This approach is ideal for beginners as it provides clear structure and manageable piece-by-piece construction.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The Breakwater Tank features the Triangle Ridge pattern as its primary stitch pattern, which creates visual texture and interest throughout the garment. This pattern is worked over 6-row repeats and incorporates fundamental knitting techniques including:

• Knit (k) stitches for basic fabric structure
• Purl (p) stitches, worked on wrong-side rows to create the characteristic Ridge texture
• Yarn forward/knit front and back (kfb) increases for shaping the garment outward
• Slip, slip, knit (ssk) decreases for fitted shaping at the sides and neckline
• Slip marker (slm) techniques to track pattern repeats and shaping points

The pattern also employs garter stitch (knit every row) for edge finishing, which provides stability and a polished appearance to the tank's edges.

Materials and Gauge

The Breakwater Tank is designed to be worked with Tahki Yarns TANDEM, a blend yarn composed of 28% cotton, 28% viscose, 28% nylon, and 16% acrylic. This fiber content creates a garment with breathability and drape suitable for warm-weather wear. The yardage per ball is 107 yards (98 meters) with each ball weighing 1.75 ounces (50 grams). Depending on size, the project requires 7 to 12 balls of yarn in color #019 Lava.

The pattern calls for one size 7 (4mm) circular needle measuring 32 inches (80cm), or a needle size adjusted to obtain proper gauge. Additional materials include removable stitch markers for tracking pattern repeats and a yarn needle for seaming and finishing. The recommended gauge is 18 stitches and 36 rows equaling 4 inches (10cm) in the Triangle Ridge pattern when blocked, making it essential to knit and block a gauge swatch before beginning the project to ensure proper fit.