Tahki Yarns Hope Tank Knitting Pattern

Tahki Yarns Hope Tank

What is Being Made

The Hope Tank is a sleeveless knitted sweater designed by Teresa Chorzepa. This garment is available in six sizes ranging from Small to 3X, with finished bust measurements from 32 inches (81.5 cm) to 52 inches (132 cm) and lengths from 24½ inches (62 cm) to 27 inches (68.5 cm). The tank features a classic pullover construction with set-in armholes and a crew neckline, making it a versatile wardrobe staple suitable for layering or wearing alone during warmer seasons.

Techniques Used

The Hope Tank is constructed using a bottom-up method, meaning the garment is knitted starting from the lower edge and working upward toward the shoulders. The pattern employs a seamedworked flat on straight needles rather than in the round, requiring pieces to be knitted separately and then assembled. This traditional approach allows for precise shaping at the armholes and neckline through strategic decreases worked directly into the stitch pattern.

Stitches Used

Two primary stitches are featured in this design:

• Garter Stitch: Created by knitting every row, Garter stitch forms a reversible, textured fabric with horizontal ridges. In the Hope Tank, Garter stitch is used for the ribbed lower edge (10 rows on smaller needles) and is maintained on the first and last 3 stitches of each row throughout the Drop stitch section to create stable selvage edges. Garter stitch is also used for the upper portion of the garment after the armhole shaping begins, providing a clean finish for the neckline and shoulder areas.
• Drop Stitch Pattern: This decorative stitch creates an open, lacy texture by intentionally dropping stitches to create vertical lines. The Drop stitch pattern is worked over two rows: Row 1 (right side) involves knitting with the yarn wrapped twice around the needle for each stitch, and Row 2 (wrong side) involves purling while dropping the extra wraps, allowing those stitches to elongate and create the characteristic dropped-stitch effect. This pattern is used for the main body of the tank, adding visual interest and a lighter drape to the garment.

Materials

The Hope Tank is knitted using Tahki Yarns ROSA, a 100% cotton yarn. The yardage requirements vary by size, ranging from 4 balls for Small and Medium sizes to 7 balls for the 3X size. Each ball contains 1.75 ounces (50 grams) and provides 93 yards (85 meters) of yarn. The pattern specifies color #01 pearl, a neutral shade suitable for versatile styling.

Two sizes of needles are required to achieve proper gauge: size 9 (5.5mm) needles are used for the main fabric and Drop stitch pattern sections, while size 8 (5mm) needles are used for the initial Garter stitch ribbing at the lower edge. The smaller needle size creates a denser fabric for the ribbed edge, while the larger needles allow for the more open Drop stitch pattern. Additional materials include smooth contrasting waste yarn for holding stitches during construction and a yarn needle for weaving in ends and seaming pieces together.

Gauge Information

Achieving proper gauge is essential for this pattern. When working Garter stitch on the smaller size 8 needles, the gauge should be 12 stitches and 20 rows over 4 inches (10 cm). For the Drop stitch pattern on the larger size 9 needles, the gauge is 10 stitches and 10 rows over 4 inches (10 cm). The pattern emphasizes checking gauge before beginning to ensure the finished garment meets the intended measurements.