Valley Yarns Chalcedony Knitting Pattern

Valley Yarns Chalcedony Knit Tank Top

What Is Being Made

The Chalcedony is a long, slightly retro stockinette stitch tank top or vest designed by Julie Turjoman. This garment features a simple and elegant silhouette with strong vertical lines and visible waist shaping that flatters the figure. The design is specifically recommended as a great first garment for new knitters, making it an ideal beginner project that whips up quickly while producing a versatile piece suitable for every knitter's wardrobe.

Sizes and Fit

The Chalcedony is available in nine sizes ranging from XS to 4XL, with finished bust measurements from 33 inches (XS) up to 60½ inches (4XL). The pattern is designed to fit with 1 to 2 inches of positive ease, ensuring a comfortable, flattering fit across the size range.

Knitting Techniques

This tank top is constructed using bottom-up construction, meaning you begin knitting at the lower edge and work upward toward the neckline. The garment is worked flat on straight needles rather than in the round, and pieces are seamed together to create the finished garment. This method is particularly beginner-friendly as it allows knitters to try on the piece as they work and make adjustments easily.

Stitches and Stitch Details

The primary stitch used throughout the Chalcedony is stockinette stitch, which creates the smooth, classic fabric with characteristic vertical lines that contribute to the garment's flattering appearance. Shaping is achieved through strategic decreases, including knit 2 together (k2tog) and slip, slip, knit (ssk) decreases worked at the sides to create the waist shaping. Armhole shaping involves binding off stitches at the beginning of rows to create clean, structured armholes.

Materials and Yarn

The Chalcedony is designed to be worked in Valley Yarns Montague, a soft and textured yarn made from 100% organic cotton. Yardage requirements range from 660 yards (6 skeins for XS) to 1,210 yards (11 skeins for 2XL and 3XL), with each skein containing 110 yards. The pattern shown features color 03 Seafoam, though the design works beautifully in other colorways.

Needles and Tools

This pattern requires US size 7 (4.50 mm) needles as the primary needle size, or whatever size is needed to achieve the specified gauge. Additionally, you will need US size 5 (3.75 mm) circular needles in both 16-inch and 24-inch lengths, likely for ribbed edgings or neckline finishing. Essential notions include stitch markers (including 4 locking stitch markers for tracking pattern repeats and shaping points), stitch holders for holding stitches temporarily, and a tapestry needle for seaming pieces together and weaving in ends.

Gauge and Construction Details

The pattern specifies a gauge of 18 stitches and 28 rounds measuring 4 inches in stockinette stitch. Achieving the correct gauge is essential for proper fit, particularly in a fitted garment with waist shaping. Armhole shaping begins with binding off 3 to 8 stitches (depending on size) at the beginning of two rows, followed by additional bind-offs of 2 to 4 stitches at the beginning of the next two rows. Waist shaping is worked every 8 rows with decreases repeated 3 to 5 times depending on size, creating the elegant vertical lines and figure-flattering silhouette. Armholes measure between 5¼ and 7½ inches from the first bind-off row, depending on size.

Skill Level

Rated as a beginner difficulty project, the Chalcedony is perfect for knitters new to garment construction. The straightforward stockinette stitch, simple shaping, and flat construction make this an excellent choice for learning fundamental garment-making techniques while creating a wearable, stylish piece.