The Breezy Summer Tank is the easiest tank top knitting pattern you will ever make! I have loved wearing this tank out and about this summer.
Made with just two easy stitch patterns, this cute knit tank pattern needs to be added to your summer knitting projects. It has just the right amount of texture and is light and breathable! It pairs well with jeans and shorts. You could also throw a cardigan over top of it in the early mornings or later in the evening.
I love layering knits!
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Andalusian Stitch Variation
The body of this free tank top knitting pattern is a beginner-friendly stitch pattern that is very similar to Andalusian Stitch.
Andalusian stitch offers a slight twist on classic stockinette. It is worked in 4-row repeats and provides such a nice bit of texture.
Traditional Andalusian stitch is worked as follows:
R1: Knit all.
R2: Purl all.
R3: K1, P1.
R4: Purl all.
The way I changed up this stitch is in Row 3, because I wanted to give this tank a slight ribbed look. Therefore, my variation on the Andalusian stitch is worked as:
R1: Knit all.
R2: Purl all.
R3: K1, P1, K1.
R4: Purl all.
That third row of alternating one purl in between two knits gives the tank a slight retro vibe that I’m totally digging!
I love the subtle texture of the Breezy Summer Tank, and it hits just at the hips for a very flattering fit. It is so easy to make and yet still looks so unique!
You could definitely pair this tank top with some nicer slacks to dress it up a bit, or even add a blazer and wear it to the office. It’s a beautiful garment that can truly be mixed and matched in a variety of outfits!
Garter Stitch
For a little bit of contrast, the straps are worked in Garter Stitch.
Garter stitch is probably one of the first stitches you learned as a beginner knitter – it’s so easy, all you have to do is knit every row!
Construction
This easy tank top knitting pattern is worked up in four pieces: two identical body panels and two identical straps.
Each piece is knit in the flat and then sewn together.
There is absolutely no neckline shaping – both body panels are just rectangles!
I told you this was the easiest tank top knitting pattern you’d ever make 😉
Knitting Tips To Make Your Life Easier
One of my favorite knitting life hacks is using circular knitting needles, even when knitting in the flat.
I find them to be more comfortable to hold, and you don’t have to worry about your knitting falling off them as easily. When you need to take a break, you can simply pull the knitting needles out on both ends and move your work to the middle.
Standard knitting needles can feel long and cumbersome. Try out circular knitting needles if you haven’t yet!
Just turn your work when you get to the end of the row instead of knitting on. You might get hooked on them too 🙂
Print The Tank Top Knitting Pattern PDF!
Everyone’s WiFi is spotty sometimes. If you’re tired of reloading the page and scrolling down to where you left off, you can grab the ad-free printable PDF of the Breezy Summer Tank over in my Etsy shop.
The easy-to-read printout is a great way to keep up with the pattern while being able to make notes of your own variations (if you’re getting creative with it!) or simply jotting down where you left off. The PDF printout includes all step-by-step photos and detailed instructions.
It’s also easy to view on your tablet or laptop. Maybe you don’t want to print it out, but you don’t want to be bothered by ads!
The Breezy Summer Tank is a pattern you’ll want to have in your repertoire for years to come. Go check it out!
Easy Tank Top Knitting Pattern: Design Inspiration
I wanted to create a pattern that was easy to make and yet still looked adorable.
So many knitting patterns are so complicated. As a knitted garment enthusiast, I often want to work on something relatively mindless while I watch TV or listen to a podcast. Super intricate garments just aren’t my thing!
Since it’s warm out, I’m obviously holding off on knitting up a bunch of sweaters and cardigans. But handmade knitwear is perfect in the summertime too!
I wanted this tank to be simple, mindless, slightly textured, and a fast project to knit up. Check, check, check and check!
As far as tank tops go, I enjoy a slightly fitted look most of the time. This summer knitting pattern has just the slightest amount of positive ease, giving it a comfortable fit that is not quite relaxed but doesn’t totally cling to your body.
Check Out More Free Knitting Patterns
Click the images below to view more free patterns!
What Yarn Do I Need?
This tank top knitting pattern uses Rustic Romantic by Yarn Bee which is a hemp/acrylic blend. It’s machine washable and has a bit of a vintage look to it.
This yarn won’t stretch much and so garments worked up using it should retain their shape very well over time.
There are several shades of Rustic Romantic. I chose the color Okie Wheat for this summer pattern. Another color I have my eye on is Chicory Root!
You can purchase Rustic Romantic online or grab some at Hobby Lobby if you’re in the US.
Can I Use A Different Yarn?
You absolutely can!
Rustic Romantic by Yarn Bee is a worsted weight yarn (medium/category 4) so you can swap it out for any yarn that is the same weight.
Just make sure to check gauge so that your tank top turns out the correct size!
I’d love to see your finished projects! Use #themodernmakerco and tag me @themodernmakerco on Instagram or TikTok!
Breezy Summer Tank | Free Tank Top Knitting Pattern
This adorable tank is a perfect summer knitting project! It is constructed with four pieces knit in the flat: two identical body panels and two straps. The Andalusian stitch variation gives the tank visual interest, and the hip-length fit makes it perfect for an easy breezy summer wardrobe!
Model is 5’7″ (170cm) wearing size S. The finished garment fits true to bust size for a fitted look.
NOTE: The tank top length can be easily customized if you want it to be longer. Simply work additional rows on the front and back panels (keep in mind this will change your total yarn yardage required).
Materials
- Yarn: Category 4/Worsted/Medium Weight: approx. 353 (392, 434, 479, 525, 575) yards depending on size (the yarn in the photos is Rustic Romantic by Yarn Bee in the color Okie Wheat)
- US size 7 (4.5mm) knitting needles
- Stitch markers
- Tapestry needle
- Scissors
Gauge
- 18 stitches and 26 rows = 4×4 inches (10×10 cm) in stockinette stitch
Abbreviations
- R = row
- St = stitch
- RS = right side
- WS = wrong side
- K = knit
- P = purl
Stitches Used
- Andalusian Stitch (variation): Worked in a 4-row repeat pattern that adds a slight twist on regular stockinette. Worked as follows: R1: Knit All. R2: Purl All. R3: K1, P1, K1. R4: Purl All.
- Garter Stitch: Made by knitting every row.
Size Chart
Body Panels
*Make 2.
This pattern is written in the format of XS (S, M, L, XL, 2XL).
Cast on 66 (72, 78, 81, 87, 93).
R1: Knit All.
R2: Purl All.
R3: K1, P1, K1.
R4: Purl All.
Repeat R1-R4 until work is approximately 12.5 (13, 13.5, 14, 15, 16) inches or 32 (33, 34, 36, 38, 40) cm long, or to desired length. Weave in ends.
Note: your fabric will curl slightly around the edges. This is normal and will be resolved once the pieces are sewn together.
Straps
*Make 2.
Cast on 8 (8, 8, 9, 9, 10).
R1: Knit All.
Repeat R1 until straps are approximately 11 (11.5, 12, 13, 14, 15) inches or 28 (29, 30, 33, 35, 38) cm long. Weave in ends.
Construction
Place body panels WS facing down. Use stitch markers to line up both sides evenly. Whip stitch the seams.
Repeat on the opposite side.
Turn body RS out.
Using stitch markers, pin straps in place approximately 3 inches or 8 cm from side seam. Try on the tank top to ensure you like the strap placement and adjust as necessary.
Whip stitch the straps in place.
Block your finished garment.
Enjoy wearing your Breezy Summer Tank!
