The Costal Tank is my handknit version of a classic square neck ribbed tank top with a twist (…and an attempt at an anatomy pun). With all the shaping at the waist and bust, this is definitely my best-fitting knit garment yet! The pattern also includes modifications so that it can be any length you want, with crossed or straight straps and with or without shaping at the body so it can be the perfect fit for you, as well.

Depending on your size, it is also an awesome project for stash busting, especially if you promised yourself you would get into making socks and you now have way more sock yarn than sock plans (it only takes 1-3 skeins of sock yarn depending on the size!).

Difficulty: Intermediate

Sizing Chart (finished garment measurements):

• Bust: (75, 80, 85, 89, 95, 100), 105, 111, 115, 120, 124, 129, (135, 140, 145, 149, 153, 157) cm/(30, 31, 33, 35, 37, 39), 41, 44, 45, 47, 49, 51, (53, 55, 57, 59, 60, 62) inches
• Waist: (59, 64, 69, 73, 79, 84), 89, 95, 99, 104, 108, 113, (119, 124, 129, 133, 137, 141) cm/(23, 25, 27, 29, 31, 33), 35, 37, 39, 41, 43, 44, (47, 49, 51, 52, 54, 56) inches.
• As the tank is worked in twisted rib, it is inherently quite stretchy. I would recommend 5-10 cm/2-4 inches of negative ease, especially if you make the crossed back version. If you choose a size with positive ease, the back may not sit close to the body and could potentially gape at the back. If you want a looser fit, I recommend 0-5 cm/0-2 inches of positive ease and to either do more decrease rows or do the identical front and back (not crossed straps) version.

Note: While all sizes have been tech edited, only sizes 1-10 have been test knitted. If you are interested in knitting sizes 11+ please message me. I would be happy to provide you the pattern for free in exchange for feedback on those sizes!

Skills required: long tail cast on, German short rows, regular bind off, 3 needle bind off

Materials:
Yarn: Fingering weight - sample knit in Lily and Pine Day Lily Sock in Lipstick, original sample knit in Brooklyn Tweed Peerie

• Estimated yardage: (320, 360, 400, 440, 480, 520), 560, 600, 640, 550, 720, 760, (800, 840, 880, 920, 960, 1000) m/ (350, 394, 437, 481, 525, 569), 612, 656, 700, 601, 787, 831, (875, 919, 962, 1006, 1050, 1094) yards
• If you end up adding length or doing any modifications to the top, you may require more yarn! Hot pink sample is worn with negative 5cm ease in size 1 (recommended), original dark rose sample was knit 0 cm ease (not recommended for cross back version as you are more likely to experience gaping)

Suggested Needle: size US 3 (3.25 mm) 61 cm/24 inch circular needle (larger circumference may be needed for larger sizes) - or whatever size is needed to get gauge

Notions: stitch markers, waste yarn or a stitch holder, tapestry needle, spare needle for 3 needle bind off

Gauge (in twisted ribbing measured after blocking, unstretched): 30 sts x 36 rows = 10 cm/4 inches