the mermaid tank top

I am so insulted by poor design.  Aren’t you?

Badly designed things are indifferent attempts at being an artist and deserve nothing more than to be used for skeet shooting targets.   Although there are a million tank tops out there,  I felt that it was time for a simple, well designed, knit tank top to be created.

If we are going to change the world, we must look good.

OK, dear reader, here it is:  The Mermaid Tank Top

Don’t you just adore that image?  Frankly, I can’t understand how anyone who doesn’t wear shoes can get along without something fabulous to wear besides a seashell bra all day!  This tank is perfect for a mermaid to throw on after a day of frolicking through seafoam.  A little something for evening.

And – of course it is well designed.  I love spending time thinking about design details:  how will this catch a second look, what colors would look intriguing in this stitch, how and where can this tank be worn, is it mermaid worthy?  The stitch patterns are simple and intended to knit up quickly, the length can be changed to whatever you like and the entire piece is knit on circular needles like a spiral.  No need to sew up the sides.  It has a lovely shape that drapes like a dream on your body and you know how I feel about draping!  Easy.

Pattern for The Mermaid Tank Top

Size medium

You will need

4 skeins of Patons Grace Mercerized Cotton (1.75 0z) in Wasabi or any of their other great colors.  This shade of green sets off a summer tan beautifully.

#3 Takumi circular knitting needles.   Always use bamboo so you can knit on a plane without setting off the metal detectors.  Who needs the aggravation?

Stitch markers

Yarn needle

A small crochet hook for finishing.

Your label.  Yes, your label.  This is an often neglected design detail among DIY divas and knitters and one that I believe is a powerful affirmation of you as a creative design force to be reckoned with.  Mine were made for my hand made knitwear company Miraculous Mandarin which, sadly is no longer around.  But I, Hoong Yee Lee Krakauer, am here  armed with the newly designed knitting pattern that I promised you urging you to invest in putting your name on a label.

label detail

Gauge

4 stitches of stockinette = 1 inch

6 rows of stockinette = 1 inch

Simple Knitting Stitches

St st knit all rows.

Garter stitch knit 1 row, purl 1 row.

Yo make a new stitch by wrapping yarn over the right needle.

Note:  This piece is intended to be knit on circular needles

Mermaid Tank Top

Cast on 170 stitches. Place a stitch marker at the beginning and one midpoint at 85 stitches to mark front and back. Knit a few rows of garter stitch as a border. Begin knitting rows of the stitch patterns, mixing them up as you like until the piece is 17 inches long. I prefer a longer tank but you know what looks best on you.

Front

You will now be working with 85 stitches.

Shape  armhole

Bind off 3 stitches at beginning of next 2 rows.  Bind off 2 stitches at beginning of next 2 rows.  Bind off 1 stitch at beginning of next 2 rows (73 stitches left).

Shape neckline

Knit 29 stitches, bind off  center 15 stitches, knit 29 stitches.  Bind off 1 stitch on every armhole edge row.  Bind off 3 stitches, then 2 stitches, then 1 stitch on left side neckline edge.  Continue to bind off 1 stitch on armhole edge until only until 7 stitches remain.  Knit until side measures 6 1/2 inches and bind off.  Repeat for right side.

Back

Work as for front

Finishing

Using a yarn needle, sew up both shoulder seams.  Weave in all ends and trim with crochet hook.  Sew in your label.  Let your tank hang on a padded hanger for a day or two.  Admire and get ready to reel in those second looks.

Not a mermaid but a merman?  No problem!  Here is a great book,  Knitting with Balls,  by a great guy knitter and friend,  Michael DelVecchio that has some wonderfully well designed pieces to knit.

Enjoy!  I am sure your tank will be beautiful.  Let me know how you are doing.