Chicory Tank by Rachel Brockman

Chicory Tank

Knitting
March 2022
DK (11 wpi) ?
20 stitches and 27 rows = 4 inches
in Lace pattern
US 5 - 3.75 mm
US 6 - 4.0 mm
262 - 786 yards (240 - 719 m)
XXS (XS, S, M, L, 1X, 2X, 3X, 4X, 5X, 6X)
English
This pattern is available for free.

Although I love knitting lace, I’ve found that it doesn’t always fit my personal style for daily apparel. For Chicory, my hope was to create the perfect twinset that balances the femininity of lace with a relaxed, casual appeal – something others would love, but that I would, too. To strike that balance, I paired a lovely, original lace motif with broken ribbing and stripes along the hem and sleeve cuffs, giving it a lace-meets-sports jacket vibe. I’ve always been fond of a classic collared sweater, and they’ve become increasingly popular over the past year, making this duo something that will surely outlast any fleeting trends. Furthermore, a designing a twinset has been on my mind for ages, so I’m thrilled to finally make it happen!

This twinset features a loose-fitting cardigan in coordinating shades of blue that subtly remind me of flowers on the chicory plants, that often decorate the roadside. For each piece to complement the other, I chose to reverse the colors for the tank top. Although the design as pictured features a cropped tank, I have included options for lengthening the piece.

Chicory is knit using Fibra Natura Papyrus. This yarn is a DK-weight, 2 ply blend of 78% cotton and 22% silk. It comes in a broad palette of soft pastels and neutrals. Between the colors and the fiber content, this will surely be your new favorite for spring and summer.

You’ll find the pattern for the cardigan over here.

SIZE
XXS (XS, S, M, L, 1X, 2X, 3X, 4X, 5X, 6X)
Shown in Small with approx. 1” of positive ease.

FINISHED MEASUREMENTS
Chest circumference at underarm: 28.75 (32.5, 36, 39.5, 43.25, 46.75, 50.5, 54, 57.5, 61.25, 64.75) inches / 73 (82.5, 91.5, 100.5, 110, 119, 128, 137, 146.5, 155.5, 164.5) cm
Length (Cropped Version): 16.5 (17, 17.5, 18, 19.5, 20, 20.5, 21, 22, 22.5, 23) inches / 42 (43.5, 44.5, 46, 50, 51, 52.5, 53.5, 56, 57.5, 58.5) cm
Length (Full Length Version): 22.5 (23, 23.5, 24, 25.5, 26, 26.5, 27, 28, 28.5, 29) inches / 57 (58.5, 60, 61, 65, 66, 67.5, 68.5, 71, 72.5, 74) cm

MATERIALS
Yarn

TANK TOP
Cropped Version (shown above):
Fibra Natura Papyrus (78% cotton, 22% silk; 131 yds/120 m per 50g);
Color A 229-13 Celestial; 1 ball for all sizes
Color B 229-15 Heavens; 2 (3, 3, 3, 4, 4, 4, 5, 5, 5, 6) balls

Full Length Version (not shown):
Fibra Natura Papyrus (78% cotton, 22% silk; 131 yds/120 m per 50g);
Color A 229-13 Celestial; 1 ball for all sizes
Color B 229-15 Heavens; 3 (3, 3, 4, 4, 4, 5, 5, 5, 6, 6) balls

Yarn Characteristics
Papyrus is a DK-weight, 2 ply blend of 78% cotton and 22% silk, constructed with strands of softly spun cotton bound in place with sturdy strands of silk.

Recommended needle size
always use a needle size that gives you the gauge listed below - every knitter’s gauge is unique
US #6/4mm straight or your preferred needle for knitting flat
US #5/4.5mm straight or your preferred needle for knitting flat
Notions
removable stitch marker
stitch markers
cable needle
yarn needle

GAUGE
20 sts x 27 rows = 4 inches / 10 cm in Lace Patt with larger needles after blocking
22 sts x 28 rows = 4 inches / 10 cm in Broken Rib

PATTERN NOTES
This set features two different patterns: a cardigan and a coordinating tank top to create a lovely matching set.

The tank top is knit in the round from the bottom up. The front and back are separated at the underarms. After working the Front, the straps are worked over the shoulders and to the length of the armhole, then sewn to the back.

In this pattern, you will need to work shaping at the same time as you are working in the Lace pattern. If there are not enough yarnover increases to compensate for the corresponding decreases, or vice versa, please work these stitches in stockinette stitch instead.