This design uses one of my favourite colourwork techniques – the slip stitch (or mosaic knitting, as some of you might know it). I love it because it’s such an easy way to create a stranded colourwork (fairisle) look, but without the need to swap shades along the round.

The Fabrile Tank Top is knitted in the round, making it a perfect project if you’re just starting your journey with circular knitting or preparing for your first colourwork garment – it’s the first step on that ladder. And for experienced knitters, it’s one of those relaxing patterns where you can easily find your rhythm and enjoy the gentle repeats.

I used four different shades in my version, but it’s simple to change things up – try just two colours for a monochrome look, or mix and match whatever shades call to you.

CONSTRUCTION
The back and front are knitted in the round in one piece from the bottom up, then divided to knit the back and then front in rows. The neck edge are picked up and knitted from the holder only. The armhole edges are only picked up and knitted at the bottom.

TECHNIQUES USED
Knitting in the round and rows. Cast on, knit, purl, slip stitch (sometimes called mosaic colourwork), cast off. Joining shoulder seams. Optional but recommended to create the feeling of joy when joining your pieces: mattress stitch.

YARN
2(2:2:2:3) 100g hanks of BRE Donegal Twists DK in shade A
AND One 100g hank each in shade B, shade C and shade D.
72% Merino & 28% British wool 270m/295yds per 100g.

SUGGESTED KNITTING NEEDLES
3.25mm & 4mm.
80cm for first three sizes, 100cm for last two.

GAUGE (tension)
21 stitches and 42 rows to 10cm/4ins square over pattern. I obtained this gauge with 4mm needles.
It is important to obtain the correct gauge so do work a swatch before you start the pattern and change your needle size to achieve the correct gauge if you need to.

FINISHED MEASUREMENTS
I recommend a positive ease of 1-5ins/2-12cm at the chest.

Size
1, (2, 3, 4, 5)

Actual Chest Circumference
91, (99, 114, 121.5, 129.5)cm
35¾, (39, 45, 47¾, 51)ins

Length (from top of shoulder to cast on edge)
50, (50, 52, 56, 58)cm
19¾, (19¾, 23½, 25¼, 28¾)ins

NEED HELP?
I am here for you! Pop into the Skipton studio, send an email, or check out the Purl &Jane YouTube channel for tips, inspiration and guidance including handy resources like gauge (tension) guides and how to tutorials.