Danish translation added 06-Apr-2023: https://strikkeglad.dk/39245/dronningegambit/

This is a modern cropped tank top featuring a deceptively simple checkerboard pattern—perhaps the perfect outfit for attending your local chess championship in style?

This pattern uses a vertical pinstriping technique that’s only added during finishing, so you only need to deal with simple horizontal stripes during knitting. Knit in the round from the bottom up, it’s a quick knit with gorgeous results.

The yarn used is Mayflower Cotton Merino, a 50/50 blend of superwash merino and cotton. The result is a soft, cozy fabric that’s breathable and easy care. A sport-weight sock yarn would also make a good substitute. The design includes around 2-4 inches/5-10 cm of ease for a relaxed but modern fit.

Credits to Techknitter for the vertical pinstriping technique used in this pattern.

SIZE

Women’s XS(S, M, L, 1X, 2X, 3X, 4X, 5X)
shown in size L with 4 inches/20 cm of positive ease

FINISHED MEASUREMENTS

Chest circumference at underarm: 32(36.25, 40, 44.25, 48, 52.25, 56, 60.25, 64) inches / 81.5(92, 101.5, 112.5, 122, 132.5, 142, 153, 162.5) cm
Length: 18.25 (18.5, 19, 19.5, 20.25, 20.75, 21.25, 22, 22.25) inches / 46.5(47, 48.5, 49.5, 51.5, 52.5, 54, 56, 56.5) cm

MATERIALS

Yarn

Mayflower Cotton Merino (50% virgin superwash wool, 50% cotton; 186yds/170m per 50g skein);

• (MC) Purple Melange (205); 4 (4, 4, 5, 5, 5, 6, 6, 7) skeins
• (CC) Charcoal (04); 1 skein Note: Only a tiny amount of the CC yarn is used. You can use a bit of sport-weight leftover yarn instead.

Yarn Characteristics
The sample uses a softly plied 50%/50% Merino-cotton blend. It makes for a light fabric that’s warm but not too dense. The cotton lends good definition while the wool content helps to soften the finished fabric.

Recommended needle size
(Always use a needle size that gives you the gauge listed below - every knitter’s gauge is unique)

• US #4/3.5mm circular needle, 32 inches/80cm long
• US #2/2.75mm circular needle, 32 inches/80cm long
• US #2/2.75mm circular needle, 16-20 inches/40-50cm long (for neckband)
• US D-3/3.25mm crochet hook
• One stitch marker
• One stitch holder (or scrap yarn)

Notions

• tapestry needle
• 2 stitch markers (1 removable)

GAUGE

• 22 sts / 30 rounds = 4 inches / 10 cm in stockinette stitch on US #4/3.5mm needles
• 22 sts / 35 rounds = 4 inches / 10 cm in Checkerboard stitch on US #4/3.5mm needles

PATTERN NOTES

The checkerboard stitch pattern colorwork is surprisingly easy to work, but does result in a generous number of ends to weave in. I personally don’t mind weaving in ends, but you’ve been warned!

The checkerboard stitch pattern looks best when not stretched, so plan for knitting a size that provides positive ease. (As-is, the pattern includes 2-4 inches/5-10 cm of positive ease.)

I suggest using a sloped bind off method to avoid “stair steps” at the armholes and neckline.