Let’s see those shoulders ladies! Summer is right around the corner and you don’t want that dreaded farmer’s tan. So why don’t you make yourself something special from these free tank top knitting patterns?
A lot of people seem to complain about being stuck on “sleeve island” when they knit sweaters. Well I say, skip the sleeves and make a tank top instead. The best part about these free tank top knitting patterns is that they are really quick to make! So put down that sweater you’ve been working on for next Christmas and put a tank top on your needles instead.
Do you know how to knit a tank top? No worries if you don’t. I know that knitting garments may seem intimidating but tank tops are actually a great place to start. In fact, there are a handful of free tank top knitting patterns on this very list that would be perfect for a new knitter’s first attempt at making clothes.
Don’t run off to the yarn store just yet. These free tank top knitting patterns call for all different kinds of yarn weights and contents. There’s everything from lace weight to worsted weight and cotton to bamboo to acrylic. Chances are that you already have what you need in your stash. After all, knitting a tank top doesn’t take nearly as much yarn as a sweater!
So what are you waiting for? Scroll down and see all of these gorgeous and free tank top knitting patterns for yourself!
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25 Easy Breeze Tank Top Knitting Patterns
Streamline Tank
Inspired by 1920s architecture, the Streamline Tank is here to make a statement. Not for the faint of heart, the intricate pattern involves multiple types of increases and decreases in addition to the basic knit and purl stitches. I think we can all agree that the result is totally worth it in the end though!
Designer: Two of Wands
Yarn: Lion Brand Coboo (DK Weight #3)
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Hearts on Fire
You’ll certainly set some hearts on fire with this gorgeous design. The combination of a cropped length with a relaxed fit makes this tank top an instant classic that you will find yourself reaching for again and again. The pattern is knit in the round and it involves two different kinds of charted lacework.
Designer: DROPS Design
Yarn: Garnstudio DROPS Safran (Sport Weight #2)
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Sorvete
Of course, you don’t really need to do any fancy stitching to knit a beautiful tank top. Apart from the delicate eyelet lace detailing along the neckline, the Sorvete tank top is made with basic stockinette and ribbing stitches. Simple tops like this are the easiest to style and work well with a number of different outfits.
Designer: Filipa Carneiro
Yarn: Rosários 4 Damasco (DK Weight #3)
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Notched Hem Tank Top
I’ve never seen any tank top knitting patterns quite like this before! The Notched Hem Tank Top is a marvel of design with a unique side panel feature. The main part of the tank top is knit in stockinette and the interesting side panels call for reverse stockinette. I wonder how it would look with a different color for the side panels?
Designer: Purl Soho
Yarn: Habu Textiles N-98b Knitted Linen (Fingering Weight #1)
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Simple Summer Tank
Think you can’t knit a tank top in worsted weight yarn? Think again! Case in point – the stunning Simple Summer Tank. It has all of the drape and coverage of a top knit in a thinner yarn, but it is so much faster to make. The pattern calls for stockinette stitch for the body and twisted rib stitch for the hem, collar, and sleeves.
Designer: Originally Lovely
Yarn: Lion Brand Yarn Comfy Cotton Blend (Worsted Weight #4)
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Tip Top Tank
We could all use a little more flexibility in our lives, couldn’t we? With the Tip Top Tank, you get to decide whether to knit flat or in the round. The best part is that it’s all just basic stitches plus increasing and decreasing, so it’s actually pretty beginner friendly. My favorite part is the wide sleeves – perfect for hiding your bra straps!
Designer: Maker Maker Store
Yarn: Erika Knight Yarns Studio Linen (Sport Weight #2)
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Criss Cross Top
Here’s another one of our free tank top knitting patterns that’s made with worsted weight yarn! The design calls for reverse stockinette stitch and 1×1 ribbing along with one big bit of cablework at the neckline to steal the spotlight. It’s such a unique and fun design that it’s sure to turn some heads.
Designer: Purl Soho
Yarn: Purl Soho Worsted Twist (Aran Weight #4)
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Strawberry Summer
Throw it back to the 90’s with a sweet and stretchy top made entirely with 2×2 rib stitch. There’s so much to love about this design – the flattering fit of the cups, the relaxed drape of the body, and the nice wide straps. Because, let’s face it, sometimes spaghetti straps can dig into your shoulders and nobody wants that!
Designer: DROPS Design
Yarn: Garnstudio DROPS Safran (Sport Weight #2)
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Drawstring Camisole
When you’re feeling a little fancy you reach for the 100% silk yarn. The smooth softness makes this Drawstring Camisole feel like pure luxury. It’s a breeze to knit too using just plain old stockinette stitch. So why don’t you treat yourself to a new tank top? After all, you totally deserve it!
Designer: Purl Soho
Yarn: Purl Soho Spun Silk (Fingering Weight #1)
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Linearis
The Linearis tank top is all business in the front with simple stockinette stitch. And as you can see, there’s a definite party happening in the back with all of the decorative lacework. This stunning tank top is just begging to be shown off on a day spent at the beach or out on a picnic, don’t you think?
Designer: Marie Amelie Designs
Yarn: De Rerum Natura Antigone (Sport Weight #2)
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Quetzal
In the Quetzal tank top, basic stitches take turns with their twisted versions to form a delicate network of diamonds on the surface of the work. The resulting texture adds interest and style to an otherwise monochrome top. It’s also a great way to get some practice in with twisted stitches and with reading charts!
Designer: Rachel Brockman
Yarn: FibraNatura Luxor (DK Weight #3)
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Silver Spring Tank
The Silver Spring Tank features a high neck and a decent length – both perfect design aspects if you prefer a modest fit with added coverage. It works up quickly in stockinette stitch with a sophisticated and marled worsted weight yarn. The pattern also calls for seed stitch for the hems.
Designer: wiseknits
Yarn: Rowan RYC Cotton Jeans (Worsted Weight #4)
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Sand & Sky Tank
If you just can’t get enough color then you’ve got to try the Sand and Sky Tank. What’s not to love with the a-line fit and the beautiful drape? The pattern alternates two colors of self striping sock yarn for a gorgeous striped look that’s straight out of a watercolor painting. The best part is that it’s all stockinette stitch.
Designer: Rachel Brockman
Yarn: Universal Yarn Bamboo Pop Sock (Light Fingering Weight #0)
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Split Back Tank
From the front it looks like your average everyday tank top, but as you can see from the picture the Split Back Tank is really something special. I love that the split back adds detail and interest without over complicating the pattern or sacrificing on modesty. The pattern calls for stockinette stitch with ribbed edging.
Designer: Allison Griffith
Yarn: Knit Picks Lindy Chain (Fingering Weight #1)
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Simple Knit Tank
The relaxed stitchwork of the Simple Knit Tank yields a flowy, breathable top that’s slightly see-through. The size-inclusive design is more fitted in the bust and relaxed around the waist. It’s cute, it’s comfortable and it will make you feel oh so confident too! The best part is that it’s all stockinette stitch.
Designer: Hook n Stein
Yarn: Loops & Threads Crème Cotton (Aran Weight #4)
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Citrus Sun
I don’t know about you but I love wearing orange-colored clothing in the summer. It’s just so bright and fun! The Citrus Sun tank top is certainly no exception. Designed in stockinette stitch with ribbed edges, the pattern also includes a couple small sections of vertical lacework running up the front.
Designer: DROPS Design
Yarn: Garnstudio DROPS Safran (Sport Weight #2)
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Ombre Tank Redux
Nail the trendy ombre look with the Ombre Tank Redux. 3 colors of yarn yield 5 distinct shades of stripes for the final tank top, thanks to the trick of working with 2 strands of yarn at the same time. If that sounds complicated, trust me, it really isn’t that hard! The best part is that it’s all stockinette stitch.
Designer: Espace Tricot
Yarn: Espace Tricot Petit Lin (Lace Weight #0)
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Jo Top
The Jo Top fastens at the shoulders. This fun little detail adds so much charm to the final design. While the main body of the tank top is knit in stockinette stitch, the hem is knit with alternating rounds of knit and purl stitches. It’s like ribbing but horizontal instead of vertical. You’ve really got to see it!
Designer: Devanalana
Yarn: Malabrigo Yarn Mora (Fingering Weight #1)
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White Sails
A plain white tank top goes well with everything, so the White Sails tank definitely deserves a spot in your closet. The front and back of the design are worked separately using stockinette and rib stitch. There’s also just a touch of lacework needed for the decorative bit down the center front
Designer: DROPS Design
Yarn: Garnstudio DROPS Safran (Sport Weight #2)
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Stash Busting Tube Top
For tank top knitting patterns for beginners, look no further than the Stash Busting Tube Top. Designed to be made using two strands of fingering weight yarn at once, the top works up much quicker than you might think. It’s got a good amount of stretch to it so it fits nicely even though there’s no shaping involved. The pattern calls for stockinette and rib stitches.
Designer: Hiris Makes
Yarn: Hobbii Unicorn Solid (Fingering Weight #1)
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Sunny Days Tank
The lace details on this tank top will have you feeling pretty and confident too. Of course, they also serve to let the breeze in which is great for those sweltering summer days. Most of the pattern is worked flat in stockinette stitch. There are also charted instructions for the decorative lacework down the front of the tank.
Designer: Patons
Yarn: Patons North America Grace (Sport Weight #2)
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Cupcake
The Cupcake tank top is totally date night material. While mainly knit in a fluffy lace weight yarn, a random fingering weight row every once in a while adds a pop of color and interest to the top (and lets you work through some of your smallest bits of leftover yarn). The pattern is knit using the old shale stitch.
Designer: Stephanie Earp
Yarn: Espace Tricot Grace (Fingering Weight #1) and
Shirley Brian Yarns Sea Lane Suri Silk (Lace Weight #0)
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Serenity Singlet
Lovey and textured quilted lattice stitch contrasts nicely with simple stockinette stitch in the stunning Serenity Singlet. If you’re really feeling fancy, the pattern includes an option for adding beadwork into the textured bit of the tank top. Beaded or not, it’s sure to make an impression when you wear it!
Designer: Carol Balogh
Yarn: Sugar Bush Yarns Bliss (Sport Weight #2)
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Broken Rib Tank
Sweater knitters will recognize the round yoke of this cute tank top design. Made with broken rib stitch, it has plenty of texture. I love the way that it almost looks like an elaborate necklace! The rest of the tank top is smooth sailing with easy stockinette stitch. And since it calls for worsted weight yarn, it works up nice and quick!
Designer: Kristen TenDyke
Yarn: Classic Elite Yarns Provence (Worsted Weight #4)
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Lacy Tank
If you’d like to incorporate multiple colors into your tank top, but you’re worried about color matching, then check this out. The Lacy Tank calls for Caron X Pantone yarn – a beautiful braided skein that comes with multiple colors that have all been expertly matched together from the color experts over at Pantone. The free knitting pattern is available in both video and written formats.
Designer: Yarnspirations Design Studio
Yarn: Caron X Pantone Bamboo (Worsted Weight #4)
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Grab your needles and yarn because it’s time to get to knitting! Which of these free tank top knitting patterns will you choose for your summer wardrobe? I would love to hear from you in the comments below.
Don’t forget, sharing is caring! Send this free knitting pattern round-up to all your knitting friends so they can join in on the fun too! Bookmark this page or save the link to your Pinterest board for amazing knitting patterns.
I’ll see you next week for another free knitting pattern round-up. Make sure to follow the blog so you never miss a post. <3
Happy Knitting!
Amanda
nicole stethem
looking for a T top pattern with some shoulder sleeves for a senior aged women