Bri Boatneck

The Bri Boatneck is a simple but detail-oriented tank top designed to be effortlessly chic. The clean simplicity of the top allows the bold boatneck to shine alongside other details like the ribbed side detailing, split hem, and i-cord bind-off at the bottom of the top. Construction wise, this design is worked from the top down with minimal seaming to allow for the best fit and easy customization. The front and back are worked flat with German short rows to create a straight-across boatneck look, followed by joining to work in the round with optional bust and waist shaping. Stay sophisticated all summer with this tank top!

Sizes

1 (2, 3, 4), (5, 6, 7), (8, 9, 10) detailed below, designed to be worn with about 5” [12.5 cm] negative ease.

To fit bust size: 26-28 (28-30, 32-34, 36-38), (40-42, 44-46, 48-50), (52-54, 56-58, 60-62) in [66-71 (71-76, 81-86, 91-97), (102-107, 112-117, 122-127), (132-137, 142-147, 152-157) cm].

Finished bust: 21.5 (25.25, 29.25, 33.25) (37.25, 41.25, 45.25) (49.25, 53.25, 57.25) in [54 (64, 74, 84.5) (94.5, 104.5, 115) (125, 135, 145.5) cm] unstretched. Optional bust darts are included which will add 2 (4) in [5 (10) cm] of width to the widest part of the bust for each size.

(Recommended) total length, measured from bottom of top to top of shoulder: 15.25 (15.5, 15.75, 16.25) (16.5, 16.75, 17) (17.5, 17.75, 18.25) in [38 (39, 39.5, 41) (41.5, 42.5, 43) (44, 44.5, 46) cm]; note this is a recommended length used for yardage estimates. The length of the design is customizable based on how far you knit the body before starting the split hem.

Yarn
300 (345, 385, 440), (490, 535, 585), (640, 695, 760) yards [275 (315, 355, 405), (445, 490, 535), (585, 635, 695) meters] of worsted weight yarn. You will need approximately 27–33 yards [25–30 meters] more yarn if you are planning to work bust darts. You will also need more yarn to make a longer length tank top, although these yardages already have an extra 15% as buffer. I recommend choosing a fiber that will provide enough elasticity for this style of top, such as a wool or wool/cotton blend.

The gradient pink/yellow sample was knit in a size 2 and used about 1.75 skeins of Knit Picks Chroma Worsted (70% superwash wool, 30% nylon, 198yd/181m per 100g skein) in the now discontinued colorway Tiki. If you want a similar look, the Lava Party colorway is very similar with the addition of purple.

The maroon sample was knit in a size 4 and used about 1.5 skeins of Knit Picks Wool of the Andes (100% Peruvian highland wool, 110yd/101m per 50g skein) in the colorway Nightshade Heather.

Gauge

20 stitches and 29 rows in stockinette stitch to 4” [10 cm] on US 7 [4.5 mm] needles or needles needed to obtain gauge, after blocking.

Needles & Notions

• US 7 [4.5 mm] circular needles for working the body, or whatever size needles are needed to achieve gauge as mentioned above. Recommended cable length will vary. I recommend choosing between 16”, 24”, 32”, or 40” needles (depending on your size and preferred method for working in the round).
• Removable stitch markers
• Tapestry needle
• Stitch holder or waste yarn to place stitches on temporarily

Note: To save paper while printing, note that pages 11–15 have bust dart instructions with pages 11–13 including instructions for size D and pages 11, 14, and 15 including instructions for size F.

Please tag me @midsummer.knits and use the hashtag #BriBoatneck to share your top on Instagram so I can see your finished object!