LIONBRAND FAUX LEATHER TANK TOP

Instructions

Pattern is written for smallest size with changes for larger sizes in parentheses. When only one number is given, it applies to all sizes. To follow pattern more easily, circle all numbers pertaining to your size before beginning.

Be sure to check your gauge.

Stitches

ssk (slip, slip, knit): Slip next 2 sts as if to knit, one at a time, to right needle. Insert left needle into fronts of these 2 sts and knit them together - 1 st decreased.

K1, p1 Rib (worked in rnds over an even number of sts):

• Rnd 1: K1, p1, rep from to end of rnd.
• Rnd 2: K the knit sts and p the purl sts.
• Rep Rnd 2 for K1, p1 Rib worked in rnds.

K1, p1 Rib (worked in rows over an odd number of sts):

• Row 1: K1, p1, k1, rep from to end of row.
• Row 2: K the knit sts and p the purl sts.
• Rep Row 2 for K1, p1 Rib worked in rows.

Note:

1. Top is worked in one piece in the round from the lower edge upwards.
2. At underarms, piece is divided and front and back worked separately, back and forth in rows.
3. Straps are worked directly onto top edge of front. Ends of straps are sewn to top edge of back.
4. When you see '0' repeats in an instruction, this means that for that size, you should not perform that particular instruction, just skip to the next instruction.

Method

Cast on 60 (68, 76, 86, 100) sts.

Place marker for beg of rnd. Join by working the first st on the left hand needle with the working yarn from the right needle and being careful not to twist sts.

Work in K1, p1 Rib for 4 rnds.

Work in St st worked in rnds (k every st of every rnd) until piece measures about 9 in. (23 cm) from beg.

Divide for Back and Front

Next rnd: Bind off 5 (5, 7, 8, 9) sts for underarm, (k1, p1) twice, k17 (21, 23, 27, 33) sts, (p1, k1) twice, place these sts on a holder for front, rep from for back but do not place back sts on a holder - you will have 25 (29, 31, 35, 41) sts rem on needle for back.

Back

Row 1 (WS): (P1, k1) twice, p to last 4 sts, (k1, p1) twice.

Row 2 (Decrease Row - RS): (K1, p1) twice, ssk, k to last 6 sts, k2tog, (p1, k1) twice - 23 (27, 29, 33, 39) sts.

Rep Rows 1 and 2 for 0 (0, 0, 1, 3) more time(s) - 23 (27, 29, 31, 33) sts.

Keeping first and last 4 sts in K1, p1 Rib, work even over rem sts in St st worked in rows (k on RS, p on WS) for 11 rows.

Next row (Decrease Row - RS): (K1, p1) twice, ssk, p1, (k1, p1) to last 6 sts, k2tog, (p1, k1) twice - 21 (25, 27, 29, 31) sts.

Work in K1, p1 Rib worked in rows for 3 rows.

Bind off in rib pattern.

Front

Return front sts to needle so that you are ready to work a WS row.

Row 1 (WS): (P1, k1) twice, p to last 4 sts, (k1, p1) twice.

Row 2 (Decrease Row - RS): (K1, p1) twice, ssk, k to last 6 sts, k2tog, (p1, k1) twice - 23 (27, 29, 33, 39) sts.

Rep Rows 1 and 2 for 0 (0, 0, 1, 3) more time(s) - 23 (27, 29, 31, 33) sts.

Keeping first and last 4 sts in K1, p1 Rib, work even in St st worked in rows for 3 rows.

Next row (Decrease Row - RS): (K1, p1) twice, ssk, p1, (k1, p1) to last 6 sts, k2tog, (p1, k1) twice - 21 (25, 27, 29, 31) sts.

Work in K1, p1 Rib worked in rows for 3 rows.

Straps

Row 1 (RS): (K1, p1) 2 (3, 3, 4, 4) times, k1 for first strap, join a 2nd ball of yarn and bind off 11 (11, 13, 11, 13) sts in rib pattern for front neck, k1, (p1, k1) 2 (3, 3, 4, 4) times for 2nd strap - 5 (7, 7, 9, 9) sts.

You will now work both straps AT THE SAME TIME using separate balls of yarn.

Work in K1, p1 Rib worked in rows over both straps, using a separate ball of yarn for each strap, until strap measures about 4 1/2 (4 1/2, 5 1/2, 6, 7) in. (11.5 (11.5, 14, 15, 18) cm.

Bind off in rib pattern.

Finishing

Sew ends of straps to top edge of back. Weave in yarn ends.