12 Interesting Tank Top Knitting Patterns

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Tank tops are a summer wardrobe staple. Here’s a collection of twelve interesting tank top knitting patterns that you can knit up and wear on those hot and humid days.

Here’s the list of tank top knitting patterns in this article:

  • Helena Sleeveless Top by Suzie Sparkles
  • Multnomah Top by The Blue Mouse
  • Sea Glass by Christina Loman
  • Arga Top by Berroco
  • Hoi An Top by Nomad Stitches
  • Big Wave by Heidi Kirrmaier
  • Noble Tank by Takako Takiguchi
  • Lake Breeze Tank by KnitEcoChic
  • All Tied Up Tank by Knitatude
  • Ocracoke Tank by Sue McCain
  • Tuscan Dreams by Anna Ravenscroft
  • Flying Buttress Tank by Andrea Rangel

Now let’s take a closer look at these twelve tank top patterns and why you might want to add them to your to-knit list. There’s also yarn recommendations and a short list of bonus tips and advice for summertime knitting at the end.

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Helena Sleeveless Top

This summer top, knit with cotton yarn, has a bit of a dressy touch with the lace hem (charted only – no written instructions for the lace hem). It’s seamless (worked in the round) and features a deep V-neck with I-cord edging, waist shaping, and a pretty lace detail runs down the center.

Get the pattern: Helena Sleeveless Top

Get the yarn: Rowan Summerlite

Multnomah Tank Top

The Multnomah Top is worked in pieces and seamed. It’s a basic rib structure and an interesting neckline. The armhole and halter neckline stitches are picked up and worked in another rib pattern. A really nice feature? This pattern includes instructions for three different yarn weights (it’s like three patterns in one!).

Get the pattern: Multnomah Top

Get the yarn: Cascade Ultra Pima

Sea Glass

Sea Glass is a light, tunic-length tank top, perfect for summer days or as a layering piece when the weather is cooler. It’s a close-fitting tank that enhances the cable patterning that runs up the center of the top and separates at the V-neck with wide shoulder straps.

Get the pattern: Sea Glass Tank Top

Get the yarn: Rowan Summerlite

Arga Top

The Arga Top from Berroco, knit in their Mantra yarn (DK weight 100% silk), is knit bottom-up in pieces and seamed. It features a scoop neck, an eyelet rib, and a split hem. This tank is loose and has a bit of movement and swing, which is accentuated by the silk yarn.

Get the pattern: Arga Top

Get the yarn: Berroco Mantra

Hoi An Top

This cropped, boxy tank top would make a cute layering piece. It’s worked top-down (in the round) and has lace detailing across the body with a deep scoop neck. The lace has both charted and written instructions and there additional details about making a tunic-length top as well.

Get the pattern: Hoi An Top

Get the yarn: BC Garn Allino

Big Wave

Big Wave by Heidi Kirrmaier is knit using Quince & Co Kestrel, a 100% linen yarn with a unique ribbon-like structure. It’s a heavy worsted weight yarn so this tank knits up quickly and would be nice and cool in the summer. Constructed like a top-down raglan with the sleeves forming straps. The raglan shaping is carried down the sides with decorative eyelets and a gentle A-line shape.

Get the pattern: Big Wave

Get the yarn: Quince & Co Kestrel

Noble Tank

For those who love to knit cables, the Noble Tank is a good choice. Cables run the length down the center and along each edge to meet at the neckline and create the straps. It’s worked bottom-up (in the round) then divided at the armholes to work the front and back separately (worked flat).

Get the pattern: Noble Tank

Get the yarn: Willow & Lark Ramble

Lake Breeze Tank

This unique form-fitting tank features diagonal lines that run from the waist to shoulders, creating a flattering line. The neckline is a deep V-neck with an interesting wavy formation. The yarn used in the sample, Americo Cotton Flamme is a thick-thin textured cotton yarn with fabulous drape but the yarn has a tendency to grow and stretch (a common issue with cotton yarns) so be sure to swatch first if you use the same yarn.

Get the pattern: Lake Breeze Tank

Get the yarn: Rowan Summerlite

All Tied Up Tank

This cute, simple Stockinette stitch tank is perfect for summer. It’s a slightly cropped tank with a cute tie detail along the front hem. It’s knit in the round to the neckline, each strap is worked flat and then seamed together with a three-needle bind-off (so it’s really a seamless knit).

Get the pattern: All Tied Up Tank

Get the yarn: Lion Brand Coboo

Ocracoke Tank

The Ocracoke tank is a pretty, semi-fitted tank top that’s worked in the round from the bottom to the armholes. Then the front and back shoulders are worked separately before being joined with a three-needle bind-off. The pretty diamond central panel pattern is presented in both written and charted formats.

Get the pattern: Ocracoke Tank

Get the yarn: Berroco Pima 100

Tuscan Dreams

This loose, A-line tank is perfect for relaxing summer days. With it’s slightly flared shape, color blocking, and longer length it has a relaxed feel that’s flattering and easy to wear. The chevron stitch pattern adds a beautiful texture and extra dimension to the design.

Get the pattern: Tuscan Dreams

Get the yarn: Rico Essentials Cotton Silk Cashmere DK

Flying Buttress Tank

The Flying Buttress Tank by Andrea Rangel has a unique racerback design, scooped neckline, and slightly flared body. Knit in a lightweight fabric it will be a beautiful and flowing summer top. The all-over lace design is beautiful and the shark-bite hemline also adds a unique finish.

Get the pattern: Flying Buttress Tank

Get the yarn: Knit Picks Galileo

More Tips for Summer Knitting

If you’re ready to put away the heavy winter knitting but still want to keep your hands busy here’s some advice for knitting during the summer.

What kind of yarn is best for summer knitting?

Plant-based fibers, like cotton, linen, bamboo, and hemp make great summer garments that are breathable and cool. Plant fiber yarns also have great drape so garments knit with them will move away from your body and allow the air to circulate around you.

Here are some good summer yarn choices:

What can I knit in the summer?

Put away the large, heavy wool blankets and sweaters. Instead, knit socks and other small projects like hand warmers and mitts or small toys. Airy, lacy shawls are also a good option since they feel light even if they are very large.

Is acrylic yarn good for summer garments?

Acrylic yarn is not very breathable which doesn’t make it a good choice for summer garments when something cool and breathable is preferred. If you find an acrylic yarn blended with a plant fiber like cotton or linen it would be suitable for summer garments.

Is silk good for summer?

While silk is lightweight it’s also an insulator so holds in heat, which isn’t ideal for summer. If you like the drape and sheen of silk, look for a yarn that blends silk with other fibres like bamboo or cotton which will provide breathability to the yarn and finished garment.

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