10 Best Knitted Tank Top Patterns for Summer

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The topic of tank top patterns is a divisive one for knitters. On the one hand they provide an opportunity to knit something a little different, quicker (no sleeves!), and often with totally different yarn than cold-weather projects. On the other hand—well, I’m not even sure what’s on that other hand. I’ve just heard knitters complain about knitted tank tops, but I’m not sure what the problem was. Sometimes they can be a little bulky, but you can solve that problem with yarn selection and gauge. When you knit a tank top for summer, you’re really knitting a year-round garment you can wear under layers when it gets cold out.

Here is a list of 10 cute tank top patterns that are on our radar as the summer approaches.

1. Lavender Tank Top

Jenny Williams | knitscene Summer 2020

The Lavender Tank Top speaks summer in every line of its silhouette. Knit in delicate, recycled-silk yarn, this airy tank is worked back and forth in pieces from the bottom up and seamed. The front panels wrap around slightly to the back. The tank is finished with I-cord spaghetti straps.

2. Gorge Tank Top

Jennifer Owens | knitscene Summer 2020

The 100% cotton yarn of the Gorge Tank Top makes this an ideal piece for your summer wardrobe. Using a simple ribbing pattern with stripes, this cute, cropped summer tank is worked back and forth in two pieces and seamed. The shoulders are grafted together in pattern.

3. Seashell Tank

Heather Zoppetti | knitscene Summer 2018

The Seashell Tank starts with the front lace panel worked from the center out, then the sides and back are worked leaving a space for the panel to be picked up later. An I-cord drawstring is strung through loops on the back for adjusting the ease. The silk-linen blend of Anzula Breeze is the perfect yarn pairing for this cool summer top.

3. Red Clay Top

Joan Forgione | knitscene Spring 2017

The Red Clay Top is worked back and forth in an allover zigzag lace pattern. It has minimal shaping, so it’s interesting, fun, and simultaneously not overly complicated!

4. Barachois Tunic

Wendy Bernard | knitscene Summer 2016

This linen top has a deconstructed look made by using intentionally dropped stitches in the pattern. The simple construction and summery yarn make the Barachois Tunic a fantastic candidate for a quick summer knit.

5. Monadnock Tank

Erica Schlueter | knitscene Spring 2016

A cotton-wool blend yarn makes the Monadnock Tank a sweet little transitional piece, and yarn’s thicker weight helps it work up quickly. A little allover Lace Check pattern adorns the tank and allows it to breath. Wear it over a camisole or on its own!

7. Colbie Tank

Mari Chiba | knitscene Spring 2015

The cover project for knitscene Spring 2015 utilizes two different yarns—one for the cabled neck at the top, and another for the body. The body is all knit in stockinette stitch, and the halter top shape is perfect for summertime!

8. Sunspot Tank

Emma Welford | knitscene Summer 2014

Looking for some subtle summer colorwork? The Sunspot Tank features intarsia circles that add a touch of soft color to the top. The tank has a racerback and is knit back and forth and seamed.

9. Lazulum Shell

Julie Grantz LeFrancois | knitscene Spring 2014

Bias increases on either side of the front and back center create faux princess seams in the Lazulum Shell. This simple-yet-elegant tunic-length top is great by itself or under a cardigan in the non-summer months.

10. Beverly Tee

Jean Chung | knitscene Summer 2013

The Beverly Tee offers some excitement with a plunging back. Wear over a bandeau top that makes a statement.

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I hope these patterns inspire you to keep knitting this summer! Even if tank top patterns aren’t for you, keep in mind all the different summer yarns that are out there to play with.

Do you have a favorite tank top pattern, or a favorite yarn you love for tank tops? Let us know in the comments!

Happy tank-top knitting!
Hannah

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Originally posted on June 20, 2019; updated on May 27, 2021.

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Spend the summer with knitscene!