Easy Flat Knit Top Pattern (Free Summer Tank)

This blog post will show an easy flat knit top pattern (free summer tank).

This top is a perfect project for those who love knitting and enjoy wearing handmade clothing.

The pattern is easy to follow and suitable for knitters of all skill levels.

Please scroll down to view the free pattern online, or you can grab the inexpensive, ad-free PDF in my shop here.

Easy Flat Knit Top Pattern

Skill Level – Basic (Beginner)

Notes

The top is knitted using a soft cotton yarn, making it lightweight and perfect for summer.

The design features a simple garter stitch pattern.

It’s a versatile piece that can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion.

Add this unique top to your summer wardrobe today!

Please scroll down to view the free pattern online, or you can grab the inexpensive, ad-free PDF in my shop here.

You can also grab the whole Muses pattern collection here.

Copyright Info

Please do not copy, sell, redistribute, or republish this pattern.
If you wish to share this pattern, please provide a link to the pattern page only.
You may sell items produced using this pattern.
Do NOT use the copyrighted photos for your product listing.
For the copyright T&C, please read my Terms of Use.

Size Information

Gauge – 16 sts/28 rows in 4 inches/10 cm in garter stitch.

Measurements

This top can be made in the following sizes…

S (M, L, XL, XXL, XXXL)

Bust Size (inches)

38 (42, 46, 51, 57, 63)

Waist Size (inches)

34 (38, 42, 47, 53, 59)

The pattern is written for all sizes starting with the smallest size – with changes for different sizes listed in all necessary places.

To follow patterns more easily, circle or highlight all numbers pertaining to your size before beginning.

The supplies you need…

Yarn

The Pima Cotton From We Are Knitters in Sprinkle Beige (This cotton is 100% Pima Cotton) 100g/3.05oz/232 yds/212m.
Use my code – MGM4VHHAT – for 10 off on your WAK yarn order.
This is an Aran/Worsted/10 Ply yarn.

For the following sizes you will need;

Small – 2 – (200g/464yds/424m)
Medium – 2 – (200g/464yds/424m)
Large – 3 – (300g/696yds/636m)
XL – 3 – (300g/696yds/636m)
XXL – 3.5 – (350g/812yds/742m)
XXXL – 4.5 – (450g/1,044yds/954m)

Needles

5 mm (US 8) knitting needles
The top is worked back and forth on the needles – knit flat

Notions

Scissors
Darning needle/yarn needle
Tape measure
Stitch holder

Knitting Abbreviations

Beg – Beginning
CO – Cast on
Cont – Continue
Dec – Decrease (cast off)
g st – Garter stitch
K – Knit
St(s) – Stitch(es)
Rem – Remaining
Rep – Repeat
RS – Right side
WS – Wrong side

Pattern Instructions

Worked flat knitting back and forth on two needles:

Work the Front and Back pieces the same.

Cast on 64 (72, 80, 88, 100, 112) sts.

Row 1 (RS): Knit.
Row 2 (WS): Knit

Cont to work in garter stitch, repeating rows 1 and 2 until your piece measures = 30 (32, 34, 36, 38, 40)cm / 11.8 (12.5, 13.3, 14.1, 15, 15.7) inches.

Shape Armholes

Row 1 (RS): Cast off 4 stitches at the beg of the row, K to end.

Row 2 (WS): Cast off 4 stitches at the beg of the row, K to end.

Decrease (cast off) 1st at the beg of every row until you have 32 (36, 40, 44, 48, 52) sts left on the needle.

End with a RS row.

Straps

First Strap

Row 1 (RS): K4 sts, cast off the rem sts until you reach the final 4 sts at the end of the row, and turn the work.

Row 2 (WS): K the 4 sts and place the other 4 sts on the other side of the work onto a stitch holder.

Cont to work in g st until the strap measures = 14, (14, 16, 16, 18, 18) cm / 5.5 (5.5, 6.2, 6.2, 7, 7) inches.

Cast off.

Second Strap

Rep with the other 4 sts, re-attach the yarn to the first stitch on the right side, and knit in g st until the strap is the same length as the first one.

Cast off.

Making Up

Sew the side seams together using the mattress stitch or any seaming method of your choice.

If you wish, you can leave a 10 cm/4-inch vent on either side of the seam near the bottom.

Sew the loose ends of the straps to the coordinating points on the other piece (front or back) at the top of the work.

Finishing and Blocking

You may wish to block your tank top; you can do that as follows:

Lay the item out on blocking mats, lightly stretch it into place, and pin it with blocking pins.
Spray with cold water.
Allow to dry completely.
Read more here – Blocking Knits.

Could you share your work with us?

I love seeing your finished projects on social media.

If you enjoyed this knit top pattern, I’d love to see yours on Instagram, be sure to tag me @handylittleme or #handylittleme to be featured.

If you are on Facebook, stop over to the Handylittleme Facebook group and share a photo,

I’d love to see your work.

You can also find us on Pinterest and Etsy.

Happy knitting!

A Vest Top For Beginners

This sleeveless top is a simple pattern you can make, whether a beginner or an intermediate maker.

Made with the garter stitch, this pattern is a mindless project you can knit while watching your favorite shows.

Knit with a variegated yarn, and you can create a unique design.

It’s easy peasy!

Plus, it’s available in many sizes, from small to xxxl.

What is the best yarn for a summer top?

The best yarn for a summer top combines lightweight yarn with breathable fibers to ensure comfort in warm weather.

Opt for yarn in lace, fingering, sport weight, or worsted weight yarn categories for a lighter, airier fabric.

Natural fibers like cotton, linen, bamboo, and silk are ideal choices for their breathability and moisture-wicking properties.

Cotton yarn, known for its softness and absorbency, is a popular option, while linen offers a crisp texture and lovely drape, perfect for casual styles.

Bamboo yarn, with its silky feel and antibacterial properties, is great for sensitive skin.

Silk blends, though not as breathable as other options, provide a luxurious sheen suitable for more formal tops.

Blends of these fibers offer a balance of comfort and functionality, ensuring your summer top is both stylish and comfortable for warm-weather wear.

For winter garments, super bulky or bulky yarn in fibers like merino wool is preferred.

My favorite yarns for summer tops are The Cotton – We Are Knitters, Lion Brand Yarn 24/7 Cotton, Paintbox Yarns Cotton DK.

Learn everything about the different yarn weights here – Yarn Weight Guide {+ Conversion Chart}
Learn everything about yarn fibers here – Yarn Types Explained: A Guide To Different Fibers
Learn how to read a yarn label here – How To Read A Yarn Label (Step By Step)

What supplies do you need to knit a summer top?

To knit a summer top, you’ll need lightweight and breathable yarn, such as cotton, linen, or bamboo, in the color of your choice.

Make sure to select knitting needles that match the recommended size for your yarn and pattern.

Circular needles are often preferred for garment knitting as they accommodate a large number of stitches and allow for easy fitting as you work.

Additionally, you’ll need a pattern that suits your skill level and desired style, along with basic knitting tools like scissors, stitch markers, and a tapestry needle for finishing.

Optional supplies might include blocking tools for finishing your garment with a professional touch.

How to measure for a summer top?

To measure for a summer top, you’ll want to take several key measurements to ensure a proper fit:

Bust Circumference: Measure around the fullest part of your chest or bust, making sure the measuring tape is straight and parallel to the ground.
Waist: Measure around your natural waistline, which is typically the smallest part of your waist, between your ribcage and your hips.
Hips: Measure around the widest part of your hips, ensuring the tape is parallel to the ground.
Length: Decide how long you want your summer top to be, whether it’s cropped, hip-length, or longer. Measure from the shoulder down to your desired length, keeping in mind any shaping or hem details in the pattern.
Armhole Depth: Measure from the highest point of the shoulders down to where you want the arm holes to sit. This measurement is crucial for ensuring comfort and mobility in your top.

Accurate body measurements are the most important step in making your garment the correct size.

Then, compare them to the sizing information provided in your chosen pattern to determine which is the best size for your body type.

Keep in mind that ease, or the amount of extra room in the garment beyond your actual measurements, may vary depending on the style of the top.

Adjustments can also be made during knitting to customize the fit further.

Knitting Lessons

If you are new to knitting and need help with the basics, check out these posts here: Knitting Lessons (With Video Tutorials).

There, you will find step-by-step tutorials for all the different knitting techniques a newbie needs to know.

This includes how to cast on, how to bind off, how to knit the basic stitches, how to knit the knit stitch, how to knit the purl stitch, how to knit the stockinette stitch, how to knit the seed stitch, and how to knit the rib stitch.

How to make the mattress stitch, short rows, yarn over (yo), knit the slip stitch, use the magic loop technique, fix knitting mistakes, measure gauge in knitting, and more.

Also included is a list of knitting abbreviations (UK + US terms), how to knit the linen stitch, and more.

And if you need more video tutorials to help you practice your basic knitting skills, check out my YouTube channel here – Handy Little Me – YouTube.

More Summer Knits

Check out the free knitting patterns below for lightweight patterns for the warmer months, including tank tops and more.