The detailed, inexpensive PDF pattern can be purchased on Ravelry.
The Pebbles Tank is a cute little button-down tank that is great for summer and perfect for layering in autumn! It’s also a really quick knit with a simple 1×1 rib at the bottom and a deceptively simply double moss stitch that gives it a fun texture.
For my first knit pattern, I wanted to design something that was not only beginner friendly but also a low-yardage top for people like me who have a lot cute yarn in small amounts. So it was a no-brainer to design this button-down at a semi-cropped length.
The other great thing about this top is that it is knit flat! Though there is a special kind of satisfaction in knitting a seamless top in the round, I do still enjoy knitting garments in flat panels and seamed. I also wanted to design something that is knit flat that would appeal to beginners with its simplicity and gorgeous finish.
When I first started knitting, I would always pick out patterns that were really pretty but also ones that I think would finish quickly, because I was on the hunt for that sweet, sweet instant gratification. I’m proud to say that the Pebbles Tank delivers on that front as well! It’s not only simple and quick to make, it’s also really pretty and neatly finished.
The alternating cable cast on gives the hem a nice, seamless look right from the beginning and is the perfect start for a simple 1×1 ribbed hem. The short hem cinches the bottom just enough to give the Pebbles Tank a little shape. The main body is worked in a double moss stitch. It’s all about the textures baby!
All three panels — back, front left and front right — are also knit with a simple selvedge stitch create the best foundation for seaming at the end. I wanted to make it as hassle free as possible for you, because I know that a lot of knitters are either wary of or dislike seaming. I don’t know if it’s just me, but I actually find it to be extremely satisfying.
Anyway, the selvedge stitches also serves as the neckline and armhole edge – keeping that neat edging theme going. Again, I was going for simple and elegant.
Finally, the i-cord straps are worked only on the front panel and attached to the back shoulder, instead of the more common method of knitting the straps up from both the front and back shoulders and Kitchener-stitching it together at the top of the shoulder. I think it makes for a neater finish when the seam is at the back shoulder, away from the spotlight – that way if your Kitchener stitch or three needle bind off looks a little wonky, it’s less visible.
Finally, once the panels are seamed and the straps are attached, we come to my favourite part: the buttons! As you’ve probably noticed, the Pebbles Tank is buttons-heavy. I do like anything with buttons down the front. A dress? A skirt? A tank top? I think it’s safe to say that I’ll have more button-forward patterns in the future.
For the Pebbles Tank, I went with tiny 12mm buttons – 10 of them. I used recycled/reclaimed plastic buttons from my stash but they will look incredible with wooden buttons or even metal or resin ones. This is where you can put your own mark on the Pebbles Tank. Go crazy with your buttons!
My favourite way to style the Pebbles Tank is with a simple pair of jeans. It’s warm all year-round where I am, so I almost never layer it. But on the rare cooler days, I will put on the Pebbles Tank over a simple short sleeved fitted t-shirt/crop top. It might even work layered over a turtleneck if you’re somewhere colder.
If you knit your own Pebbles Tank, do tag me on Instagram at @weekendyarner or use the hashtag #pebblestank. I would love to see more Pebbles Tanks out in the wild.
The detailed pattern is available for purchase on Ravelry. Please do add it to your library and give it a like over there!
