#annalbe

Messing with the Rectangle: The June Tank Altered

Although this is an easy knitted tank top by Ann Albe, I managed to make it a lot more complicated. Like many modern patterns, it is essentially a rectangle. But it adds some shape by changing needle size to a smaller diameter as it nears the waistline, and then returned to a larger needle as it head upwards to the bustline. I did not mean to get overly enthusiastic about the waistline stiches, but somehow I did.

My gauge --i.e. the number of stitches per inch--swung from what the pattern called for through the bottom lace border to a far smaller gauge at the waistline. When I realized changing to the bigger needles was not doing enough to add width needed for the bustline, I knew I needed to add some stitches. I added paired increases on either side of imaginary side seams. I also shortened it by several inches. The result is a slight hourglass shape and a perfect fit.

Which goes to show you that 1) gauge is important and you should check as you go along and 2) when something is headed in the wrong direction size-wise, there may be another option than frogging, so ponder before you panic.

This is made in a cotton/linen blend called Cotlin by Knitpicks and can be found here: https://www.knitpicks.com/yarn/cotlin/c/5420162