The Bempton Tank Top features the same stitch pattern as the Bempton Jumper and Bempton Mittens – which started life as a mystery retreat project! I’ve always loved a cable, but I wanted to add more detail than just a twist, so I incorporated a moss stitch panel. The result is a textured pattern that looks more complicated than it is.

Unlike the Bempton Jumper which is knitted in Aran weight yarn, the Bempton Tank Top is knitted in 4-ply yarn. I love how the same pattern looks so delicate and refined in a finer weight yarn compared to the more robust look of the Aran.

As with many of my designs, I’ve kept it simple so you can sit back, relax and enjoy the knitting. The front neck edge is one of my go-to techniques – it’s easy to knit yet creates a beautifully classic finish.

This unisex design works well for all body shapes and is knitted in pieces from the bottom up.

CONSTRUCTION
The back and front are knitted flat from the bottom up in separate pieces and joined together. The neck and armhole edges are picked up and knitted.

TECHNIQUES USED
Cast on, knit, purl, decreasing at the armhole and neck shaping, one simple cable, cast off, picking up stitches at armhole and neck.
Optional but recommended to create the feeling of joy when joining your pieces: mattress stitch and three needle cast off.

YARN
8(10:12:13) 25g balls of Jamieson’s Spindrift.
100% Shetland wool, 105m/114 yds per 25g

SUGGESTED KNITTING NEEDLES
3mm and 3.25mm.

NOTIONS
Cable needle.

GAUGE (tension)
32 stitches and 38 rows to 10cm/4ins square over cable pattern when slightly stretched. I obtained this gauge with 3.25mm needles.
It is important to obtain the correct gauge so do work a swatch before you start the pattern and change your needle size to achieve the correct gauge if you need to.

FINISHED MEASUREMENTS
I recommend a negative or positive ease of -1 to +4”/-2.5 to +10cm at the chest.

Size
1, (2, 3, 4)

Chest circumference
87, (95, 102, 110)cm
34¼, (37½, 40¼, 43¼)ins

Length (from top of shoulder to cast on edge)
52, (54, 56, 60)cm
20½, (21¼, 22, 23½)ins

NEED HELP?
I am here for you! Pop into the Skipton studio, send an email, or check out the Purl &Jane YouTube channel for tips, inspiration and guidance including handy resources like gauge (tension) guides and how to tutorials.