Inspired by the state flower of Montana and “the West’s most important plant” the Bitterroot Sagebrush Tank showcases the beautiful colors of the Southwest Montana landscape in this form fitting, textured lace design that uses local yarn from Ranching Tradition Fiber. Sagebrush is a nurse plant, which means it helps create the necessary conditions for other important native plants, like Bitterroot, to grow. Bitterroot is a culturally important wildflower with striking pink petals that has been used for millennia as a dietary supplement and medicinal aid.

Tank is worked in the round from the bottom up, then split at the underarms into front and back panels that are worked flat. Lacework entails increases and decreases. The 3-Needle Bind Off Technique is used to seam the shoulders. Sleeve and Neck Ribbing is worked in the round by picking up stitches.

SIZES: XS, S, M, L, XL The Bitterroot Sagebrush Tank is designed to be close fitting, with 3” negative – 0” positive ease at the bust. The tank in the photos was knitted in the size Extra-Small on a model with an approx. bust of 33” (83.82 cm) and 3” negative ease at the bust. To determine your size, measure yourself with a measuring tape around your bust, then refer to sections: “Your Bust Circumference” and “Bust Circumference of Finished Tee” to determine which size to knit.

• Notes: The sizes and measurements are approximates—since The Bitterroot Sagebrush Tank is knitted from the bottom up, you can customize it to fit your body and arm lengths as you go. Any modifications will impact yardage needed, so plan accordingly.

• Your Bust Circumference: 30”-33” (76-84 cm), 34”-37” (86.5-94 cm), 38”-41” (96.5-104 cm), 42”-45” (106.5-114.5 cm), 46-49” (117-124.5 cm.

• Bust Circumference of Finished Tee (measurements are approximates): Approx. 30” (76 cm), 34” (86.5 cm), 38” (96.5 cm), 42” (106.5 cm), 46” (117 cm).

MATERIALS:

• Single Color Version of Tank requires a Main Color (MC).
• Two Color Version of Tank requires a Main Color (MC) & Contrast Color 1 (CC1), example shown in MC – “Bitterroot” & CC1 –“Sage.”

SKEINS/SIZE:

• Single Color Version: XS 4, S 4, M 5, L 5, XL 6 Skeins
• Two Color Version: XS (MC: 3 / CC1: 1), S (MC: 3 / CC1: 1), M (MC: 4 / CC1: 1), L (MC: 4 / CC1: 2), XL (MC: 5 / CC1: 2) Skeins

KNITTING NEEDLES

• US Size 5 (3.75mm) Circular Knitting Needles in the following lengths: 16” (40cm), 24” (60 cm) for smaller sizes, 29” (74cm) for larger sizes.
• US Size 6 (4.0mm) Double Pointed Knitting Needles (7”)
• US Size 6 (4.0mm) Circular Knitting Needles in the following lengths: 24” (60 cm) for smaller sizes, 29” (74cm) for larger sizes.

NOTIONS:

• Stitch markers – 1 unique stitch marker for marking the end-of-the-round, 6-11 additional stitch markers for lacework
• Bent Darning Needle (to slip the sleeve stitches onto scrap yarn and to weave in loose ends)
• Two pieces of approx. 30” (50.8 cm) long scrap yarn that is DK-Weight (Category 3) (to slip the sleeve stitches onto using a darning/tapestry needle)
• Row Counter
• Knitting Needle Point Protectors (recommended but not required – helps prevent stitches from slipping off the needles)
• Clover Yarn Cutter Pendant