The Dune Drift Tank: A Free Knitting Pattern for a Textured, Modern Summer Top

Introducing the Dune Drift Tank: A Textured Summer Essential

Get ready to knit your new favorite summer top! The Dune Drift Tank is a stunning, modern tank top that combines a mesmerizing interplay of slipped stitches and garter ridges to create a cool, breathable fabric. This free knitting pattern is perfect for warm-weather layering, offering a relaxed, slightly boxy fit with a clean scoop neckline and narrow, rolled armhole edges. The rich, textured surface—achieved with a simple four-row repeat—makes this project both engaging for experienced knitters and accessible for confident beginners. Knit in a worsted-weight cotton yarn, this tank is as comfortable as it is beautiful.

Materials Needed

Before you begin, gather the following materials to ensure a smooth knitting experience.

Yarn

• Weight: Worsted weight cotton or cotton blend (e.g., Lion Brand 24/7 Cotton, Knit Picks Dishie).
• Yardage: Approximately 400-600 yards, depending on your chosen size.

Needles

• US 7 (4.5mm) circular needles, 24-inch length (for edging and garter stitch hem).
• US 8 (5mm) circular needles, 24-inch length (for main body pattern), or size needed to obtain gauge.

Other Supplies

• Stitch markers (optional, for armhole and neck shaping).
• Tapestry needle for weaving in ends.
• Scissors.

Gauge

• 18 stitches and 28 rows = 4 inches in slipped stitch pattern on larger needles (US 8 / 5mm), after blocking.
• Always take time to check your gauge. If your gauge is off, adjust needle size accordingly.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Sizes and Finished Measurements

• Sizes: XS (S, M, L, XL, 2XL, 3XL)
• Finished Bust: 32 (36, 40, 44, 48, 52, 56) inches
• Choose the size that gives you 2-4 inches of positive ease at the bust for the intended relaxed fit.

Stitch Pattern (Multiple of 2 + 1)

This pattern creates the beautiful textured fabric. Repeat Rows 1-4 throughout the body.

• Row 1 (RS): Knit all stitches.
• Row 2 (WS): Purl all stitches.
• Row 3: K1, *slip 1 stitch purlwise with yarn in back (sl1 wyib), k1; repeat from * to end.
• Row 4: P1, *slip 1 stitch purlwise with yarn in front (sl1 wyif), p1; repeat from * to end.

Back Panel

1. Cast On: With smaller needles (US 7), cast on 73 (81, 89, 97, 105, 113, 121) stitches.
2. Garter Hem: Work in garter stitch (knit every row) for 6 rows. This creates a stable, non-curling edge.
3. Begin Pattern: Switch to larger needles (US 8). Begin the slipped stitch pattern (Rows 1-4) and work even (without increasing or decreasing) until the piece measures 12 (12.5, 13, 13.5, 14, 14.5, 15) inches from the cast-on edge, ending after completing a Wrong Side row (Row 2 or 4).
4. Armhole Shaping:
   • Bind off 4 (5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10) stitches at the beginning of the next 2 rows (one for each side).
   • Then, decrease 1 stitch at each edge (inside the first and last stitch) on every Right Side row, 3 (4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9) times. To decrease: k2tog at the beginning of the row, and ssk at the end of the row.
   • After all decreases, 59 (63, 67, 71, 75, 79, 83) stitches remain.
5. Work Even: Continue working in pattern without shaping until the armhole measures 7 (7.5, 8, 8.5, 9, 9.5, 10) inches from the bind-off edge, ending with a Wrong Side row.
6. Shoulder Shaping:
   • Bind off 6 (6, 7, 7, 8, 8, 9) stitches at the beginning of the next 4 rows (2 on each side).
   • Then, bind off 5 (6, 6, 7, 7, 8, 8) stitches at the beginning of the next 2 rows.
   • Bind off the remaining 21 (23, 23, 25, 25, 27, 27) stitches for the back neck. Cut yarn.

Front Panel

1. Work exactly as for the back until the armhole measures 4 (4.5, 5, 5.5, 6, 6.5, 7) inches from the bind-off edge, ending with a Wrong Side row.
2. Neck Shaping:
   • Work across the first 25 (27, 29, 31, 33, 35, 37) stitches in pattern. Join a second ball of yarn.
   • Bind off the center 9 (9, 9, 9, 9, 9, 9) stitches.
   • Work the remaining stitches to the end of the row. You will now work both sides of the neck simultaneously with separate yarn balls.
   • Decrease 1 stitch at each neck edge (inside the first/last stitch) on every Right Side row, 4 (4, 4, 5, 5, 5, 5) times. To decrease at neck edge: On the right side, k2tog at the beginning of the row; on the left side, ssk at the end of the row.
   • After all decreases, 21 (23, 25, 26, 28, 30, 32) stitches remain on each shoulder.
3. Work Even & Shoulders: Continue working even on each side until the armhole measures the same as the back. Shape the shoulders exactly as for the back (bind off 6/6/5 or 7/7/6, etc., as per your size).

Finishing

1. Blocking: Block both pieces to the finished measurements. This evens out the stitches and sets the fabric. Pin to shape and steam or wet block as preferred.
2. Sewing Seams:
   • Sew the shoulder seams using a mattress stitch or your preferred seaming method.
   • Sew the side seams, leaving 8 (8.5, 9, 9.5, 10, 10.5, 11) inches open at the top for the armholes. Measure from the shoulder seam down to ensure armholes are even.
3. Armhole Edging:
   • With smaller needles (US 7), pick up and knit 1 stitch for every bound-off stitch and 3 stitches for every 4 rows around the armhole edge. The exact number isn't critical, but aim for a neat, even pick-up.
   • Knit 3 rows (garter stitch). Bind off loosely (use a larger needle if needed to avoid a tight edge).
   • Repeat for the other armhole.
4. Neck Edging:
   • With smaller needles (US 7), pick up and knit stitches evenly around the entire neck opening. Again, aim for a neat, even pick-up.
   • Knit 3 rows (garter stitch). Bind off loosely.
5. Weave in Ends: Use a tapestry needle to weave in all loose ends securely on the wrong side. Trim any excess yarn.

Your Dune Drift Tank is now complete! Enjoy wearing your beautifully textured, handmade summer top.