Custom Fit Smocked Tank
This tank is worked in the round from the top down. It can be made to fit any size with many different kinds of yarn. Shown with 4 skeins of Cascade Sierra Quatro Cotton
Step 1: Determine your gauge. (Example: 5 stitches per inch)
Step 2: Measure bust. (Example: 37inches)
Step 3: Calculate number of stitches to cast on. You will multiply the number of stitches per inch by the number of inches around your bust. You will then need to modify that number to be divisible by 8.
(Example: 5 x 37 = 185. Because this number is not divisible by 8 I rounded the number to the closest number divisible by 8 which is 184)
Stitches
Smocking Stitch
Rounds 1, 2, and 3: *K2 , p2: rep from * around
Round 4: *Insert right hand needle from front between the 6th and 7th sts on the left hand needle and draw through a loop, slip this loop onto the left hand needle and knit together with the first st on the left hand needle (sm st), k1, p2, k2, p2, rep from * around.
Rounds 5, 6, and 7: K2 , p2: rep from * around
Round 8: K2, p2, *sm st, k1, p2, k2, p2, rep from * around, end last rep work sm st between 2nd and 3rd st at beg of next round to complete last sm st, do not move marker.
Repeat rounds 1-8 for pattern
Moss Stitch
Rounds 1 and 2: *K1, p1: Rep from * around
Rounds 3 and 4: *P1, K1: Rep from * around
Pattern
Cast on your calculated number of stitches
Work in Smocking Stitch until the top is your desired length ending with round 2 or 6. Place the tank across your chest. The top of the tank should be where you would like it to fall when worn. The end of the smocking stitch should fall below your bust.
Work in Stockinette Stitch (Knit every round) until piece is almost your desired length.
Work in Moss Stitch for 8 rounds for bottom edge.
Straps
Cast on 4 stitches. Work I-cord for desired length. Sew in place on tank.
