Eyelet Trimmed Tank Top

Little Girl asked me for a purple tank top. I had some purple yarn, so I set out to make this.

But, as I was working my way up from the bottom, my mind started working, and it turned into this:

I can't tell you how proud I am of this top. It's the first time I've attempted to design anything (even if it's only the top of a shirt), and it looks perfect on Little Girl.

Here's the details:

Gauge: 5 stitches/inch (I used size 6 needles).

Approximately 330 yards of DK weight yarn (I used Debbie Bliss Cotton Cashmere).

Size 4/5 tank top

Cast on 172 stitches and join, being careful not to twist the stitches.

Row 1:Knit

Row 2: Purl

Row 3: YO, K2tog* Repeat around

Row 4: Purl

Knit in stockinette stitch until piece measures 9". Decrease 30 stitches evenly. (I used this calculator). Repeat rows 2-4. Decrease another 30 stitches evenly. Knit in moss stitch, until piece measures 11". BO 6 stitches in pattern, work 50 stitches in pattern, BO 12 stitches, work 44 stitches in pattern. Turn work. BO 6 stitches. Finish row in pattern.

Turn work. Work back and forth in moss stitch until back measures 11.5" ending on a right side row.

Row 1 (RS): SSK, work in moss stitch to last two stitches, K2tog.

Row 2 (WS): Work in moss stitch

Repeat these two rows until 30 stitches remain. Work first 5 stitches and leave on holder, BO 20 stitches, work last 5 stitches and leave on a holder.

Reattach yarn to front on WS. Work across in pattern.

Next row (RS): SSK, work to last two stitches, K2tog

Next row (WS): Work across in pattern

Repeat these two rows until 32 stitches remain. Work decrease row one more time (30 stitches). Next row (WS) Work 5 stitches, place on holder, BO 20 stitches in pattern, work last 5 stitches.

Work strap on these 5 stitches.

Row 1 & 2: Knit

Row 3: K2tog, YO, K1, YO, K2tog

Row 4: Knit

Repeat until strap measures 5", graft to corresponding 5 stitches on the back.

Reattach yarn to other strap. Repeat. Weave in ends, block, and make some little girl happy!