INTRODUCTION

Chicory Tank

by Rachel Brockman

Although I love knitting lace, I've found that it doesn't always fit my personal style for daily apparel. For Chicory, my hope was to create the perfect twinset that balances the femininity of lace with a relaxed, casual appeal – something others would love, but that I would, too. To strike that balance, I paired a lovely, original lace motif with broken ribbing and stripes along the hem and sleeve cuffs, giving it a lace-meets-sports jacket vibe. I've always been fond of a classic collared sweater, and they've become increasingly popular over the past year, making this duo something that will surely outlast any fleeting trends. Furthermore, a designing a twinset has been on my mind for ages, so I'm thrilled to finally make it happen!

This twinset features a loose-fitting cardigan in coordinating shades of blue that subtly remind me of flowers on the chicory plants, that often decorate the roadside. For each piece to complement the other, I chose to reverse the colors for the tank top. Although the design as pictured features a cropped tank, I have included options for lengthening the piece.

Chicory is knit using Fibra Natura Papyrus. This yarn is a DK-weight, 2 ply blend of 78% cotton and 22% silk. It comes in a broad palette of soft pastels and neutrals. Between the colors and the fiber content, this will surely be your new favorite for spring and summer.

You'll find the pattern for the cardigan over here.

model: Rachel Brockman

photos: John Mojecki

SIZE

 XXS[XS, S, M, L, 1X, 2X, 3X, 4X, 5X, 6X]
Shown in Small with approx. 1" of positive ease.

FINISHED MEASUREMENTS

Chest circumference at underarm:  28.75[32.5, 36, 39.5, 43.25, 46.75, 50.5, 54, 57.5, 61.25, 64.75] inches / 73[82.5, 91.5, 100.5, 110, 119, 128, 137, 146.5, 155.5, 164.5] cm
Length [Cropped Version]:  16.5[17, 17.5, 18, 19.5, 20, 20.5, 21, 22, 22.5, 23] inches / 42[43.5, 44.5, 46, 50, 51, 52.5, 53.5, 56, 57.5, 58.5] cm
Length [Full Length Version]:  22.5[23, 23.5, 24, 25.5, 26, 26.5, 27, 28, 28.5, 29] inches / 57[58.5, 60, 61, 65, 66, 67.5, 68.5, 71, 72.5, 74] cm

MATERIALS

Yarn

TANK TOP
Cropped Version (shown above):
Fibra Natura Papyrus [78% cotton, 22% silk; 131 yds/120 m per 50g];
[Color A] 229-13 Celestial; 1 ball for all sizes
[Color B] 229-15 Heavens; 2[3, 3, 3, 4, 4, 4, 5, 5, 5, 6] balls

Full Length Version (not shown):
Fibra Natura Papyrus [78% cotton, 22% silk; 131 yds/120 m per 50g];
[Color A] 229-13 Celestial;1 ball for all sizes
[Color B] 229-15 Heavens; 3[3, 3, 4, 4, 4, 5, 5, 5, 6, 6] balls

Yarn Characteristics
Papyrus is a DK-weight, 2 ply blend of 78% cotton and 22% silk, constructed with strands of softly spun cotton bound in place with sturdy strands of silk.

Recommended needle size
[always use a needle size that gives you the gauge listed below - every knitter's gauge is unique]
US #6/4mm straight or your preferred needle for knitting flat
US #5/4.5mm straight or your preferred needle for knitting flat

Notions
removable stitch marker
stitch markers
cable needle
yarn needle

GAUGE

20 sts x 27 rows = 4 inches / 10 cm in Lace Patt with larger needles after blocking
22 sts x 28 rows = 4 inches / 10 cm in Broken Rib

PATTERN NOTES

[Knitty's list of standard abbreviations and techniques can be found here.]

This set features two different patterns: a cardigan and a coordinating tank top to create a lovely matching set.

The tank top is knit in the round from the bottom up. The front and back are separated at the underarms. After working the Front, the straps are worked over the shoulders and to the length of the armhole, then sewn to the back.

In this pattern, you will need to work shaping at the same time as you are working in the Lace pattern. If there are not enough yarnover increases to compensate for the corresponding decreases, or vice versa, please work these stitches in stockinette stitch instead.

STITCH GUIDE
1/2 Right Cross [RC]: Slip 2 sts to cn and hold in back, k1, k2 from cn.

CHARTS

Tank Top Lace
Multiple of 18 sts
Rnd 1: *K3, p1, k13, p1; rep from * to end.
Rnd 2: *K3, p1, k2tog, yo, k2, k2tog, yo, k1, yo, ssk, k2, yo, ssk, p1; rep from * to end.
Rnd 3: *K3, p1, k13, p1; rep from * to end.
Rnd 4: *1/2 RC, p1, k2tog, yo, k1, k2tog, yo, k3, yo, ssk, k1, yo, ssk, p1; rep from * to end.
Rnd 5: * [K3, p1, k4, p1] twice; rep from * to end.
Rnd 6: *K3, k2tog, yo, k1, k2tog, yo, p1, 1/2 RC, p1, yo, ssk, k1, yo, ssk; rep from * to end.
Rnd 7: *K8, p1, k3, p1, k5; rep from * to end.
Rnd 8: *Ssk, k1, k2tog, yo, k2, yo, ssk, p1, k3, p1, k2tog, yo, k2, yo; rep from * to end.
Rnd 9: Rep Rnd 7.
Rnd 10: *Yo, sl2, k1, p2sso, yo, k3, yo, ssk, p1, 1/2 RC, p1, k2tog, yo, k3; rep from * to end.
Rnd 11: Rep Rnd 7.
Rnd 12: *Yo, k1, yo, ssk, k2, yo, ssk, p1, k3, p1, k2tog, yo, k2, k2tog; rep from * to end.
Rnd 13: Rep Rnd 7.
Rnd 14: *K3, yo, ssk, k1, yo, ssk, p1, 1/2 RC, p1, k2tog, yo, k1, k2tog, yo; rep from * to end.
Rnd 15: Rep Rnd 5.
Rnd 16: *1/2 RC, p1, yo, ssk, k1, yo, ssk, k3, k2tog, yo, k1, k2tog, yo, p1; rep from * to end.
Rnd 17: Rep Rnd 3.
Rnd 18: *K3, p1, k2tog, yo, k2, yo, ssk, k1, k2tog, yo, k2, yo, ssk, p1; rep from * to end.
Rnd 19: Rep Rnd 3.
Rnd 20: *1/2 RC, p1, k2tog, yo, k3, yo, sl2, k1, p2sso, yo, k3, yo, ssk, p1; rep from * to end.
Rnd 21: Rep Rnd 3.
Rep Rnds 2-21 for patt.

DIRECTIONS

TANK
Hem
With smaller needle and color B, CO 144[162, 180, 198, 216, 234, 252, 270, 288, 306, 324] sts. Pm and join to knit in the rnd, being careful not to twist.
Rnd 1: K1, *k1, p1; rep from * to last st, k1.
Rnd 2: Knit.
Rep Rnds 1-2 1[1, 1, 1, 2, 2, 2, 2, 2, 2, 2] times more. Join color B, do not break color A.

With color B, rep Rnds 1-2 1[1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 2, 2, 2] time[s].
With color A, rep Rnds 1-2 2[2, 2, 2, 3, 3, 3, 3, 3, 3, 3] time[s].
With color B, rep Rnds 1-2 1[1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 2, 2, 2] time[s].
With color A, rep Rnds 1-2 2[2, 2, 2, 3, 3, 3, 3, 3, 3, 3] time[s].
Break color A, cont with color B only.

Next Rnd: With color B, purl.
Change to larger needle.

Main Body
Begin Lace Section:
Notes: I strongly suggest placing markers between each lace rep to help you stay on track. Reps are indicated by the red outline on the charts or the instructions following a * in the Stitch Guide. The Lace pattern will be repeated 8[9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18] times across each rnd.

Note: The BOR marker will need to be adjusted on Rnds 7 and 11, as follows:
On Rnd 7, when you arrive at the final stitch you will remove the BOR maker, work the last st of the previous rnd and first st of the following rnd together, then replace BOR marker. On Rnd 11, when you arrive at the final st, work the yo as directed in patt, then replace the BOR marker to its original position.

Set-up Rnd: Work Set-up Rnd of Tank Top Lace patt to end.
Cropped version: Work Rnds 2-21 of Lace patt, then work Rows 2-20 of patt 1 more time.
Full Length version: Rnds 2-21 of Tank Top Lace patt 3 times, then work Rnds 2-20 of patt 1 more time.

Separate Front and Back:
Rnd 1: K3, pm, cont as est over 69[78, 87, 96, 105, 114, 123, 132, 141, 150, 159] Front sts, pm, k3, pm, k2tog 0[1, 0, 1, 0, 1, 0, 1, 0, 1, 0] times, k 69[76, 87, 94, 105, 112, 123, 130, 141, 148, 159] Back sts. 144[161, 180, 197, 216, 233, 252, 269, 288, 305, 324] sts.
Rnd 2: P3, sl m, cont in patt as est to m, sl m, p3, sl m, purl to end.
Rnd 3: K3, sl m, cont in patt as est to m, sl m, k3, sl m, purl to end.
Rnd 4: P3, sl m, cont in patt as est to m, sl m, p3, sl m, * k1, p1; rep from * to 1 st bef m, k1.
Cont in patt as est through Rnd 9 of Tank Top Lace patt.
Separation Row: K3, sl m, cont as est to m, sl m, k3, bind off 69[77, 87, 95, 105, 113, 123, 131, 141, 149, 159] Back sts. You will now begin working flat. 75[84, 93, 102, 111, 120, 129, 138, 147, 156, 165] sts rem.

Shape Armholes:
Dec Row [RS]: K3, sl m, ssk, cont as est to 2 sts before m, k2tog, sl m, k3. 2 sts dec'd.
Dec Row [WS]: K3, sl m, p2tog, cont as est to 2 sts before m, ssp, sl m, k3. 2 sts dec'd.
Rep Dec Row every row 6[0, 4, 8, 10, 14, 18, 20, 22, 22, 30] times more. 59 (80, 81, 82, 87, 88, 89, 94, 99, 108, 101) sts rem.

Size XXS may proceed to All Sizes Section.

Sizes XS-6X ONLY:
Dec Row [RS]: K3, sl m, ssk, cont as est to 2 sts before m, k2tog, sl m, k3. 2 sts dec'd.
Even Row [WS]: K3, sl m, p1, cont as est to 1 st before m, p1, sl m, k3.
Rep Dec Row and Even Row -[8, 7, 6, 7, 7, 6, 7, 8, 12, 7] times more.

All Sizes:
 59[62, 65, 68, 71, 72, 75, 78, 81, 82, 85] sts.

Sizes XS[M, 1X, 3X, 5X] only:
Next Row [RS]: K2tog, knit to end. 1 st dec'd, -[61, -, 67, -, 71, -, 77, -, 81, -] sts rem.
Next Row [WS]: Knit.

Sizes XXS[S, L, 2X, 4X, 6X] only:
Next Row [RS]: Knit.
Next Row [WS]: Knit.

All Sizes
 59[61, 65, 67, 71, 71, 75, 77, 81, 81, 85] sts.

Upper Front Edging
Row 1 [RS]: K1, *k1, p1; rep from * to last 2 sts, k2.
Row 2 [WS]: K1, purl to last st, k1.
Rep Rows 1-2 for 1 inch/2.5 cm, ending after Row 2.

Straps
Next Row [RS]: K1, [k1, p1] 3[3, 3, 3, 4, 4, 4, 4, 5, 5, 5] times, k2 [Left Strap sts], bind off next 39[43, 47, 49, 49, 49, 53, 55, 55, 55, 59] sts, k1, [k1, p1] 3[3, 3, 3, 4, 4, 4, 4, 5, 5, 5] times, k2 [Right Strap sts]. Place Left Strap sts on holder or waste yarn.
Next Row [WS]: Purl.
Next Row: K1, *k1, p1; rep from * to last 2 sts, k2.
Rep last 2 rows until Strap measures 11[11.5, 12, 12.5, 13, 13.5, 14, 14.5, 15, 15.5, 16] inches / 28[29, 30.5, 32, 33, 34.5, 35.5, 37, 38, 39.5, 40.5] cm.
Bind off all sts.
Return Left Strap sts to needle. Work as for Right Strap.

Place a removable marker at Center Back. Sew each strap to Back approx. 3[3, 3.25, 3.25, 3.5, 3.5, 3.75, 3.75, 4, 4, 4.25] inches / 7.5[7.5, 8.5, 8.5, 9, 9, 9.5, 9.5, 10, 10, 11] cm from each side of Center Back marker.

FINISHING

Soak finished pieces in cool water with a bit of soap, if desired. Remove from water, place on a towel, and roll the towel up to absorb the excess water. Unroll towel and place on a flat surface, patting it into shape. Let dry. Weave in ends.

A – Chest circumference: 28.75[32.5, 36, 39.5, 43.25, 46.75, 50.5, 54, 57.5, 61.25, 64.75] inches / 73[82.5, 91.5, 100.5, 110, 119, 128, 137, 146.5, 155.5, 164.5] cm
B – Length from Hem to Underarm [Cropped Version]: 9[9, 9, 9, 10, 10, 10, 10, 10.5, 10.5, 10.5] inches / 23[23, 23, 23, 25.5, 25.5, 25.5, 25.5, 26.5, 26.5, 26.5] cm
B2 – Length from Hem to Underarm [Full Length Version]: 15[15, 15, 15, 16, 16, 16, 16, 16.5, 16.5, 16.5] inches / 38[38, 38, 38, 40.5, 40.5, 40.5, 40.5, 42, 42, 42] cm
C – Armhole Depth: 7[7.5, 8, 8.5, 9, 9.5, 10, 10.5, 11, 11.5, 12] inches / 18[19, 20.5, 21.5, 23, 24, 27, 28, 29, 30.5, ] cm
D – Front Neck Drop: 4 inches / 10 cm
E – Neck Width:  7.5[7.75, 8.5, 9, 9, 9, 9.5, 10, 10, 10, 10.75] inches / 19[20, 22, 22.5, 22.5, 22.5, 24.5, 25.5, 25.5, 25.5, 27.5]
F – Strap Width: 1.5[1.5, 1.5, 1.5, 2, 2, 2, 2, 2.5, 2.5, 2.5] inches / 4[4, 4, 4, 5, 5, 5, 5, 6, 6, 6] cm

ABOUT THE DESIGNER

Rachel Brockman is the creative lead for Universal Yarn and also designs independently. When she isn't knitting, she's probably playing with her pups, climbing, or watching John Carpenter's The Thing for the millionth time with her husband.

You can find her on Ravelry as Racheleilei and on Instagram as rachbrocknits.

Pattern & images © 2022 Rachel Brockman