Block Theory by Jennifer Dassau

Bold blocks of intarsia decorate the front and back of this long and lean tank. Worked flat from the bottom up with a slightly longer back, the built-in rib edging is seamed at the sides, leaving slits at the hem. Waist shaping and an a-line flare at the hip emphasize the casual breeziness, and deep v-shaped armholes add to the linear styling.

Block Theory is worked separately for front & back from the bottom up, beginning with an Italian tubular CO that flows beautifully into narrow ribbing, and then transitions to stockinette stitch with intarsia color blocking. The narrow rib continues up the sideseam and armhole edge, with shaping worked within the body for hip, waist and bust, making it simple to seam the front and back together beautifully, and eliminating the need for armhole finishing. A shallow scoop neck worked with a few short rows balances the cut-out armholes, the shoulders are seamed with a 3-needle bind off, and then tidy minimalist applied I-cord finishes the neckline.
The width and spacing of the intarsia color blocks grows through the size range, to create a similar visual result for all sizes.  Pattern includes 9 sizes.

To see more patterns, please visit jenniferdassau.com

Knitting Kit includes pattern (pdf & printed pattern) and yarn.  Sizes with similar skein counts are grouped for kit purposes only.  

  DK Weight

DESIGNER RECOMMENDED YARN: Ultra Pima by Cascade Yarns (100% pima cotton; 100g/220yds): 2 (3, 3, 3, 3, 3, 3, 4, 4) skeins MC and 1 (2, 2, 2, 2, 2, 2, 2, 2) skeins CC. Shown in colors Natural & Gray.

ALTERNATE YARN: Verano by Malabrigo  (100% Pima Cotton; 100g/205 yds): 3 (3, 3, 3, 3, 3, 4, 4, 4) Skeins Main Color (MC) & 1 (2, 2, 2, 2, 2, 2, 2, 2) Skeins of Contrasting Color (CC). Enjoy the softness of pima cotton without heavy processing.  All colors except for White are variegated with tonal shifts.

ALTERNATE YARN: Hempathy by Elsebeth Lavold (41% Cotton / 34% Hemp / 25% Modal; 50g/153 yds): 3 (4, 4, 4, 4, 4, 5, 5, 6) Skeins MC & 2 (2, 2, 2, 2, 3, 3, 3, 3) Skeins CC.  This yarn has the hand of a linen/cotton blend but has the colorfastness of Hemp and the softness of modal (rayon), too.  A delightful yarn to knit with.  Click the link above to see what's available now.

SIZE: 2XS (XS, S, M, L, XL, 2XL, 3XL, 4XL)” bust; shown with 1” negative ease.
FINISHED MEASUREMENTS: Bust- 31 (33, 35, 37, 39, 41, 43, 47, 51)”
YARDAGE: 425 (475, 500, 525, 575, 600, 625, 725, 800) yards of MC and 210 (230, 250, 270, 290, 310, 330 360, 390) yards of CC dk weight cotton or cotton blend yarn.
SKILL LEVEL: Intermediate - Italian tubular CO, knit/purl,increasing/decreasing, intarsia, German short rows, cable CO, applied I-cord (provisional CO and grafting), 3-needle BO; links are provided to my techniques tutorials.

NEEDLES: Size US 5 / 3.75mm & US 4 / 3.5mm 32" circular needle, or needle size needed to obtain gauge
OTHER TOOLS: 4 Stitch markers, 3 Stitch holders or waste yarn, Tapestry needle
GAUGE: 22 sts x 28 rows = 4" in stockinette stitch, after blocking

Tunic Images courtesy of Knitting Vortex