Knitting patterns for tanks, shells, and other sleeveless tops.
To get the knitting patterns, scroll down the page to the individual pattern you want and click on the link to that pattern.
These patterns are not my designs but links to other designers who have generously shared their patterns. If you have questions about how to knit a specific pattern, please contact the designer directly.
All links on this site are for informational purposes, but please note that some links are to affiliate sellers that pay me a small commission on purchases.
Free Patterns
Tribeca Tunic
A stylish, modern, striped top with a hidden front pocket! Sleeveless pullover is knit in 2 pieces of 5 panels. Designed by Bobbie Fitzgerald for Lion Brand Yarn. Sizes S, M/L, 1X/2X. DK weight yarn.
Criss Cross Shell
Sleeveless pullover top features a unique geometric motif on the front and back created with twisted stitches. Designed by Cheryl Beckerich for Cascade Yarns. Sizes 34 (38, 42, 46, 50)” at bust
Shifting Rib Tank
Sleeveless top with figure flattering contoured rib detail around bust. Designed by Patons. Sizes XS to 5XL.
Zephyr Tank
Sleeveless pullover top with pretty ruffled lace hem and buttoned neckline. Bust: 35¼ (39¼, 43¼, 47¾, 51¼)”. Designed by Amy Gunderson for Universal Yarn.
- Get the free knitting pattern
- Get the recommended Fibra Natura Flax on ebay
- Get more patterns by Amy Gunderson on Amazon
Tove
This sleeveless top features easy eyelet lace ribbing and is knit from the bottom up in two pieces and seamed. Sizes Bust – 33(36-39-42-45-48-51-54)” Designed by Amy Christoffers for Berroco.
- Get the free knitting pattern
- Get the recommended Berroco Corsica Yarn on Amazon
Get American Knits book by Amy Christoffers on Amazon (Kindle and Paperback)
Ribbon Top
Sleeveless top is knit with drop stitch wave pattern. The original pattern is for a crop top but the knitter of the pictured project just added additional repeats of the pattern for length. Pictured project by julysnow. Great with multi-color yarn!
Ibis Top
Sleeveless tank top from Katia with flattering lines that follow your figure, flared hem, and ribbed yoke. UK (US): 8-10 (M) / 12-14 (L) / 16-18 (XL) / 20-22 (XXL). In English and Spanish. Pictured project by romychen
Make Up Your Mind
Five bands of different texture and lace add interest to this raceback tank designed for layering. Designed by by knittedblissJC. Sizes XS (S, M, L, XL, 2XL). Pictured project by dreamergal
Braided Strap Tank
Sleeveless top with flattering drape at hem and braided straps. Perfect for layering or as a beach cover-up. Designed by by Tonia Barry. Sizes XS (S, M, L, XL, 2XL)
Vertical Wavy Lace Top
The body is worked in the round from the bottom up.
More Free Patterns
Summerfly Top
Alisha Bright’s sleeveless top features a rolled cowl neck and ribbed sides for fit. XS, S, M, L
Sunny Tank
Lace top in sizes S to 5XL
Tulip Tank Top
Designed by Purl Soho, for sizes 31 (35, 39, 43, 47), this tank features a unique construction inspired by tulip petals.
Maderia
Berroco Design Team designed this asymmetrical tank. X-Small, Small, Medium, Large, 1X, 2X
Crosscurrents Tank
Judith Durant’s easy-to-knit top features ruffles and beads. Sizes S to 2XL Included in Creative Knitting July 2011 with 30 other knitting patterns.
- Get the pattern on the web archive (pattern is on page 18)
- Purchase a paper copy of Creative Knitting July 2011 with 30 other knitting patterns
Ombre Tank
Espace Tricot’s top achieves its color gradient by knitting with double strands of yarn and then switching colors as you go. Sizes 33.5, 35.75, 38, 40, 42, 46.25, 50.5
- Get the free knitting pattern — the link to the pattern is toward the bottom of the page
- Get the recommended yarn
White Lotus
Lace top designed by Lana Grossa for sizes 38/40, 42/44.
- Get the free knitting pattern at the Internet archive
- Shop for worsted yarn for this pattern at Etsy
Twisted Rib Cable Tank
Designed by Angela Hahn. XS, S, M, L, XL, 1XL, 2XL, 3XL
Paulina
Berroco Design Team designed this sleeveless top with bias ribs and center cable detail. Small, Medium, Large
DYI Paneled Tank
This super easy sleeveless top by Gina Michele is two panels knit in garter and stockinette stitch and then fastened with tabs. Self-striping and print yarn make the color pattern.
Summer Tee top
Claudia Olson’s lace top is easy to knit and customize by adding or subtracting 14 sts to change bust size.
Patterns for Purchase
Vera Tank
This tank top will become the perfect year round wardrobe staple. Feminine detailing and a comfortable fit make it effortlessly chic. Great by itself in summer or layering in cooler weather. Worked flat in one piece from the bottom front to botton back. 8 women's sizes: XXS, (XS, S), [M, L, XL], (2X, 3X). Designed by Kaitlin Blasing of OriginallyLovely. A kit is also available.
- See more pics and get the pattern at Etsy
- Get the kit at Lion Brand for $12 to $24 depending on size
Rosebud Tank Top
This sleeveless lace pullover is one of the 23 patterns in Warm Weather Knits by Deborah Newton. Sizes: small – medium – large – extra large. Knit in DK weight.
See more pics and get the book at Leisure Arts – digital or print- Get the recommended Schulana Sojabama yarn on ebay
Whakamarie Top
Drop sleeve top with a center panel of lace and cables on the front and waist shaping. Sizes: XS (S, M, L, XL, 2XL)
- See more pics and get the knitting pattern at Annie’s
- Get the recommended Berroco Maya yarn on Amazon
Seaglass Shell
The front is elegantly simple with a bit of lace at the shoulders that swoops to a deep lace panel in the back. 35 (38½ , 43, 48, 53)” bust circumference.
- Get the knitting pattern at Interweave
- See pic of the front
- Also available in Interweave Knits Summer 2012
Bonny Shell
Sleeveless top with lace panel designed by Emily Wessel. To fit size: XXS (XS, S, M, ML, L, XL, 2XL, 3XL, 4XL)
Indigo Dream Top
Sleeveless lace top with handkerchief hem.
Pleated Lace Tank
I love the drape caused by the pleats on the shoulder and lace details between the folds. 37 1/4 (41 1/2, 44 1/4, 48 1/2, 52, 54 3/4)” bust circumference.This tank combines the drape and fall of a classic Greek chiton with a wearable, modern shape. The folds of the fabric create an A-line silhouette, and the touch of lace hidden inside the pleat adds a feminine touch.
- Get the knitting pattern at Interweave
- Also available in knit.wear Spring/Summer 2014
- Get the recommended yarn on Etsy
Ruffled Shell
This mostly-stockinette-stitch blouse is accented with a bit of openwork rib at the lower edge and a generous garter-stitch ruffle (worked separately and shaped with short-rows). Sizes 33 (35, 37, 39, 41, 43)” (84 [89, 94 99, 104, 109] cm) bust circumference
Modular Lace Top
Yes, this lace is knit! And it is knit so there no seams. Sizes 37 (39½, 41½, 44) inches (94.0 [100.3, 105.4, 111.8] cm) bust
Lafayette Tunic in Audra
Lace tank knit in the round from the bottom up, and separated at the armholes. Small (Medium, Large, XL, 2X/3X)
