The Driftwood Dune Tank: A Free Knitting Pattern for a Textured, Asymmetrical Hem Top

Introducing the Driftwood Dune Tank

Crafted with a unique combination of slipped stitches and linen stitch, this top-down tank features a modern asymmetrical hem and a beautiful, drapey fabric. The subtle texture and relaxed fit make it the perfect layering piece for transitional weather. Whether you're a seasoned knitter or a confident beginner looking for a rewarding project, this free pattern will guide you through creating a minimalist, organic, and slightly bohemian garment that is as stylish as it is comfortable.

Materials Needed

Before you begin, gather the following materials based on the technical specifications:

• Yarn: Worsted weight cotton or cotton-blend yarn (approx 600-800 yards for size M). Shown in a heathered sand color.
• Needles: US 7 (4.5mm) circular needles (24-32 inch cable) for the body, US 6 (4.0mm) circular needles for ribbing.
• Gauge: 20 stitches and 28 rows = 4 inches in Linen Stitch pattern (after blocking).
• Other: Stitch markers, stitch holders or waste yarn, tapestry needle for weaving ends.

Step-by-Step Instructions

This pattern is written for sizes XS (S, M, L, XL, 2XL) with a finished bust of 32 (36, 40, 44, 48, 52) inches. The tank is worked top-down, seamlessly. The front and back are worked separately to the underarm, then joined to work the body in the round.

Abbreviations

• CO: Cast on
• K: Knit
• P: Purl
• Sl1 wyif: Slip 1 stitch purlwise with yarn in front
• Sl1 wyib: Slip 1 stitch purlwise with yarn in back
• K2tog: Knit two together
• SSK: Slip, slip, knit (left-leaning decrease)
• M1L: Make one left
• M1R: Make one right
• PM: Place marker
• SM: Slip marker
• BO: Bind off

Pattern Notes

• The Linen Stitch pattern creates a dense, drapey fabric. It is worked over an even number of stitches.
• Linen Stitch (flat): Row 1 (RS): *K1, Sl1 wyif* repeat to end. Row 2 (WS): *P1, Sl1 wyib* repeat to end. Repeat rows 1-2.
• Linen Stitch (in the round): Round 1: *K1, Sl1 wyif* repeat to end. Round 2: *Sl1 wyib, P1* repeat to end. Repeat rounds 1-2.

Back Neck and Shoulders

1. Using smaller needles (US 6), CO 12 (14, 16, 18, 20, 22) sts for left back shoulder.
2. Work in Linen Stitch flat for 4 (4, 5, 5, 6, 6) inches, ending with a WS row. Cut yarn and set aside.
3. CO 12 (14, 16, 18, 20, 22) sts for right back shoulder.
4. Work in Linen Stitch flat for 4 (4, 5, 5, 6, 6) inches, ending with a WS row. Do not cut yarn.
5. Next Row (RS): Work across right back shoulder sts in pattern, CO 16 (18, 20, 22, 24, 26) sts for back neck, then work across left back shoulder sts in pattern. Total back sts: 40 (46, 52, 58, 64, 70) sts.
6. Continue in Linen Stitch flat until piece measures 8 (8.5, 9, 9.5, 10, 10.5) inches from CO edge. Place all sts on a holder.

Front Neck and Shoulders

1. Using smaller needles, CO 12 (14, 16, 18, 20, 22) sts for left front shoulder.
2. Work in Linen Stitch flat for 4 (4, 5, 5, 6, 6) inches, ending with a WS row. Cut yarn and set aside.
3. CO 12 (14, 16, 18, 20, 22) sts for right front shoulder.
4. Work in Linen Stitch flat for 4 (4, 5, 5, 6, 6) inches, ending with a WS row. Do not cut yarn.
5. Next Row (RS): Work across right front shoulder sts in pattern, CO 8 (10, 12, 14, 16, 18) sts for front neck, then work across left front shoulder sts in pattern. Total front sts: 32 (38, 44, 50, 56, 62) sts.
6. Continue in Linen Stitch flat until piece measures 8 (8.5, 9, 9.5, 10, 10.5) inches from CO edge, ending with a WS row.

Join Body

1. Place back and front sts on larger circular needle (US 7). Place marker for side seam. Total sts: 72 (84, 96, 108, 120, 132) sts.
2. Join to work in the round. Begin Linen Stitch in the round.
3. Work even until piece measures 4 (4.5, 5, 5.5, 6, 6.5) inches from underarm.

Shape Asymmetrical Hem

The hem is longer on one side (left side when worn).

1. Row 1 (RS): Work in pattern across front sts to 2 sts before side marker, K2tog, SM, work across back sts to 2 sts before side marker, SSK. (2 sts decreased)
2. Row 2 (WS): Work even in pattern.
3. Repeat these 2 rows 3 more times. After 4 decrease rows, you have decreased 8 sts total (4 on each side). Stitch count: 64 (76, 88, 100, 112, 124) sts.

Short Rows for Asymmetry

1. Short Row 1 (RS): Work in pattern across front sts to side marker, SM, work across back sts to 2 sts before side marker, SSK, turn. (1 st decreased on back)
2. Short Row 2 (WS): Sl1 wyif, work in pattern across back sts to side marker, SM, work across front sts to 2 sts before side marker, K2tog, turn. (1 st decreased on front)
3. Short Row 3 (RS): Sl1 wyib, work in pattern across front sts to side marker, SM, work across back sts to 2 sts before side marker, SSK, turn.
4. Short Row 4 (WS): Sl1 wyif, work in pattern across back sts to side marker, SM, work across front sts to 2 sts before side marker, K2tog, turn.
5. Continue in this manner, decreasing at the side seams on each short row, until you have worked 10 (12, 14, 16, 18, 20) short rows total (5 on each side). The left side (front and back) will be longer.

Final Hem

1. Work even in pattern across all sts for 2 more rows.
2. BO loosely in pattern.

Finishing

1. Armhole Edging: With smaller needles (US 6), pick up and knit 1 stitch for every row along armhole edge. Work in K1, P1 ribbing for 4 rows. BO loosely in pattern. Repeat for other armhole.
2. Neck Edging: With smaller needles, pick up and knit sts around neck opening (including back neck). Work in K1, P1 ribbing for 4 rows. BO loosely in pattern.
3. Weave in all ends. Block to measurements, gently stretching the longer side of the hem to accentuate the asymmetry.

Your Driftwood Dune Tank is now complete! Enjoy the modern, draped effect of the asymmetrical hem and the beautiful texture of the linen stitch.