Owl Tank

Owl Tank by Nicky Barfoot

What is Being Made

The Owl Tank is a relaxed-fit sleeveless sweater designed by Nicky Barfoot, perfect for knitters seeking a quick project with visual impact. This tank top features a striking owl motif gliding over a cityscape scene, with the front and back of the garment each displaying the design from different perspectives. The combination of the owl illustration and urban backdrop creates a sophisticated, wearable art piece suitable for owl enthusiasts and modern knitting aesthetics.

Knitting Techniques and Construction

This intermediate-level knitting project employs intarsia as its primary colorwork technique, making it an excellent choice for knitters looking to develop or practice intarsia skills on a first colorwork garment. The design uses a limited colour palette with two contrasting colors: a main shade and a contrast shade for the ribbing and motif details. The intarsia method allows the owl and cityscape to be knitted directly into the fabric rather than applied afterward, creating a seamless, professional finish. The tank features ribbed edging worked in the contrast color, which provides structure and definition to the neckline, armholes, and hem.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The pattern incorporates stockinette stitch as the primary stitch for the main body, providing a smooth, flat canvas for the intarsia colorwork to stand out. Ribbing in the contrast color creates elastic, fitted edges that frame the tank and ensure proper fit around the neckline and armholes. The intarsia motif—the owl and cityscape—is worked using the stockinette stitch base, with color changes creating the detailed image across the front and back panels.

Yarn and Materials

The Owl Tank is designed to be knitted in Rowan Kid Classic, an aran-weight yarn that works at approximately 140 meters (153 yards) per 50-gram ball. The pattern requires two colors: Shade 831 for the main body (2 balls across all sizes) and Shade 888 for the contrast ribbing and motif (2 balls for Small and Medium sizes, 3 balls for Large). The aran weight creates a cosy, quick-knitting fabric that produces a relaxed, comfortable garment. Knitters substituting alternative yarns should note that yardage requirements may differ from the specified Rowan Kid Classic quantities.

Needles and Sizing

Construction requires two pairs of straight needles: 4mm (US6) needles for the ribbed edging and 5mm (US8) needles for the main body in aran weight yarn. The pattern is available in three sizes: Small (to fit 86cm/34 inches bust, finished size 92cm/36¼ inches), Medium (to fit 91cm/36 inches bust, finished size 98cm/38½ inches), and Large (to fit 97cm/38 inches bust, finished size 102cm/40 inches). The relaxed fit provides comfortable ease across all sizes.

Design Details

The Owl Tank's appeal lies in its combination of practical knitting and artistic expression. The intarsia colorwork creates a striking visual statement without requiring complex stitch manipulation, making it accessible for intermediate knitters while remaining engaging for experienced crafters. The front and back perspectives of the owl and cityscape design add narrative depth to the garment, transforming a simple tank into a conversation piece.