A light, effortless summer tee featuring delicate eyelet details inspired by the first drops of a gentle summer rain.
Tank Rain Tee is a top-down, seamless circular yoke design that is both an enjoyable knit and an endlessly wearable wardrobe staple. Tiny eyelets emerge across the yoke like the first gentle drops of rain before giving way to smooth stockinette, creating a clean, modern silhouette with just the right amount of texture.
The inspiration for the name came while watching those first soft raindrops fall on a warm summer day. The delicate eyelets reminded me of rain beginning to dot the ground—quiet, light, and beautifully simple. From that moment, Tank Rain Tee seemed the perfect name.
Thoughtful finishing details elevate this otherwise classic design. A folded picot collar, hem, and sleeve cuffs provide a beautifully polished finish, while German Short Rows at both the back neck and back hem improve fit and comfort. The result is a lightweight tee that feels just as lovely to knit as it does to wear.
Designed with warm-weather yarns in mind, Tank Rain Tee is perfect for linen blends, cotton blends, and other breathable fibres, making it an ideal companion for spring and summer wardrobes.
✨ Design Features
• Top-down, seamless circular yoke construction
• Delicate eyelet motif worked throughout the yoke
• Relaxing stockinette body and sleeves
• Folded picot collar, hem, and sleeve cuffs for an elegant finish
• German Short Rows at the back neck for improved fit
• Optional German Short Rows at the back hem for additional lower back coverage
• Short sleeves with matching picot cuffs
• Minimal finishing with no seaming
• Designed for breathable plant-based or summer-blend yarns
• Classic fit with approximately 2–4” (5–10 cm) of positive ease
❤️ Skill Level – Intermediate
This pattern is ideal for knitters who are comfortable knitting in the round and following simple shaping instructions. Experience with German Short Rows and yarn-over eyelets is helpful, although both techniques are used in a straightforward and intuitive way.
The rhythmic eyelet motif keeps the yoke engaging before transitioning into soothing stockinette, making this an enjoyable project from beginning to end.
Sizes (see schematic in photos section)
Designed to be worn with approximately 2–4” (5–10 cm) of positive ease.
Finished bust circumference:
36 (40, 44, 48, 52, 56, 60)“
90 (100, 110, 122, 130, 140, 150) cm
Sample shown in Size 2 on a 38” (96.5 cm) bust.
Suggested Yarn
Botanical Yarn 50% Silk 50% Merino
50% Superwash Merino Wool
50% Grade A Mulberry Silk
100g 212m per skein
Required:
735 (815, 895, 980, 1060, 1140, 1225) yards
670 (745, 820, 895, 970, 1045, 1120) meters
4 (4, 4, 5, 5, 5, 6) skeins
Needles
• US 6 / 4.0 mm – body and sleeves (or size needed to obtain gauge)
• US 5 / 3.75 mm – hem, collar, and cuffs (one size smaller)
• Optional US 4 / 3.5 mm – for knitters who prefer a firmer ribbing (two sizes smaller)
Notions
• Beginning-of-round marker
• 13 (13, 14, 14, 15, 15, 15) stitch markers for pattern repeats
• Waste yarn for sleeve stitches
• Tapestry needle
A timeless, lightweight knit that pairs delicate details with clean lines, Tank Rain Tee is equally at home with jeans, skirts, or shorts and is destined to become a favourite handmade piece throughout the warmer months.
