Debbie Bliss Siobhan Tunic Top Knitting Pattern

Debbie Bliss Siobhan Tunic Top

What is Being Made

The Siobhan Tunic Top is a children's knitted garment designed to fit ages 1 to 5 years. This tunic-style top features a classic silhouette with finished chest measurements ranging from 53cm (20¾ inches) for the smallest size up to 70cm (27½ inches) for the largest size. The length to shoulder varies from 34cm (13½ inches) to 46cm (18 inches) depending on the size selected. All sizes feature consistent short sleeve lengths of 6cm (2¼ inches), making this design suitable for layering or warm-weather wear.

Techniques Used

The Siobhan Tunic Top is constructed using seamed construction, meaning individual pieces are knitted separately and then sewn together to form the finished garment. The pattern is worked flat, indicating that each component—back, front, and sleeves—is knitted on straight needles in rows rather than in the round. This flat construction method allows for straightforward shaping and pattern work throughout the design.

A primary design feature involves cable techniques, which add visual interest and texture to the garment. The pattern includes cable stitches worked over six stitches, created using a cable needle to cross stitches and form the characteristic twisted rope-like appearance. The cable needle is used to slip stitches to the back of the work before knitting, creating cables that enhance the sophisticated look of this children's piece.

Additional shaping techniques include decreasing through purl two together (p2tog) operations and a specialized twist stitch known as Tw2R, which involves knitting into the front of the second stitch on the left-hand needle before knitting into the first stitch, creating a decorative twisted effect. The yoke section features structured patterning with deliberate shaping achieved through strategic cast-on increases of 4 stitches at the beginning of successive rows to accommodate sleeve expansion.

Stitches Used

The Siobhan Tunic Top employs a foundation of stocking stitch (stockinette stitch), the most fundamental knit fabric created by alternating knit rows on the right side with purl rows on the wrong side. This smooth, classic fabric provides an ideal base for the decorative elements.

Cable stitches are central to the design, with C6B (cable 6 back) being the primary cable abbreviation used. This stitch involves slipping 3 stitches onto a cable needle and holding them at the back of the work while knitting the next 3 stitches, then knitting the 3 stitches from the cable needle. This creates a cable that twists to the left when viewed from the right side.

The pattern incorporates Tw2R (twist 2 right) stitches, which create a decorative twisted effect by knitting into the front of the second stitch on the left-hand needle before knitting into the front of the first stitch, then slipping both stitches off together. This technique adds textural variation and visual interest to the patterned sections.

Decreasing techniques include p2tog (purl two together), which decreases one stitch by purling two stitches together as one, and skpo (slip 1, knit 1, pass slipped stitch over), a left-leaning decrease. These decreases are strategically placed to shape the garment and refine the fit at the yoke.

Materials

The Siobhan Tunic Top is knitted using Debbie Bliss Baby Cashmerino Tonals yarn, a luxury fiber blend suitable for delicate children's garments. The pattern requires 4 to 6 balls of 50g weight depending on the size being knitted, with the smallest size requiring 4 balls and the largest requiring 6 balls. Two color options are specified: Peach and Avocado, both from the Tonals range which features subtle color variations within the yarn.

Two sizes of knitting needles are required to complete this project. A pair of 3mm (US 2) needles is used for the initial ribbed or textured sections, while a pair of 3.25mm (US 3) needles is used for the main body and pattern work. Additionally, a cable needle is essential for working the cable stitches that define the visual character of this tunic top.

The recommended gauge is 25 stitches and 34 rows to a 10cm (4-inch) square measured over stocking stitch