Debbie Bliss Tunic with Contrast Edgings Knitting Pattern

Debbie Bliss Tunic with Contrast Edgings

What is Being Made

The Debbie Bliss Tunic with Contrast Edgings is a children's knitted tunic designed for ages 1-2, 3-4, and 5-6 years. This garment features a classic tunic silhouette with set-in sleeves and decorative contrast edgings that add visual interest to the neckline, cuffs, and hem. The tunic is worked in a primary color with coordinating contrast trim, making it a versatile piece suitable for layering or wearing as a standalone top.

Techniques Used

This tunic is constructed using bottom-up knitting methodology, meaning the garment is worked from the cast-on edge upward. The pieces are worked flat on straight needles rather than in the round, and the finished components are seamed together to create the final garment. The construction includes shaping techniques for armholes and neckline, as well as the incorporation of pocket linings that are worked separately and integrated into the front pieces. This intermediate-level project requires understanding of garment shaping, including decreases at armholes and neck edges, and the ability to join multiple knitted components with precision.

Stitches Used

• Stocking stitch (st st): The primary stitch throughout the body of the tunic, creating a smooth, classic knit fabric
• Ribbing: Used for the contrast edgings at the neckline, cuffs, and hem, providing elasticity and a finished appearance
• Knit and purl combinations: The ribbing pattern alternates k2, p2 (knit 2, purl 2) to create the textured edge detail
• Decreases (dec): Used to shape the armholes and neckline, creating a fitted silhouette
• Make one stitch (m1): Referenced in the abbreviations for potential shaping adjustments

Materials and Tools

This tunic is knitted using Debbie Bliss Cotton DK yarn in two colorways. The main body requires 5, 6, or 7 fifty-gram balls of Debbie Bliss Cotton DK Print in Storm 10 (depending on size), while the contrast edgings use two fifty-gram balls of Debbie Bliss Cotton DK in Navy 18. The pattern calls for two pairs of knitting needles: 3.75mm (US 5) needles for the ribbed edgings and 4mm (US 6) needles for the main stocking stitch fabric. The recommended tension is 20 stitches and 28 rows to a 10cm square when working stocking stitch on 4mm (US 6) needles, ensuring proper fit and drape for the finished garment.

Sizing and Finished Measurements

The tunic is available in three child sizes with the following finished measurements:

• Age 1-2 years: Chest 64cm (25¼in), Length to shoulder 36cm (14¼in), Sleeve length 19cm (7½in)
• Age 3-4 years: Chest 72cm (28¼in), Length to shoulder 40cm (15¾in), Sleeve length 22cm (8¾in)
• Age 5-6 years: Chest 80cm (31½in), Length to shoulder 46cm (18in), Sleeve length 25cm (10in)

Construction Details

The tunic begins with casting on stitches for the back and front pieces using the contrast color and smaller needles to create the ribbed edging. After working the ribbed border, the needle size is increased and the main body is worked in stocking stitch using the primary yarn color. Pocket linings are knitted separately in the contrast color and incorporated into the front pieces. The armholes are shaped by casting off stitches at the beginning of rows, and the neckline is further refined through decreases worked at the neck edge over several rows. The shoulders are shaped through strategic cast-offs, and all pieces are then seamed together to complete the garment. This structured approach ensures a well-fitted tunic with professional finishing.