Koigu Sweet Pea Nymph Tunic Top Knitting Pattern

Koigu Sweet Pea Nymph Tunic

What is Being Made

The Sweet Pea Nymph Tunic is a pullover knit top designed by Maria Leigh for Koigu Wool Designs. This intermediate-level knitting project creates a fitted tunic with a yoke construction, available in three sizes: Small (33" circumference), Medium (39" circumference), and Large (45" circumference). The pullover shown is size Large with 3 inches of positive ease, making it suitable for a range of body sizes.

Techniques Used

This tunic employs several advanced knitting techniques that make it an intermediate-level project. The construction begins with a set-up process using wrap and turn (w&t) short rows to shape the yoke, creating a custom fit across the shoulders and upper body. The pattern incorporates increases using the knit front and back method (Kf&b) to add stitches strategically during yoke shaping. The garment is worked in the round using circular needles, which allows for seamless construction and continuous stitch work. The tunic features a cable cast-on technique for creating new stitches during the finishing process, and bind-off sections that create decorative openings or details around the hem or sleeve areas.

Stitches Used

The primary stitch throughout the tunic is stockinette stitch (St sts), which creates a smooth, classic knit fabric. The most distinctive stitch pattern is the Feather and Fan pattern, a lacy, openwork design that repeats over 17 stitches and 8 rows. This pattern is worked multiple times across the body of the tunic, creating an elegant, flowing aesthetic. The pattern also includes purl stitches used strategically as seam markers, and knit wraps together (Wtog) stitches that are part of the short-row shaping technique in the yoke.

Materials and Tools

The Sweet Pea Nymph Tunic is constructed using Koigu KPPPM Pencil Pack yarn in the Sweet Pea colorway, which consists of 10 demi skeins of 25 grams each (87 yards or 80 meters per skein). The yarn is 100% Merino wool, providing softness and breathability ideal for a tunic garment. Two skeins of Koigu KPM 2161 are used for the main color (MC), with additional contrast colors (CC1, CC2, CC3, and CC4) from the Pencil Pack creating a multi-colored striped effect. The pattern requires size 3.0mm (US #2) circular needles measuring 16 inches for the neck band, and size 3.5mm (US #4) circular needles in both 16-inch and 32-inch lengths for the yoke and body work, or needles adjusted to obtain the correct gauge. Additional tools include stitch markers and a tapestry needle for weaving in ends.

Gauge and Sizing

The pattern calls for a gauge of 24 stitches and 32 rows in 4 inches of stockinette stitch, measured on size 3.5mm needles. Achieving this gauge is essential for the tunic to fit properly across all three sizes.