Lignite Jumper by Carol Feller in The Yarn Collective Bloomsbury DK

Lignite A-Line Tunic by Carol Feller

What is Being Made

The Lignite A-Line Tunic is a women's knitted pullover sweater designed by Carol Feller. This intermediate-level garment features a flattering A-line silhouette that gradually widens from the bust to the hem. The tunic is available in eight sizes to fit bust measurements ranging from 84.5 cm (33.25 inches) to 143.5 cm (56.5 inches), making it accessible for a wide range of body types. The finished garment measures approximately 46.5 cm (18.25 inches) from back of neck to low hem, creating a tunic-length piece suitable for layering or wearing as a standalone top.

Techniques Used

This knitting pattern employs several intermediate techniques that add visual interest and construction sophistication. The design incorporates increases strategically placed to create the characteristic A-line shaping, expanding the garment width as it progresses downward. The pattern uses both M1L (Make 1 Left) and M1R (Make 1 Right) increase methods, which are invisible increases that maintain clean lines in the finished fabric. The tunic is constructed using circular needle knitting, allowing for seamless construction and the option to work in the round. The pattern includes color work elements, incorporating both a main color and a contrasting color to create visual definition and design detail.

Stitches Used

The Lignite A-Line Tunic utilizes fundamental knitting stitches combined with shaping techniques. The primary stitch work includes knit stitches for the main fabric construction. Decreases are employed, particularly k2tog (knit 2 stitches together), which creates a rightward-leaning decrease often used for shaping and edge definition. The pattern also incorporates cast on and bind off techniques for beginning and finishing edges. Stitch markers are used throughout to help track pattern repeats and shaping points, and the pattern includes repeat instructions indicated by brackets and asterisks to manage complex stitch sequences efficiently.

Materials

The Lignite A-Line Tunic is designed to be knitted with Bloomsbury DK yarn, a worsted merino wool that provides excellent stitch definition and drape. The yarn requirements vary by size: the main color requires 4 to 6 skeins (depending on size), while the contrasting color requires 2 to 3 skeins. The pattern specifies 4 mm circular needles (UK size 8, US size 6) measuring 80 cm (32 inches) in length for the main construction. For those preferring not to use the magic loop technique, 4 mm double-pointed needles (DPNS) in the same gauge are an alternative. Additional tools include a tapestry needle for weaving in ends, stitch markers for tracking pattern placement, and waste yarn for provisional techniques or stitch holders.