Malabrigo Pansy Cape Knitting Pattern

Malabrigo Pansy: Lattice Pattern Tunic

What is Being Made

The Pansy is a flowing tunic garment designed by Cheryl Murray, featured in Malabrigo's Book 17: Ponchos & Familia collection. This piece is a lattice pattern tunic available in two size ranges: Small/Medium/Large (bust 46"/117cm) and X-Large/XX-Large (bust 54"/137cm), with a finished length of 24½"/62cm. The tunic showcases elegant lace detailing through its signature lattice stitch pattern, making it a sophisticated layering piece suitable for various occasions.

Techniques Used

The Pansy employs several fundamental knitting techniques to create its structured yet flowing silhouette. The garment is worked flat for the back and front pieces, then seamed together at the shoulders for a polished finish. The bottom-up construction method allows knitters to try on the piece as it develops and adjust length as needed. After the main body is complete, the neckline is finished by working in the round using a circular needle, creating a seamless, refined neck edge. Lace techniques are incorporated throughout via the lattice pattern, adding visual interest and a delicate, airy quality to the fabric.

Stitches Used

The pattern utilizes a variety of essential knitting stitches to achieve its design. The foundation includes stockinette stitch (knit on right-side rows, purl on wrong-side rows) for smooth, classic fabric in the body sections and neckline. The signature lattice pattern forms the decorative element and is worked over a multiple of 8 stitches plus 3, creating an openwork design with yarn overs and decreases. The lattice pattern row begins with K1, *k2tog, k1, yo, k1, SKP, k2; rep from *, establishing the characteristic crossed-stitch appearance. Additional stitches include purl for textured ribbing at the cast-on edge (2 rows purl, 2 rows knit, 2 rows purl sequence) and bind-off techniques including purlwise bind-off for the neckline, which creates a soft, finished edge.

Materials: Yarn and Needles

The Pansy is designed to showcase the qualities of Malabrigo's Dos Tierras yarn, a luxurious blend of merino wool and alpaca. This yarn is supplied in 3½oz/100g hanks, with each hank providing approximately 210 yards/193 meters of yardage. The pattern calls for 6 hanks in color #872 Purpuras for the Small/Medium/Large size, with additional yardage required for larger sizes. The merino wool and alpaca blend provides softness, breathability, and a beautiful drape essential for the flowing tunic silhouette.

Needles required include size 6 (4mm) circular needles in two lengths: a 16"/40cm needle for the neckline and a 24"/60cm needle for working the body and side edges. Circular needles are used even for flat knitting to accommodate the larger stitch counts (123 to 147 stitches cast on). Additional notions include stitch markers to denote pattern repeats and the beginning of rounds, and stitch holders to temporarily hold stitches during shoulder shaping and neckline construction.

Gauge and Skill Level

The pattern is rated as Beginner to Easy skill level for Intermediate to Experienced yarn workers, indicating that while the basic techniques are foundational, familiarity with gauge, lace patterns, and garment construction is beneficial. Two gauges are provided: 22 stitches and 35 rows over 4"/10cm in stockinette stitch using size 6 (4mm) needles, and 23 stitches and 30 rows over 4"/10cm in the lattice pattern using the same needle size. Achieving accurate gauge is emphasized as critical for proper fit and drape of the finished tunic.

Construction Overview

The Pansy follows a logical construction sequence. The back piece is cast on with 123 or 147 stitches depending on size, beginning with a textured ribbed edge created by alternating purl and knit rows. The main body is then worked in the lattice pattern until reaching 23"/58.5cm from the cast-on edge. Shoulders are shaped through strategic bind-offs: 5 (or 7) stitches at the beginning of the next 4 rows, followed by 6