String Pattern Collection Knitting Pattern

Carly Tunic by Lidia Karabinech

What is Being Made

The Carly Tunic is a knitted pullover garment designed in four sizes: Small (Medium, Large, Extra Large). This tunic features a relaxed fit with finished bust measurements ranging from 36½ inches (92.5 cm) for size Small to 47 inches (119.5 cm) for size Extra Large. The tunic has a finished length of 26 inches (66 cm), making it a versatile layering piece suitable for various occasions and seasons.

Construction Method

The Carly Tunic is constructed using a traditional flat knitting method, worked back and forth in separate pieces before being seamed together. The garment features functional patch pockets with integrated pocket linings that are joined using a specialized knitting technique. Shoulders are shaped using short-row shaping, a method that creates a more fitted shoulder line without requiring traditional bind-offs. The neckline is finished with a picked-up neckband worked on a circular needle, providing a professional and polished edge.

Stitches and Techniques Used

• Stockinette Stitch (St st): The primary stitch pattern used throughout the main body of the tunic, created by alternating knit rows on the right side with purl rows on the wrong side, producing a smooth, classic fabric with a V-shaped texture.
• K2, P2 Rib: A ribbed stitch pattern used for finishing elements, created by alternating two knit stitches with two purl stitches. This elastic stitch is ideal for cuffs and neckbands as it provides stretch and recovery.
• Short-Row Shaping: An advanced technique employed to shape the shoulders without binding off, allowing for a gradual decrease in stitches and a more anatomically correct shoulder fit.
• Decrease Stitches (ssk and k2tog): Slip-slip-knit and knit-two-together decreases are used during short-row shaping to reduce stitches on either side of the front neckline.
• Pocket Joining Technique: A specialized method where stitches from a spare needle holding the pocket lining are knitted together with live stitches from the garment front, creating a seamless integration of the pocket.

Materials and Yarn Specifications

The Carly Tunic requires STRING BREEZE yarn in the color #201483 pink. The yarn composition is 60% cotton, 20% cashmere, and 20% silk, creating a luxurious blend that combines breathability with softness and subtle sheen. Each ball contains 1.75 ounces (50 grams) and yields 136 yards (125 meters). Yardage requirements vary by size: Size Small requires 8 balls, Size Medium requires 9 balls, Size Large requires 10 balls, and Size Extra Large requires 11 balls, totaling between 1,088 and 1,496 yards depending on the chosen size.

Needles and Tools

The pattern calls for size 8 (5 mm) needles for the main body of the tunic, worked in a flat construction. Additionally, a size 8 (5 mm) circular needle measuring 16 inches (40 cm) long is required for picking up and knitting the neckband. Essential notions include stitch holders for temporarily securing stitches during construction—particularly for the front neckline and pocket linings—and a yarn needle for weaving in ends and seaming the finished pieces together.

Gauge

The pattern specifies a gauge of 18 stitches and 27 rows equal 4 inches (10 cm) when worked in Stockinette Stitch. Achieving the correct gauge is essential for obtaining the proper finished measurements. Knitters are advised to knit a gauge swatch, measure it carefully, and adjust needle size if necessary before beginning the project.