Tahki Yarns Sunrise Shell Knitting Pattern

Tahki Yarns Sunrise Shell

What is Being Made

The Sunrise Shell is a knitted sleeveless sweater designed by Teresa Chorzepa, available in six sizes ranging from Small to 3X. This garment features a classic shell silhouette with a finished bust measurement of 34 to 54 inches and a length of 23 to 28 inches, making it suitable for various body types and styling preferences. The design combines practical construction with decorative colorwork, creating a versatile piece that works well as a layering garment or standalone summer top.

Techniques Used

The Sunrise Shell is constructed using several key knitting techniques that build upon fundamental skills. The garment is worked flat on straight needles, meaning pieces are knitted back and forth in rows rather than in the round, allowing for easier pattern management and shaping. The construction follows a bottom-up approach, beginning with the lower edge and progressing toward the neckline, which provides greater control over fit and length adjustments. The pattern incorporates intarsia colorwork, a technique that allows for large blocks of contrasting colors to be integrated into the design without carrying yarn across the back of the work. Once all pieces are completed, they are seamed together using a yarn needle, creating finished side seams and shoulder seams that give the garment a polished, professional appearance.

Stitches Used

The primary stitch structure throughout the Sunrise Shell is Stockinette stitch, which creates the smooth, classic fabric that forms the foundation of the garment. This stitch is achieved by knitting on right-side rows and purling on wrong-side rows, producing the characteristic V-pattern texture. The pattern employs several decrease stitches for shaping the armholes and neckline:

• K2tog (Knit 2 Together) – a basic right-leaning decrease made by knitting two stitches together through the front loops
• Ssk (Slip, Slip, Knit) – a left-leaning decrease created by slipping two stitches individually knitwise, returning them to the left needle in turned position, and knitting them together through the back loops
• P3tog (Purl 3 Together) – a decrease worked on wrong-side rows by purling three stitches together through the front loops
• S2KP (Centered Double Decrease) – an advanced decrease that slips two stitches together knitwise, knits one stitch, then passes the slipped stitches over, creating a centered reduction

These decreases are strategically placed to create smooth, shaped armholes and neckline shaping while maintaining the visual integrity of the stockinette fabric.

Materials and Gauge

The Sunrise Shell is designed to be knitted with Tahki Yarns Cotton Classic, a 100% mercerized cotton yarn that provides breathability and drape ideal for a shell garment. The yardage requirements vary by size: Small through Large sizes require 3 to 4 skeins of the main color (A) in shade #3203 Light Milk Chocolate, while XL through 3X sizes require 4 to 5 skeins. The contrasting color (B) in shade #3003 Linen White requires 2 to 4 skeins depending on size. Each skein contains 1.75 ounces and 108 yards of yarn.

The pattern is worked on size 9 (5.5mm) needles, with straight needles used for the main garment pieces and a 16-inch circular needle of the same size for finishing the neckline and armhole trim. The recommended gauge is 18 stitches and 22 rows over 4 inches in Stockinette stitch, and achieving this gauge is essential for obtaining the correct finished measurements. Additional supplies include stitch holders, stitch markers, and a yarn needle for seaming.