Valley Yarns Dogwood Knitting Pattern

Valley Yarns Dogwood Sleeveless Lace Tunic

What Is Being Made

The Valley Yarns Dogwood is a sophisticated sleeveless tunic sweater designed by Julie Turjoman. This intermediate-level knitting project features a clean-lined silhouette with a distinctive deep lace hem that extends longer in the back, creating an elegant asymmetrical hemline. The tunic transitions from the decorative lace border into a fitted stockinette body with A-line shaping, making it versatile enough for formal occasions like weddings as well as casual summer outings. Available in sizes XS through 4XL, the finished bust measurements range from 32 inches to 60¾ inches with positive ease of 2 to 6 inches, ensuring a comfortable, flattering fit across multiple body types.

Knitting Techniques Used

This sweater employs several advanced knitting techniques to achieve its refined construction and fit:

• Seamless, in-the-round construction: The tunic is worked circularly from the hem upward, eliminating the need for seaming and creating a smooth, continuous fabric.
• Lace work: A 32-stitch, 52-round lace repeat forms the sweeping lace border at the hem, measuring 7 inches wide and 6¼ inches tall. This decorative element showcases the crisp stitch definition characteristic of the yarn.
• Short-row shaping: Short rows are worked back and forth in rows at the beginning of the stockinette body to create the curved back hem that dips longer than the front. Additional short-row shaping enhances the shoulder fit for a tailored appearance.
• Decreases for body shaping: Strategic decreases on each side of the stockinette body create the A-line silhouette, with a closer fit at the bust and looser fit at the hips.
• Worked flat and in the round: While primarily worked in the round, sections are worked flat to accommodate the short-row shaping, then the piece returns to circular knitting.

Stitches and Stitch Details

The pattern features stockinette stitch as the primary fabric throughout the body of the tunic. The lace border incorporates a specialized 32-stitch repeat pattern that creates the decorative openwork hem. Neck and armhole edgings are finished with narrow bands for a polished, professional appearance. The gauge is 20 stitches and 28 rounds per 4 inches in stockinette stitch on the larger needle when blocked, ensuring proper fit and drape.

Materials and Yarn Requirements

The Dogwood is designed to be knitted in Valley Yarns Westhampton, a 100% Pima cotton yarn that provides exceptional stitch definition and breathability. The yarn comes in 50-gram balls with 109 yards per ball. Yarn requirements range from 6 balls for the smallest size (XS) to 14 balls for the largest size (4XL), with the sample shown in Size S using 7 balls in Color 22 - Silver. The pure cotton fiber showcases the crisp stitch definition of the lace border while offering next-to-the-skin softness and comfort for warm-weather wear.

Needles and Tools

This project requires US size 6 (4.0 mm) circular needles in 24- to 40-inch lengths for the main body knitting, and US size 5 (3.75 mm) circular needles in both 16-inch and 24- to 40-inch lengths for ribbed edgings and shaping sections. Double-pointed needles in size 5 (3.75 mm) are also needed for working small circumferences. Additional materials include stitch markers to track pattern repeats and shaping points, stitch holders or waste yarn for holding stitches, and a tapestry needle for weaving in ends.

Pattern Notes and Customization

The tunic can be customized in length if desired, though additional yarn will be required for extended versions. The high, clean neckline provides a refined finish, and the overall construction prioritizes both aesthetic appeal and comfortable, flattering fit across the range of available sizes.