Dress (Knitted Bodice/Tulle skirt)

Knitted Bodice and Tulle Skirt Dress by Aries Knits

What is Being Made

This is a hybrid dress design combining a knitted bodice with a tulle skirt. The bodice is constructed entirely through knitting techniques, while the skirt incorporates tulle strips woven through openings in the knitted fabric. The finished bodice measures 17½ inches in circumference (44cm) with a depth of 6¼ inches (16cm), and includes knitted straps measuring 6½ inches in length (16.5cm) and 1¼ inch in width (3.2cm). This design is suitable for intermediate-level knitters and offers a versatile garment that combines the structure of knitwear with the decorative flow of tulle.

Techniques Used

The primary construction method is knitting, with the bodice worked in a straightforward approach using basic knitting fundamentals. The pattern employs a no-gauge approach, meaning the design is flexible and adaptable to different yarn weights, though adjustments to stitch counts may be necessary depending on the yarn selected. The tulle integration technique involves creating deliberate openings in the knitted fabric through yarn-over decreases, allowing tulle strips to be threaded or woven through these holes to create the skirt portion. This combination of knitting with textile insertion creates visual interest and dimension to the finished garment.

Stitches Used

• Garter Stitch – Knit every row to create the textured base fabric of the bodice. Garter stitch produces a reversible, ridged fabric with excellent elasticity and structure, making it ideal for fitted garments like bodices.
• K2tog (Knit 2 Together) – A right-leaning decrease used in combination with yarn overs to create the openings where tulle strips will be inserted.
• Yarn Over (Yo) – Creates decorative holes in the fabric that serve a functional purpose, allowing the tulle strips to pass through the knitted bodice.

Materials and Equipment

Yarn: The pattern is designed using sport-weight yarn, with the featured example using 460 yards (420 meters) total length of 4ply Alize Diva Stretch yarn. This yardage represents 2 strands worked together on US6 (UK10, 4mm) needles. The Alize Diva Stretch yarn choice provides elasticity and recovery, which is particularly beneficial for a fitted bodice that requires stretch and comfort against the body.

Needles: Needle size is determined by the yarn label of your chosen yarn. The featured design uses US6 (UK10, 4mm) needles, though adjustments should be made based on your selected yarn weight and the gauge recommendations provided by the yarn manufacturer.

Tulle: The skirt portion requires tulle strips in four different colors, with 11 strips of each color for a total of 44 strips. Each strip measures 85 centimeters (33 inches) in length. The tulle is threaded through the yarn-over openings created during the knitting of the bodice, creating a layered, dimensional skirt effect.

The pattern notes that if using a heavier weight yarn than sport weight, adjustments to the cast-on stitches for the straps should be made to maintain the intended 1¼ inch width specification.