Millay Tunic

Millay Tunic by Cornelia Tuttle Hamilton

What is Being Made

The Millay Tunic is a knitted pullover sweater designed by Cornelia Tuttle Hamilton. This garment is available in five sizes ranging from XS to XL, with finished bust measurements from 34 inches (86 cm) to 50 inches (128 cm) and length measurements from 24 inches (60 cm) to 28 inches (72 cm). The tunic is shown in size S in the pattern photography.

Construction Techniques

The Millay Tunic features an unusual top-down construction method that sets it apart from traditional sweater patterns. Rather than working pieces separately and seaming them together, this design employs an integrated approach where each sleeve and the yoke are worked in one continuous piece from the top down. After the yoke and sleeves are completed, the front and back panels are picked up from the side edges of the yoke and worked downward to complete the garment. This technique creates a seamless integration between the yoke and body sections.

The pattern incorporates strategic shaping through increases and decreases positioned inside the selvedge stitch to maintain clean edges. Increases are worked at regular intervals—specifically, one stitch is increased at each side every 10 rows across all sizes—to create the proper fit and drape of the tunic.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns Used

The Millay Tunic employs fundamental knitting stitches suitable for a beginner-level project. The primary stitch used throughout most of the garment is Stockinette Stitch (St st), which creates a smooth, classic fabric with a flat appearance on the right side and bumpy texture on the wrong side. This versatile stitch is ideal for showcasing yarn color and texture.

The pattern also includes a Border pattern that is worked after picking up stitches along the side edge of the yoke. This border adds visual interest and definition to the transition between the yoke and the body of the sweater. The border pattern provides a finished, professional appearance to this construction detail.

Materials and Yarn Specifications

The Millay Tunic is designed to be worked in Aran weight yarn, which is a medium-weight yarn that knits up quickly and creates a fabric with good structure and drape. The pattern calls for Poems yarn in the Autumn #585 colorway, requiring 9 to 12 balls depending on size (9 balls for XS, 10 balls for S, 11 balls for M and L, and 12 balls for XL). Each ball contains 109 yards or 100 meters and weighs 50 grams.

The pattern specifies US 7 / 4.5 mm needles (straight needles or circular needles to obtain proper gauge). The recommended gauge is 18 stitches and 24 rows per 4 inches (10 cm) in Stockinette Stitch. Achieving the correct gauge is essential for obtaining the finished measurements specified in the pattern.

Skill Level and Suitability

The Millay Tunic is classified as a beginner-level knitting project, making it accessible to knitters who are new to garment construction. The straightforward stitches, clear shaping instructions, and logical construction method provide an excellent introduction to top-down sweater knitting without overwhelming complexity. The use of basic Stockinette Stitch and simple increases allows beginners to focus on understanding garment construction principles while building confidence in their knitting skills.