Tunika Mandarin Pearls

Tunika Mandarin Pearls by Bunte Fussel

What is Being Made

The Tunika Mandarin Pearls is a beginner-friendly knitted tunic top designed to be worked in the round from the top down. This garment features decorative beadwork integrated throughout the design, creating an elegant pearl embellishment effect. The tunic is available in three sizes: S, M/L, and XL, making it accessible for various body types.

Construction Method

This tunic employs a top-down circular knitting construction, beginning with a cast-on at the neckline yoke and expanding outward as stitches are increased. The garment is worked entirely in rounds using circular needles and double-pointed needles, eliminating the need for seaming. The yoke section serves as the foundation, with strategic increases distributed throughout to create the proper shaping for the shoulders and bust area.

Stitch Techniques and Patterns

The Tunika Mandarin Pearls incorporates several key knitting techniques:

• Seed Stitch: Used for the initial 4 rounds of the yoke, this reversible textured stitch alternates knit and purl stitches in every round, creating a bumpy, decorative edge at the neckline
• Yarn Over Increases: Yarn overs are used strategically to create both shaping increases and decorative lace elements within the patterns
• Decrease Techniques: The pattern employs slip-stitch decreases (slip 1 stitch as if to knit, knit 1, pass slipped stitch over) and double decreases (slip 1 stitch as if to knit, knit 2 together, pass slipped stitch over) to create stitch-count management and decorative lace effects
• Lace Patterning: A hole pattern is introduced from rounds 21-22 onward, creating an openwork design that allows the beads to be showcased
• Multiple Pattern Repeats: The yoke features 18 pattern repeats of Pattern 1, with the middle stitch of each repeat marked for reference during construction

Beadwork Integration

The design incorporates 18 to 54 beads depending on the size, with beads being worked into the knitted fabric to create the "Pearls" element referenced in the garment name. The beads are strategically placed within the lace patterns to create visual interest and elegance.

Materials and Tools

Yarn: The pattern calls for gradient yarn in 4-ply weight, a lightweight yarn suitable for creating delicate, drape-friendly garments. The fiber content is 50% cotton and 50% acrylic blend, providing breathability and easy care. Yardage requirements vary by size: approximately 600 meters for size S, 700 meters for size M/L, and 800 meters for size XL.

Needles and Equipment: Construction requires circular needles and double-pointed needles in size 4 mm. Additional equipment includes stitch markers for tracking pattern repeats and beads for embellishment.

Gauge and Sizing

The pattern specifies a gauge of 22 stitches and 28 rounds over a 10 by 10 centimeter square, measured in stockinette stitch. Achieving proper gauge is essential for obtaining the correct finished measurements across all three available sizes.

Skill Level

This pattern is rated as beginner-friendly, making it an excellent choice for knitters new to garment construction. While the top-down circular knitting method and lace patterning introduce fundamental techniques, the straightforward construction and clear pattern repeats make it accessible to those building their knitting skills.