The Maya Tunic

The Maya Tunic by Born & Raised Knits

Project Overview

The Maya Tunic is an intermediate-level knitted sweater designed by Born & Raised Knits. This downloadable PDF pattern offers a multi-colored tunic construction using a sophisticated four-color yarn palette. The design is available in nine graduated sizes, making it accessible for a range of body measurements.

What Is Being Made

The Maya Tunic is a knitted pullover sweater featuring a tunic-length silhouette. The pattern includes body and sleeve components worked in a structured garment construction. The design incorporates color work using four distinct yarn colors to create visual interest and depth throughout the piece.

Knitting Techniques

This intermediate knitting project employs several fundamental and intermediate techniques to achieve its finished design:

• Stockinette Stitch: The primary stitch pattern, worked in stockinette stitch for a smooth, classic fabric appearance
• Circular Needle Construction: The garment is worked using circular needles in multiple sizes, allowing for seamless or nearly seamless construction
• Color Work: The pattern incorporates four coordinating yarn colors (Color A, Color B, Color C, and Color D) to create a multi-tonal design
• Decreases: Strategic shaping using knit 2 together (k2tog) and slip, slip, knit (ssk) techniques for fitted construction
• Increases: Yarn over (yo) increases for shaping and stitch expansion
• Blocking: Post-knit blocking is essential to achieve proper gauge and finished dimensions

Stitches Used

The Maya Tunic pattern utilizes the following stitches and abbreviations:

• k (knit): Fundamental knit stitch
• p (purl): Fundamental purl stitch
• k2tog (knit 2 together): Single decrease reducing stitch count by one
• p2tog (purl 2 together): Purl-side decrease reducing stitch count by one
• ssk (slip, slip, knit): Left-leaning decrease reducing stitch count by one
• yo (yarn over): Increase technique creating decorative eyelet or additional stitch
• pm (place marker): Stitch marker placement for pattern tracking

Yarn and Materials

The Maya Tunic is designed to be worked with 4-ply weight yarn in a four-color combination, all from the Simple Sock yarn line:

• Color A 'Rooster': 400 to 500 yards depending on size selection
• Color B 'Blanca': 440 to 540 yards depending on size selection
• Color C 'Mermaid Jewels': 440 to 540 yards depending on size selection
• Color D 'Sweet Nectar': 440 to 570 yards depending on size selection

Needles Required

The pattern calls for multiple needle sizes to accommodate different sections of the garment:

• US Size 4, 16-inch circular needles: For smaller circumference sections
• US Size 4, 24 to 32-inch circular needles: For larger body circumference sections
• US Size 3, 12 to 16-inch circular needles or double-pointed needles (DPNs): For sleeve cap and cuff ribbing

Gauge and Finishing

Proper gauge is critical for this intermediate project. The pattern specifies working in stockinette stitch with two ends of Simple Sock yarn held together on US Size 4 needles. Gauge must be measured after blocking to ensure accurate finished dimensions and proper fit of the completed tunic.

Sizing Information

The Maya Tunic pattern provides nine size options, numbered 1 through 9, with graduated yardage requirements and stitch counts to accommodate different body measurements and fit preferences.