Tunika in Schachenmayr Apiretto - 1978 - Downloadable PDF

Tunika in Schachenmayr Apiretto - Design 1978

What Is Being Made

This downloadable PDF pattern provides instructions for knitting a tunika (tunic-style dress), a versatile garment that combines comfort with contemporary styling. The tunika is designed as a relaxed-fit pullover dress suitable for various occasions, offered in multiple sizes to accommodate different body measurements.

Craft and Technique Overview

This is a knitting project that employs traditional hand-knitting techniques using straight needles. The pattern demonstrates fundamental knitting skills combined with decorative stitch patterns to create visual interest and texture throughout the garment. The construction method involves working flat pieces that are subsequently assembled to form the finished tunika.

Stitches Used

The tunika features two primary stitch patterns that create distinct textural effects:

• Perlmuster (Pearl Stitch): A classic textured stitch created by alternating knit and purl stitches in a consistent pattern. This stitch is worked with the pattern offset in each row, creating a bumpy, pearlescent surface that adds visual depth and dimension to the fabric.
• Patentmuster (Patent Stitch): An advanced stitch technique that requires an uneven number of stitches. The patent stitch is worked by inserting the needle one row deeper into the previous row's stitch, then knitting it while allowing the intermediate stitch to drop off the needle. This creates a highly elastic, textured fabric with excellent stretch and recovery properties, making it ideal for garments requiring comfort and flexibility.

Materials and Tools

The tunika is designed to be worked with Schachenmayr select Apiretto, a premium chunky-weight yarn offering an exceptional fiber blend. This yarn contains 55% polyamide, 35% pure new wool (Schurwolle), and 10% angora, providing a combination of durability, warmth, and luxurious softness. The yarn features a yardage of approximately 105 meters per 50-gram ball, making it a substantial, quick-knitting option.

Yarn quantities required vary by size: 500 grams, 550 grams, 600 grams, 700 grams, or 750 grams depending on the chosen size. The recommended color is Sand (Fb 08126), a neutral neutral shade that complements various styles and occasions.

Knitting needles required are Milward brand needles in sizes 4½ to 5 (metric sizing), appropriate for working with the chunky-weight Apiretto yarn to achieve proper fabric density and drape.

Pattern Details and Sizing

The pattern accommodates multiple sizes, with specific measurements and yardage quantities provided for each size option. Instructions are presented in a compact format where size-specific information is listed sequentially from smallest to largest, separated by dashes, allowing knitters to easily identify the correct numbers for their chosen size. Where only a single measurement appears, that specification applies uniformly across all sizes.

Design Features

The combination of pearl stitch and patent stitch creates a sophisticated interplay of textures that enhances the visual appeal of the tunika while providing excellent fabric properties. The pearl stitch offers a refined, bumpy texture, while the patent stitch contributes elasticity and comfort, making this garment both beautiful and practical for everyday wear.