Wave Lace Tunic - #180

Wave Lace Tunic by Sue McCain

What is Being Made

The Wave Lace Tunic is a sophisticated lace knit garment designed to flatter a range of body types with its thoughtful construction. This tunic pattern is available in an extensive size range from XXS through 6X, with finished bust measurements spanning from 28 inches to 68 inches. The tunic features practical side slits that allow the garment to drape elegantly over the hips without clinging, making it a versatile piece suitable for various occasions and body shapes.

Techniques Used

This intermediate-level knitting project employs several key construction techniques to achieve its elegant finished product. The tunic is worked primarily in the round, which minimizes seaming and creates a seamless body. The design uses a bottom-up construction method, meaning you begin knitting from the lower edge and work upward toward the neckline. The sleeves are seamed rather than integrated, simplifying the overall knitting process. The garment is worked flat in certain sections to accommodate the design elements and shaping requirements. The lace pattern itself is a central design feature that can be finished in two distinct ways: left unblocked to emphasize texture and dimension, or blocked out to showcase the delicate openwork details more prominently.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The primary stitch pattern featured in this tunic is Wave Lace, which creates the signature openwork design. The pattern also incorporates stockinette stitch (St st) for sections requiring solid fabric. The gauge for the Wave Lace pattern is 24 stitches and 34 rows over 4 inches (10 centimeters), which is essential information for achieving the correct finished measurements. Achieving proper gauge is critical before beginning this project, as the designer emphasizes: "TAKE TIME TO SAVE TIME, CHECK YOUR GAUGE."

Materials and Yarn Specifications

The Wave Lace Tunic requires DK weight yarn in a wool blend composition. Yardage requirements vary by size, ranging from 1325 yards for the XXS size to 2750 yards for the 6X size. The pattern was created using Vintage DK by Berroco, a yarn blend composed of 50% acrylic, 40% wool, and 10% nylon, with each 100-gram hank providing 288 yards of yardage.

Tools and Notions Required

• One size 6 (4 mm) circular needle, 29 inches long (or the size needed to obtain gauge)
• One size 6 (4 mm) circular needle, 16 inches long
• Stitch holders for holding stitches during construction
• Stitch markers for tracking pattern repeats and shaping points
• Cable needle (cn) for any cable or twisted stitch techniques

Skill Level and Design Notes

This pattern is rated as intermediate difficulty, making it suitable for knitters with some experience who are comfortable working with lace patterns and circular needle techniques. The designer, Sue McCain, notes that the construction method minimizes finishing work: "The tunic is worked mostly in the round; you only have to sew in the sleeves." This thoughtful design reduces the amount of seaming required while the side slits provide both functional and aesthetic benefits to the finished garment.