2020 Sleeveless Hooded Tunic Jacket

2020 Sleeveless Hooded Tunic Jacket by Crucci NZ

What is Being Made

The 2020 Sleeveless Hooded Tunic Jacket is a knitted garment designed as an intermediate-level project. This sleeveless tunic features a distinctive hooded neckline and is constructed to be worn as a layering piece or standalone jacket. The design offers a relaxed, tunic-length silhouette with measurements ranging from size S through XXL, with actual finished bust measurements from 100cm to 140cm and lengths between 59cm to 63cm depending on size.

Knitting Techniques Used

This intermediate knitting project employs fundamental knitting techniques suitable for crafters with some experience. The construction involves working with stitch patterns over the main body, creating shaping through increases and decreases to achieve the tunic's fitted proportions. The hooded design requires careful construction of the neckline and hood sections, which are likely worked either in the round or with strategic seaming. Stitch holders are used during construction to hold stitches for later working, a common technique in garment knitting for managing multiple sections.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The garment is worked using fundamental knitting stitches including knit (K) and purl (P) stitches. The pattern specifies working over a stitch pattern at a tension of 16.5 stitches and 29 rows to 10cm, indicating a textured or patterned fabric rather than simple stockinette stitch. The pattern incorporates decreases for shaping the garment to fit the body properly, and alternating rows or sections are used throughout the construction. The hooded elements and button bands require precise stitch work and finishing techniques.

Materials and Tools

This design is worked in pure wool 12 ply yarn from the WOOLLY brand, with yarn quantities varying by size from 15 balls for size S up to 20 balls for size XXL, with each ball weighing 50g. The project requires 5.50mm (UK size 5) knitting needles or the appropriate needle size to achieve the specified tension. Additional materials include a stitch holder for managing active stitches during construction, 3 small safety pins for marking positions or holding sections temporarily, a yarn needle for weaving in ends and seaming, and 3 buttons for fastening the tunic jacket.

Yarn Weight and Fiber Content

The chunky 12 ply pure wool yarn creates a warm, durable fabric suitable for layering garments. The pure wool fiber provides natural elasticity and recovery, helping the finished tunic maintain its shape through wear and washing. The 12 ply weight works quickly on larger needles, making this an efficient project despite the intermediate skill level required.