Child Aurora Tunic

Child Aurora Tunic by Amber Zumbrun

What is Being Made

The Child Aurora Tunic is a waterfall cardigan designed for children in sizes ranging from 1-2 years through 9-11 years. This downloadable crochet pattern creates a garment suitable for young children, with the tunic style offering comfortable everyday wear. The design is available in multiple size options to accommodate growing children.

Craft and Primary Technique

This project is created using crochet as the primary construction method. The pattern is classified as intermediate difficulty, making it suitable for crocheters with some experience beyond basic skills. The waterfall cardigan construction involves strategic shaping and stitch placement to create the characteristic draped effect typical of waterfall-style cardigans.

Crochet Stitches Used

The Child Aurora Tunic employs several fundamental crochet stitches to construct the garment:

• Chain (Ch): Used for foundation chains and turning chains throughout the pattern
• Double Crochet (Dc): The primary stitch used for the body of the tunic, providing structure and drape
• Single Crochet (Sc): Utilized for finishing edges and detail work
• Slip Stitch (Sl st): Used for joining rounds and securing stitches

The pattern notes indicate that beginning chains are used strategically, with Ch 3 counting as the first double crochet and Ch 1 not counting as a stitch. Stitch counts are provided at the end of each row for accuracy.

Materials and Tools

The Child Aurora Tunic is worked with DK weight yarn (also referred to as #3 weight yarn). The sample shown was created using Lion Brand Mandala yarn. Construction requires a 5.5 mm crochet hook, or an appropriate hook size to achieve the specified gauge.

Additional materials and tools needed include:

• Measuring tape for checking dimensions during construction
• Scissors for cutting yarn
• Darning needle for weaving in ends and seaming pieces together using the mattress stitch
• Stitch markers for tracking pattern repeats and important points

Gauge and Sizing

The pattern specifies a gauge of 7 double crochets by 4 rows equals 2 inches, worked with the 5.5 mm hook. Achieving the correct gauge is essential for proper fit across all size options. The tunic is available in four child sizes with corresponding yardage requirements:

• Size 1-2 years: Approximately 116 yards (1.6 ounces)
• Size 3-5 years: Approximately 291 yards (3.1 ounces)
• Size 6-8 years: Approximately 333 yards (4 ounces)
• Size 9-11 years: Yardage information provided in pattern

Pattern Construction Notes

The pattern is written in US crochet terminology and includes helpful construction details. Crocheters should note that asterisks indicate stitches to be repeated across rows. The pattern recommends leaving long tails or scrap yarn of the same color for seaming pieces together, and finishing is completed using the mattress stitch for invisible seams. Right side and wrong side designations are clearly marked throughout the pattern to guide proper construction.