Kaari Tunic in Novita Wool Cotton in Novita - Downloadable PDF

Kaari Tunic in Novita Wool Cotton

What is Being Made

The Kaari Tunic is a knitted pullover garment designed by Sari Nordlund. This intermediate-level project creates a fitted tunic with a classic silhouette, available in six sizes ranging from XS to XXL. The finished piece features a body circumference of 86 to 128 centimeters (33¾ to 50½ inches) and a total length of 94 to 102 centimeters (34 to 36 inches), making it a versatile layering piece suitable for various body types and styling preferences.

Knitting Techniques and Construction

The Kaari Tunic employs several fundamental knitting techniques to achieve its tailored fit and professional appearance. The garment begins with a ribbed cuff worked in a knit-two, purl-two (k2 p2) pattern for 4 centimeters, which provides elasticity and a finished edge. The main body is constructed using stockinette stitch, a foundational knitting technique that creates a smooth, flat fabric with characteristic V-shaped columns on the right side.

Shaping is accomplished through strategic decreases and bind-offs. The tunic features waist shaping with decreases worked at both ends of the piece, repeated every 12 centimeters for a total of four decrease sequences. This creates a fitted silhouette that tapers gradually from the initial cast-on width. Armhole shaping is achieved through a series of bind-offs on alternating rows, removing multiple stitches in stages to create a smooth, professional armhole curve. The neckline is finished with bind-offs at the center front, and shoulder shaping is worked one side at a time with additional decreases at the neckline edge to create a comfortable neck opening.

Stitches Used

• Knit Stitch (k): The primary stitch forming the stockinette stitch fabric
• Purl Stitch (p): Used in combination with knit stitches for ribbing and stockinette construction
• Ribbing (k2 p2): An elastic stitch pattern used for the lower edge
• Stockinette Stitch: The main fabric created by alternating knit rows on the right side with purl rows on the wrong side
• Decreases: Single stitch decreases worked at body edges for waist shaping
• Bind-offs: Used for armhole shaping and finishing edges

Materials and Yarn Specifications

This pattern is designed to be worked with Novita Wool Cotton yarn, a blend that combines the warmth and elasticity of wool with the breathability and comfort of cotton. The yarn weight is DK (double knitting), a medium-weight yarn that works well for garments requiring both drape and structure. The specific inner sleeve length ranges from 48 to 51 centimeters (19 to 19¾ inches) depending on size, indicating the yarn quantity and needle size are calibrated for this weight category. While the PDF does not specify exact yardage or needle size, DK-weight projects typically require size 3 to 4 millimeter (US 3 to 6) needles and appropriate yardage for the chosen size.

Difficulty Level

Rated as an intermediate project, the Kaari Tunic is suitable for knitters with foundational skills who are ready to tackle garment construction. The pattern requires understanding of basic decreases, bind-offs, and the ability to follow sizing instructions across multiple size options. The combination of waist shaping, armhole construction, and neckline finishing makes this an excellent project for developing garment-making competency.