Tunika Majella

Tunika Majella by Bunte Fussel

What is Being Made

The Tunika Majella is a knitted tunic top designed by independent designer Bunte Fussel. This garment is available in four size options: 36/38, 40/42, 44/46, and 48/50, making it suitable for a range of body measurements. The tunic is constructed as a seamless or minimal-seam garment using circular knitting techniques.

Craft and Primary Technique

This project is created using the knitting craft. The tunic employs circular knitting methods, as evidenced by the use of circular needles and needle sets (Nadelspiel) in the construction. This technique allows for knitting in the round, which is typical for tunic and top garments that require continuous fabric without interruption.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The Tunika Majella incorporates multiple stitch patterns to create visual interest and texture:

• Stockinette Stitch (Glatt rechts): The primary fabric base, created by knitting right-side rows and purling wrong-side rows (or knitting all rounds when working in the round). This produces a smooth, classic knit fabric.
• Yarn Overs (Umschlag): Used to create decorative eyelet details and lace elements throughout the design.
• Decreases: The pattern includes multiple decrease techniques, including knit two together (2 M re zusammenstricken) and slip-slip-knit decreases (1 M abh, 1 M re, die abgehobene über die M ziehen), which are used for shaping and creating textured stitch patterns.
• Pattern Sets (Mustersatz): The design features at least two distinct stitch patterns (Muster 1 and Muster 2) that are worked according to the pattern chart, allowing for varied texture and visual design elements.

Materials and Yarn Specifications

The recommended yarn for the Tunika Majella is Bobbel Xaver by Bunte Fussel, a variegated color-gradient yarn (Farbverlaufsgarn) in a 3-ply weight. The yarn composition is 50% cotton and 50% acrylic, providing a blend of breathability and durability. The yarn is supplied in 200-gram skeins with 1000 meters of yardage.

Yardage requirements vary by size:

• Size 36/38: 800 meters
• Size 40/42: 900 meters
• Size 44/46: 1100 meters
• Size 48/50: 1300 meters

Needles and Tools

The pattern requires 2.0 mm and 3.5 mm needles. The 3.5 mm needles are used as circular needles and in needle set (Nadelspiel) configuration for the main fabric construction. The smaller 2.0 mm needles are typically used for ribbed edgings or cuffs to create a tighter, more elastic finish.

Gauge and Sizing

The stitch gauge for this project is 24 stitches by 32 rows over 10 by 10 centimeters when working stockinette stitch (glatt rechts) with 3.5 mm needles. Achieving the correct gauge is essential for proper fit across all four available sizes.

Difficulty Level

The Tunika Majella is rated as an intermediate difficulty project. This classification reflects the combination of circular knitting techniques, multiple stitch patterns, shaping decreases, and the need to maintain consistent gauge throughout a larger garment. Knitters should be comfortable with reading stitch charts, working in the round, and executing various decrease techniques before beginning this project.

Format

This pattern is provided as a downloadable PDF document, allowing crafters to access the complete instructions digitally.