Tunic in Stylecraft Safari Chunky - 8688 - Downloadable PDF

Stylecraft Safari Chunky Tunic – Knitting Pattern 8688

This downloadable PDF knitting pattern from Stylecraft provides full instructions for a chunky knit tunic worked in two complementary Stylecraft yarns. The design is a relaxed, longline tunic featuring a cable panel as a central design detail, set against a classic stocking stitch body, with ribbed finishing and short sleeves. It is suitable for knitters with experience of cables and basic shaping, and is available in five sizes to fit bust measurements ranging from 71/76 cm (28/30 in) up to 112/117 cm (44/46 in).

What Is Being Made

The finished garment is a tunic-length knitted top, meaning it falls well below the hip for a comfortable, oversized silhouette. Actual finished bust measurements range from 91 cm (36 in) to 132 cm (52 in) across the five sizes, providing generous ease. The full length ranges from 83 cm (32¾ in) to 92 cm (36¼ in) depending on size, and the sleeve length is a consistent 20 cm (8 in) across all sizes, giving a short, casual sleeve.

Yarns and Materials

The pattern calls for two specific Stylecraft chunky-weight yarns used together to create a two-colour or textural effect:

• Stylecraft Safari Chunky (100 g balls) in Zebra 1609 – 8 to 11 balls depending on size
• Stylecraft Life Chunky (100 g balls) in Rose 2301 – 8 to 11 balls depending on size

Both yarns are chunky weight, making this a relatively quick knit compared to lighter-weight projects. Stylecraft explicitly notes that it cannot accept responsibility for results achieved using any yarn other than those specified.

In addition to yarn, the following tools are required:

• 1 pair of 6 mm (UK 4 / USA 10) knitting needles – used for the main body
• 1 pair of 5 mm (UK 6 / USA 8) knitting needles – used for ribbing and finer sections
• Stitch holders – for holding stitches during construction
• A cable needle (CN) – essential for working the cable panel

Tension

Achieving the correct tension is described as very important in the pattern. The stated tension is 14 stitches and 20 rows to 10 cm (4 in) over stocking stitch using 6 mm needles. Additionally, the cable panel of 88 stitches measures 35 cm (13¾ in) in width. Knitters are advised to adjust needle size up or down if their tension does not match these figures, as incorrect tension will affect the finished dimensions of the tunic.

Techniques and Construction

The tunic is constructed using a combination of classic knitting techniques suited to an intermediate-level knitter:

• Stocking stitch (St-St) – the primary fabric of the body, worked by knitting right-side rows and purling wrong-side rows
• Cable panel – a structured panel of 88 stitches forming a prominent decorative feature; cables are worked using a cable needle to cross stitches and create a twisted rope or plait effect
• 1×1 Rib – alternating knit and purl stitches used for welts, cuffs, or neckbands to create a neat, stretchy edge finish
• M1 (Make One) – an increase technique where a loop is picked up between the last and next stitch and worked into the back of the loop to avoid a hole, used for shaping
• Decreasing – used to shape the garment at appropriate points
• Stitch holders – used to hold live stitches while other sections are worked, a standard technique in garment knitting for necklines and shoulders