Lexia Tunic

Lexia Tunic by SashkaKnits

What is Being Made

The Lexia Tunic is a long, roomy knit top designed by Sashka Macievich for comfortable everyday wear. This garment is engineered to be flattering for every body type, with finished bust measurements ranging from 34 to 51.50 inches (86.5 to 131 cm). The tunic is offered in nine size options, each with 3 to 5 inches of ease built in for a relaxed, comfortable fit.

Knitting Techniques Used

The Lexia Tunic employs several intermediate-level knitting techniques that create its structured yet comfortable silhouette:

• Knitting in the round – The primary construction method, allowing for seamless fabric and efficient stitch work
• Decreases and increases – Used to shape the garment at key points for proper fit and drape
• Backwards loop cast on – A technique for establishing stitches at the beginning of the project
• Knit and purl through the back loop – Advanced stitch variations that create textural interest and structural integrity
• Working in pattern – The design incorporates stitch patterns beyond basic stockinette for visual depth
• 3 needle bind off – A professional finishing technique used to join shoulder seams while binding off simultaneously

Stitches Used

The primary stitch foundation is Stockinette Stitch, which creates the smooth, classic fabric base. The pattern also incorporates additional stitch work including knit and purl variations through the back loop, and structured pattern sections that add visual interest to the finished tunic.

Materials and Gauge

The Lexia Tunic is designed to be worked in Louisa Harding Willow Tweed, a luxury blend yarn containing 40% Alpaca, 40% Merino Wool, and 20% Silk. Each 50-gram skein yields 128 yards (116 meters). Depending on size, the project requires 8 to 12 skeins of yarn. The sample shown is knit in size 36 with 4 inches of ease in color number 4 (grey).

Knitting is worked on US size 6 (4.00mm) circular needles, or whatever needle size is required to achieve the specified gauge. The pattern gauge is 22 stitches and 28 rows over 4 inches (10 cm) in Stockinette Stitch. Knitters are advised to make a gauge swatch before beginning to ensure proper finished measurements and fabric characteristics.

Additional supplies needed include stitch holders or waste yarn for holding stitches at the shoulders during construction, 2 stitch markers for tracking pattern repeats and shaping points, and a yarn needle for seaming and weaving in ends.