Likin' It

Likin' It: Bias Knit Tunic with Striped Border

What is Being Made

Likin' It is a knitted tunic designed by Connie Peng, featuring a modern bias construction with a decorative striped border detail. This intermediate-level knitting project is available in six sizes, ranging from 30" to 44" chest measurement, with zero ease recommended for a fitted silhouette. The tunic combines a main color body with contrast color striping at the border, creating visual interest through colorwork and directional knitting techniques.

Knitting Techniques Used

This design employs several key knitting techniques that define its construction and visual appeal:

• Bias knitting: The primary construction method that creates a diagonal grain throughout the tunic body, adding movement and visual interest to the finished garment
• Circular knitting: The tunic is worked in the round using circular needles, eliminating seams and creating a seamless construction
• Increases and decreases: Strategic shaping through increases and decreases is used to achieve the tunic's fitted silhouette and proper drape
• Striped colorwork: The border features contrasting color stripes that frame the design and add textural variety

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The primary stitch used throughout Likin' It is Stockinette stitch (St st), which creates a smooth, classic fabric with a distinctive V-pattern texture on the right side. The gauge is 20 stitches by 28 rows over a 4" x 4" swatch in Stockinette stitch, worked on 3.75 mm (US #5) circular needles. This gauge is essential for achieving proper fit across all six size options.

Materials: Yarn and Needles

The tunic is designed for DK weight yarn, offering a lightweight fabric suitable for layering or warm-weather wear. Yarn requirements vary by size:

• Main color: 750 yards (686 meters) for the smallest size, increasing to 1,300 yards (1,189 meters) for the largest size
• Contrast color: 250 yards (229 meters) for sizes 30" through 36", increasing to 300-325 yards (274-297 meters) for the largest sizes

The pattern samples showcase versatile yarn options in DK weight: The Plucky Knitter Silk Merino Lite in Flannel Shimmy paired with Berroco Pure Merino DK in Kale for the gray version, and Elann Bamboo Fusion in Polished Copper combined with Elann CotoMerino in Dove for the orange version. These fiber blends demonstrate the pattern's compatibility with both protein and plant-based DK-weight yarns.

Construction requires 3.75 mm (US #5) circular needles, though needle size may be adjusted to achieve the specified gauge of 20 stitches by 28 rows per 4" x 4" in Stockinette stitch.

Sizing and Fit

Six finished chest measurements are available: 30", 32", 36", 38", 40", and 44". The pattern recommends zero ease, meaning the finished measurements should match the wearer's actual chest measurement for an intended fitted fit. This design approach allows knitters to select their exact size based on personal measurements rather than typical ease allowances.