Marshmallow

Marshmallow Tunic by Victoria Groger

What Is Being Made

Marshmallow is a top-down knitted tunic sweater designed by Victoria Groger. This downloadable knitting pattern creates a garment worked primarily in the round, featuring a shaped yoke with coordinated sleeve and body shaping. The tunic construction eliminates the need for seaming, making it an efficient project for intermediate knitters.

Construction Method and Techniques

The tunic is constructed using a top-down seamless method, beginning with a round neckline at the front. The design incorporates strategic increases to shape both the yoke and sleeves simultaneously, though at different rates to achieve proper fit. Once the yoke shaping is complete, the sleeves are separated from the body, and the main body continues to be worked in the round until the hem is reached. After the body is completed, the front and back are worked separately to finish the garment. Sleeves and neckline details are completed by picking up stitches from the finished edges, maintaining the seamless construction throughout.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

This pattern employs several fundamental knitting techniques appropriate for intermediate skill levels:

• Stockinette Stitch – the primary stitch pattern used throughout the main body and sleeves
• 1x1 Ribbing – worked in the round for neckline and cuff details
• Tubular Bind-Off – a refined finishing technique used for the 1x1 ribbed sections to create a professional, elastic edge
• Increases – used strategically in the yoke to shape the neckline and sleeve cap
• Cable techniques – included as part of the intermediate skill requirements

Yarn and Needles

Marshmallow is designed for DK weight yarn, offering a lightweight, versatile fabric suitable for a tunic silhouette. The pattern calls for 3 mm / US 2½ needles for ribbed sections worked in 1x1 ribbing. Main needles are used for the Stockinette sections, with a gauge of 22 stitches and 35 rows over 10 cm (4 inches) in Stockinette stitch on the main needles. Knitters are advised to adjust needle size as needed to obtain the correct gauge, ensuring proper fit and fabric drape.

Additional Tools Required

Beyond yarn and needles, this project requires:

• 8 stitch markers – essential for tracking increases and pattern repeats when working in the round
• Stitch holder or scrap yarn – for holding stitches during construction phases
• Cable needle – necessary for executing cable stitch techniques
• Tapestry needle – for weaving in yarn ends and any finishing details

Skill Level

This pattern is rated Intermediate, requiring competency with cables, increases, the Tubular Bind-Off technique, ribbing, and knitting in the round. Knitters should be comfortable with seamless construction and managing multiple stitch sections simultaneously before beginning this project.