Pacific Sport Bobble Edged Tunic in Cascade Yarns - DK581 - Downloadable PDF

Pacific Sport Bobble Edged Tunic by Melissa Leapman – Pattern Summary (Cascade Yarns DK581)

This free downloadable knitting pattern, catalogued as DK581 and designed by Melissa Leapman, produces a stylish, relaxed-fit tunic-length pullover sweater with a distinctive bobble-trimmed edge. Published by Cascade Yarns, the pattern is rated Intermediate in skill level, making it an excellent project for knitters who are comfortable with basic shaping and are ready to explore textured stitch patterns and simple cable techniques. The finished garment is a versatile layering piece suited to casual and smart-casual wardrobes alike.

Garment Overview and Sizing

The Pacific Sport Bobble Edged Tunic is knitted as a classic constructed sweater with separate pieces that are seamed together. It is available in five sizes:

• Small – 36" finished bust
• Medium – 38½" finished bust
• Large – 41" finished bust
• 1X – 43½" finished bust
• 2X – 46" finished bust

The total length is approximately 29 to 30 inches depending on size, giving the garment a true tunic silhouette that falls well below the hip. Instructions are written for the smallest size, with changes for larger sizes noted in parentheses throughout the pattern.

Materials and Yarn

The pattern is designed specifically for Cascade Yarns® Pacific® Sport, a sport-weight yarn with a fiber composition of 60% Acrylic and 40% Superwash Merino Wool. Each skein contains 100 g (3.5 oz) / 273 yards (250 m). The sample shown uses color #138 (Blue Grass), a rich tonal blue shade. Yardage requirements by size are:

• Small and Medium: 7 skeins (approximately 1,911 yards)
• Large and 1X: 8 skeins (approximately 2,184 yards)
• 2X: 9 skeins (approximately 2,457 yards)

The blend of acrylic and superwash merino gives the finished fabric excellent stitch definition, easy care properties, and a soft drape — all qualities that make it well suited to a garment with textured patterning and bobble detailing.

Needles and Notions

Two needle sizes are required to achieve the correct gauge across the different stitch patterns used in the tunic:

• US 5 (3.75 mm) knitting needles – used for the textured border pattern sections
• US 6 (4.0 mm) knitting needles – used for the main stockinette body
• 2 cable needles – required for working the bobble edging and any cable-adjacent techniques
• Yarn needle – for seaming and finishing

As with all knitting patterns, knitters are encouraged to swatch and adjust needle size as needed to match the specified gauge rather than adhering rigidly to the needle size listed.

Gauge

Achieving accurate gauge is especially important in this pattern because two different stitch patterns are used across the garment, each with its own gauge specification:

• Border Pattern (smaller US 5 needles): 26 stitches × 32 rows = 4 inches (10 cm)
• Stockinette Stitch (larger US 6 needles): 22 stitches × 30 rows = 4 inches (10 cm)

The difference in stitch count between the two gauges means that transitions between pattern sections are carefully engineered in the instructions to maintain the correct width and drape throughout the garment.

Stitches and Techniques Used

The Pacific Sport Bobble Edged Tunic