Tunika Gravedona

Tunika Gravedona by Bunte Fussel

What is Being Made

The Tunika Gravedona is a knitted tunic top designed as a downloadable PDF pattern from independent designer Bunte Fussel. This garment is constructed from the top down in rounds, creating a seamless, tubular construction. The pattern is available in four sizes: 36/38, 40/42, 44/46, and 48/50, making it suitable for a range of body measurements. The tunic offers a classic, wearable silhouette appropriate for intermediate-level knitters.

Knitting Techniques Used

The Tunika Gravedona employs several fundamental knitting techniques executed in the round. The garment is worked from the top down, beginning with a cast-on at the neckline and progressing downward to the hem. This top-down construction method allows for easy fitting adjustments and eliminates the need for seaming. The pattern incorporates ribbed edging (Bündchen) at the neckline, which provides elasticity and a finished appearance. Increases and decreases are strategically placed to shape the garment, with yarn overs (Umschlag) and decreases such as knit two together (2 M re zusammenstr.) and slip-stitch decreases (2 M re überzogen zus) used to create shaping and decorative elements.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The primary stitch used throughout the Tunika Gravedona is stockinette stitch (glatt rechts), which creates a smooth, classic fabric surface. This stitch is achieved by knitting all stitches on right-side rounds and purling all stitches on wrong-side rounds when working flat, though the top-down circular construction simplifies this to knit rounds only. The pattern incorporates ribbed sections, likely 1x1 or 2x2 ribbing, particularly at the neckline band. Decorative or shaping elements include yarn overs paired with decreases, which may create eyelet details or lace-like patterning. Stitch markers are essential for tracking pattern repeats and marking the beginning of rounds during construction.

Materials: Yarn and Needles

The Tunika Gravedona is designed to be knitted with Bobbel Maria, a gradient yarn produced by Bunte Fussel. This yarn is a 4-ply weight (also known as worsted or aran weight) composed of 50% cotton and 50% acrylic, offering a blend of breathability and durability. The yardage requirements vary by size: approximately 750 meters for size 36/38, 800 meters for size 40/42, and 1000 meters for size 44/46. Each 200-gram skein of Bobbel Maria contains 800 meters of yarn. Knitting needles should be US size 6 (4mm) for the main fabric, with circular needles recommended for working in the round. A needle play (Nadelspiel) or set of double-pointed needles in the same size may be used for smaller circumferences, particularly at the neckline. The gauge is 22 stitches and 29 rows per 10 centimeters (4 inches) in stockinette stitch, which is essential for achieving the correct finished measurements. Stitch markers are required as accessories to track pattern placement and round beginnings.