Tunika Kolderwolde

Tunika Kolderwolde by Bunte Fussel

What is Being Made

The Tunika Kolderwolde is a knitted tunic sweater designed by independent designer Bunte Fussel. This garment is constructed as a pullover-style top worked seamlessly from the top down in the round, creating a comfortable, flowing silhouette suitable for intermediate knitters. The pattern is available in four sizes: 36/38, 40/42, 44/46, and 48/50, making it accessible for a range of body measurements.

Knitting Techniques and Construction

This tunic employs classic seamless knitting techniques worked in the round using circular needles and double-pointed needles. The garment is constructed from the top down, a method that allows knitters to try on the piece as it progresses and easily adjust the final length. The pattern includes stitch decreases worked strategically throughout the design, with specific instructions for decreasing stitches using the technique of knitting two stitches together and slipping the first stitch from the left needle.

Stitches Used

• Knit stitch (rechts/re): The foundational stitch used throughout the garment
• Purl stitch (links/li): Used to create textural variation and pattern definition
• Yarn over (Umschlag/U): Creates decorative eyelet or lace elements within the design
• Decrease stitches: Two stitches knitted together to shape the garment

Materials and Yarn Specifications

The Tunika Kolderwolde is designed to be worked in Bobbel Queen, a gradient color-change yarn produced by Bunte Fussel. This yarn is a 4-ply weight (also known as worsted or DK weight) composed of 50% cotton and 50% acrylic, offering a blend of breathability and durability. Each Bobbel Queen skein provides 800 meters of yarn per 200 grams.

Yardage requirements vary by size:

• Size 36/38: 900 meters main yarn plus 2 × 150 meters for sleeve bobbels
• Size 40/42: 1000 meters main yarn plus 2 × 150 meters for sleeve bobbels
• Size 44/46: 1200 meters main yarn plus 2 × 200 meters for sleeve bobbels
• Size 48/50: 1500 meters main yarn plus 2 × 250 meters for sleeve bobbels

Needles and Gauge

This pattern requires 6.0 mm circular needles for working the body in the round and 6.0 mm double-pointed needles (needle set) for the sleeve sections. The stitch gauge is 30 stitches and 18 rows over 10 × 10 centimeters in stockinette stitch, making accurate gauge swatching essential before beginning the project.

Difficulty Level

Rated as intermediate, the Tunika Kolderwolde is suitable for knitters with foundational skills who are comfortable working in the round and following pattern instructions with decreases and stitch manipulations. The top-down construction method and use of gradient yarn add visual interest while remaining within the intermediate skill range.