Tunika Red_B

Tunika Red B by Bunte Fussel

What is Being Made

The Tunika Red B is a beginner-friendly knitted tunic top designed by independent designer Bunte Fussel. This garment is worked from the top down in the round, creating a comfortable, relaxed-fit tunic suitable for sizes 36/38, 40/42, and 44/46. The tunic is intentionally started with a wider circumference than typical to create beautiful draping folds in the finished piece.

Knitting Techniques Used

This project employs fundamental circular knitting techniques appropriate for beginners. The garment is constructed entirely in the round using circular needles, which eliminates the need for seaming. The pattern incorporates strategic color changes at regular intervals to create visual interest and texture. The design features planned draping through the intentionally generous starting width, which allows fabric to gather naturally as the tunic progresses downward.

Stitches and Stitch Abbreviations

The pattern uses basic knitting abbreviations and fundamental stitches:

• M – Masche (stitch)
• re – rechts (knit stitch)
• U – Umschlag (yarn over)
• Rd – Runde (round)

The stitch pattern maintains a gauge of 22 stitches by 27 rows over 10 centimeters, which is typical for 4-ply yarn weight and ensures consistent fabric density throughout the garment.

Materials and Yarn Specifications

The Tunika Red B is designed for 4-ply yarn weight, offering excellent stitch definition and drape. Yarn requirements vary by size:

• Size 36/38: 550 meters (approximately 140 grams) of main color gradient yarn, plus approximately 50 grams of contrasting color
• Size 40/42: 600 meters (approximately 150 grams) of main color gradient yarn, plus approximately 50 grams of contrasting color
• Size 44/46: 800 meters (approximately 200 grams) of main color gradient yarn, plus approximately 50 grams of contrasting color

The pattern specifically calls for gradient yarn (Farbverlaufsgarn) in both the main and secondary colors, which creates automatic color transitions without requiring frequent yarn changes. Optional elastic (approximately 50 centimeters) may be used for finishing details.

Tools and Notions Required

Essential equipment includes a 4.0 millimeter circular needle for the main body and 4.0 millimeter double-pointed needles (Nadelspiel) for working smaller circumferences. The pattern requires 16 stitch markers to track pattern repeats and shaping points throughout the construction process.

Color Work and Pattern Progression

The tunic features a structured color-blocking system that changes at specific round intervals. For size 36/38, color changes begin after round 23, then alternate between 15 rounds of main color and single rounds of contrasting color, with occasional two-round and three-round accent sections. This rhythmic color pattern continues throughout the garment, creating horizontal stripes that enhance the visual interest of the finished tunic.