Floral-inspired motifs in a palette of vibrant pinks decorate this long Fair Isle tunic
MARY HENDERSON
PATTERN NOTES
All chart rounds are worked from right to left. The garment is knitted in the round to the armholes; armhole stitches are slipped onto stitch holders or waste yarn, and stitches are cast on to form a steek so the garment can continue to be knitted in the round. This makes it easier to keep the motif patterns aligned. The garment is then worked in the round to the neckline, where centre neck stitches are put on hold with stitches cast on for a steek. The neckline is shaped with decreases, then worked straight until the armholes are the correct depth. The right and left shoulders, front and back, are matched up and cast off together. Then the steeks are cut, the armhole and neck ribs are worked and cast off. Note that when you have worked a section of the body before the armhole, you will decrease across a plain colour round. After this you will follow charts marked 1 or 2, depending on your size. Follow the instructions for which number chart for your size, which are given clearly in the pattern.
SPECIAL TECHNIQUES
STEEKS
7 extra stitches are cast on to form a bridge of stitches which will be cut later to form the opening for the arms and neck. With stitch markers either side of these stitches, work these 7 stitches in the same colours as the main body pattern, alternating the colours so there are vertical lines of light and dark stitches which makes cutting in a straight line easier. With natural Shetland wool it is not necessary to reinforce the cut edges; once cut, the steek stitches become a facing that folds to the inside then stitches are picked up and worked for the rib borders. The facing can be tacked to the stitch floats. Alternatively, ribbon can be hand-sewn on to hide the cut edges. For more guidance on working steeks, see our Masterclass in Issue 197.
FRONT
Using 3mm circular needles, 60-80cm long, yarn A and the long-tail method, cast on 121 (145:169:193:217:241) sts.
Next row (RS): Knit.
Work rows 1-17 of Chart A (Front Hem), which is worked in corrugated rib throughout, stranding the colour not in use across the back of your work (take care not to pull stranded yarn tight). Set aside while you work Back Hem as follows:
BACK
Using 3mm circular needles, 60-80cm long, yarn A and the long-tail method, cast on 121 (145:169:193:217:241) sts.
Next row (RS): Knit.
Work rows 1-25 of Chart B (Back Hem) as for Front.
BO
