The pattern has been updated on 24 May 2011.

The tunic is worked seamlessly and top down. The butterfly can be either knitted, using a combination of intarsia and stranded knitting (Fair Isle) methods, or duplicate stitched after knitting is finished.
The pattern contains photo-tutorials on crochet chain provisional cast on, and making a seamless elastic casing, both used here for the neckband. There are also some tips on working intarsia and stranded knitting and combining them (but you need some experience using both techniques).

Skill level: intermediate
You need to be able to knit in the round on circular and dp needles, and work increases, decreases, and short rows. If you want to knit the butterfly motif you need some experience using intarsia and stranded knitting methods. You will also need to know how to duplicate stitch.

Sizes:
1-1.5 (1.5-2, 3-4) 5-6, 7-8, 9-10 years (sample shown is size 1.5-2 years)

Finished measurements:
chest: 54 (57, 60) 64, 69, 75 cm
21.5 (22.5, 23.5) 25, 27, 29.5 in

Yarn: 4 ply cotton that knits at a gauge of 28 sts per 10 cm / 4 in
main colour:
500 (500, 600) 700, 800, 1000 metres
550 (550, 660) 770, 880, 1100 yards
white yarn for butterfly motif: one 50g ball

Gauge: 28 sts and 36 rows = 10 cm/ 4’’ in
stocking/ stockinette st

You will need
3.25 mm circular needle (=main needle)
2.75 mm and 3.25 mm dp needles
4mm crochet hook and scrap yarn for provisional cast on
stitch markers
yarn needle
60 cm (24in) long round elastic cord, about 1.5 mm across

You might need to use different size needles to obtain the required gauge. Take time to make a gauge swatch, as incorrect gauge could result in the tunic being too small or too big. Adjust needle size, if necessary.