Hercunia - Witches' Spirals by Anna-Sophia Maré

Hercunia - Witches' Spirals

Knitting
July 2015
Fingering (14 wpi) ?
US 4 - 3.5 mm
1700 - 2500 yards (1554 - 2286 m)
S - M/L - XL - XXL (see below!)
English
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Hercunia - Witches’ Spirals

It does not look complicated, but this tunic is nothing for beginners!

It is the most difficult of the patterns in my store thus far, but this is not due to knitting itself, because the spirals are not complicated at all. It is rather due to the nature of this pattern which simply does not allow working stubbornly according to predefined numbers (standard sizes). Therefore, you will have to make some calculations to make the tunic fit and flatter your very own figure. I have given example calculations (in inch and cm) and then added boxes in the pattern so you can enter your own numbers/measurements. Every step is described in the instructions, and I have been told one can follow them well, but will need to concentrate a bit more here and there than usual.

The little extra effort will be especially worth it, if you usually have problems with standard sizes (such as being very tall but slim or being weighty but small), as you will end up with a fitting tunic no matter what. I have also included suggestions for a straight tunic without waist shaping.

Now to the tunic

As always, I wanted something a bit unusual but wearable. I love witches’ spirals, but I did not want the typical scarf or wrap that is often created in a modular design (and beautifully so) with a certain number of pieces. When sketching this model and taking into consideration many different looks and possibilities of where to put the spirals, most of the time I ended up with them emphasizing the waist and upper arms. I found a flared look without confining cuffs gave the tunic the necessary feeling of freedom and – at the same time – relaxed the escalating mood the spirals tend to convey.

Sizes

Waist measurements with a bit ease:
S = 28.3” / 72 cm
M/L = 33.1” / 84 cm
XL = 37.8” / 96 cm
XXL = 42.5” / 108 cm

The given sizes are included in the instructions, but you still need to measure your bust and hips etc. and use those numbers to make a few calculations according to my instructions (especially, if the sizes above are suboptimal for your figure). Size “M/L” is to be seen as a large M or a small L. Suggestions on how to make this tunic work for you in any case are given in the pattern.

Pattern files include

  • several schematic representations,
  • written instructions,
  • calculation examples and boxes to be filled out and
  • a photo gallery demonstrating techniques (gain sts and work a blind seam).

What you will learn (if not already familiar with it):

  • the hexagon pattern, of course,
  • how to make a calculation with your measurements to not be dependent on standard sizes and make a piece flatter your own figure, and
  • how to “knit-fill” empty areas around irregular shapes to prepare them for further knitting.

Material

  • Yarn: Lang Yarns Jawoll magic (color 99) or any sock yarn
  • Usage S – M/L – XL – XXL oz/yd 14.1 - 15.9 - 17.6 - 19.4 oz = 1750 - 1969 - 2187 - 2406 yd g/m 400 – 450 – 500 – 550 g = 1600 – 1800 – 2000 – 2200 m
  • Needles US 4 / 3.5 mm circular needles (24”/ 60 cm for small sizes, 30”/ 80 cm for bigger sizes) US 4 / 3.5 mm double pointed needles Crochet needle (optional)
  • 2 Safety pins
  • 3 Stitch Markers
  • Tapestry needle