If summer is on your mind and you want to knit a stylish lacy sweater that doubles as a beach cover up, this mesh tunic is a great option to consider.

Simple and comfortable, this airy tunic will become your favourite in no time. It can be paired with casual pants, jeans, or used as a beach dress.

This tunic fits well most body types, and it has a distinct carefree feel about it. Perfect for any summer adventure!

SIZE

Women’s Small, Medium, Large, X-Large, 2X-Large.

Instructions for sizes Medium, Large, X-Large and 2X-Large are in parentheses. If there is only one number, it applies to all sizes.

FINISHED MEASUREMENTS

Bust 34 (38, 42, 46, 50)” / 86 (97, 107, 117, 127) cm

Length 27 (28, 29, 29.5, 30)” / 69 (71, 73, 74.5, 76) cm

YARN

Any bamboo, rayon, cotton, or acrylic yarn in DK weight (marked by the digit “3” on the yarn label). For best drape, choose heavy fibres like bamboo and other types of rayon.

You will need approximately 760 (855, 950, 1045, 1140) m / 830 (940, 1050, 1150, 1250) yds of yarn to make this tunic.

To make the tunic featured in the photos, I used Knitca Bamboo yarn (100% bamboo, approximately 95 m / 104 yds in a 50 g / 1.7 oz ball) in colour Warm Grey.

NEEDLES

Circular knitting needles in size 4 mm (US size 6), or size to obtain gauge.

NOTIONS

4 stitch markers, 4 stitch holders (or pieces of scrap yarn), and a wool needle for finishing.

GAUGE

13 stitches and 22 rows = 4” / 10 cm in mesh pattern stitch.

15 stitches and 27 rows = 4” / 10 cm in garter stitch.

NOTES

The tunic is knitted from the bottom up. The main parts of the front, back and sleeves are worked separately as flat pieces and then assembled in a seamless yoke. The back of the neckline is shaped with short rows.

All measurements are given for the tunic lying flat. Due to the mesh pattern and the weight of bamboo yarn, armhole depth, neckline width, length of the sleeves and length of the tunic increase when the tunic is hanging.

All calculations for flat knitted pieces include 2 selvedge stitches.

Underlined techniques are available as separate tutorials. Click the underlined name of the technique to read and watch the tutorial.