Zipped Up Aran Tunic, PDF pattern

About the Design

I love the look of traditional arans, complete with deep “skirts” (welts), but wanted something longer to wear over tights or a skirt. I also love pullovers, but wanted a more flexible neck opening, for ease in dressing.

This pattern is in written and charted forms, with the placket/neck shaping also shown in charted form, as the center front motif becomes adapted.

This pattern is in just one size – 45″, adjustable with blocking to 49″. I have included notes regarding which elements can be adapted to size the sweater up or down.

All the patterns are kept close together at front and back, with seed stitch sides, which makes less visual and actual bulk at the underarms. I wanted the body patterns to grow from the welt patterns, with each welt section being somewhat different from its neighbor, but still relating to each other.

The welt’s cables are mirror images on left and right of the center. At the welt’s center front, I closed the circle at the top of the column of upturned cables, which makes it look like a flower atop a column of leaves!

Size: one size

Finished Measurements

Chest: 45″ (adjustable to 49″ with blocking)

Length: 29.5″

Sleeve Length, with folded cuff: 17.5″

Armhole Depth: 10″

Materials

Brown Sheep Lamb’s Pride Worsted, 85% wool / 15% mohair, 190 yds/4 oz pull skeins: 11 skeins #M-140 Aran

16” and 29” US size 8 (5 mm) circular needles

US size 8 (5 mm) double-pointed needles

Cable needle

US size F (3.75mm) crochet hook

Stitch markers

Stitch holders

Sharp needle and thin wool for tacking down steeks

(I used 1 strand of Crewel wool yarn in a light color)

12” Invisible zipper in Cream

Sewing needle and matching thread

Gauge

1. 19 sts and 24 rows = 4″ (10 cm) in St st using size 8 ndls (or size to give gauge).

2. 18 sts and 31 rows = 4″ (10 cm) in seed st using size 8 ndls (or size to give gauge).

Substitute Yarn Wt: Worsted to Heavy Worsted

Skill Level: Experienced, with ability to steek

Happy Knitting!

DAwn