Bonnie Tunic Sweater 92324 Free Pattern – Knit a Cozy Boho Layer

Wrap yourself in the handcrafted charm of the Bonnie Tunic, a flowing, textured knit that blends rustic elegance with everyday comfort. This free pattern guides you through creating a versatile layering piece with a modern boho spirit. The rich, textured diamond lattice pattern—created with simple knits and purls—gives this tunic a handcrafted, artisanal feel that catches light beautifully and adds depth to every stitch. Whether you're curling up with a book or heading out for a casual gathering, this A-line tunic with its relaxed silhouette, ribbed hem, and set-in sleeves will quickly become your go-to cozy layer.

Designed for knitters who love a rewarding project with stunning results, the Bonnie Tunic is worked from the bottom up in one piece to the armholes, then split for the front and back. The sleeves are knit in the round and sewn in, making this an approachable project for confident beginners and intermediate knitters alike. With sizes ranging from XS to 2XL, you can create a custom-fit garment that flatters and comforts.

Materials Needed

Before you begin, gather the following materials and tools:

• Yarn: Worsted weight yarn (approximately 1200–1400 yards for sizes S/M; adjust yardage based on your chosen size). Choose a warm, earthy palette—think burnt sienna, mustard yellow, or cream—to capture that boho aesthetic.
• Needles: US 8 (5.0 mm) circular needles (24–32 inch length) for the body, and US 8 (5.0 mm) double-pointed needles (or a long circular for magic loop) for the sleeves.
• Stitch markers (including locking markers for holding stitches)
• Stitch holders or waste yarn for setting aside front/back and neck stitches
• Tapestry needle for weaving in ends and seaming
• Measuring tape
• Scissors

Gauge: 18 stitches and 24 rows = 4 inches in stockinette stitch (blocked). Always knit a gauge swatch and block it before measuring to ensure your finished garment matches the intended dimensions.

Sizes and Finished Measurements

This pattern is written for sizes XS (S, M, L, XL, 2XL). Finished chest measurements are:

• XS: 34 inches
• S: 38 inches
• M: 42 inches
• L: 46 inches
• XL: 50 inches
• 2XL: 54 inches

Choose the size that gives you 2–4 inches of positive ease for that relaxed, boho fit.

Abbreviations

• CO: cast on
• K: knit
• P: purl
• K2tog: knit two together (right-leaning decrease)
• P2tog: purl two together (decrease on purl side)
• SSK: slip, slip, knit (left-leaning decrease)
• YO: yarn over
• PM: place marker
• SM: slip marker
• RS: right side
• WS: wrong side
• St(s): stitch(es)
• Rep: repeat

Pattern Notes

• The body is worked in one piece from the bottom up to the armholes, then split for the front and back.
• Sleeves are worked in the round and sewn in for a clean, professional finish.
• The tunic features a textured diamond lattice pattern on both the front and back, creating a relaxed, A-line silhouette.
• Always work the pattern as written, and use stitch markers to keep track of your rounds and sections.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Body

Cast On and Join:
CO 180 (200, 220, 240, 260, 280) sts. Join in the round, being careful not to twist your stitches. PM at the beginning of the round and after 90 (100, 110, 120, 130, 140) sts to mark the sides of the tunic.

Ribbing:
Work K1, P1 ribbing for 2 inches. This creates a neat, stretchy hem that will hold its shape.

Body Pattern:
Work the following 14-round pattern repeat until the piece measures 12 (12, 13, 13, 14, 14) inches from the cast-on edge, ending at the side marker. The pattern creates the beautiful diamond lattice texture.

Round 1: *K4, P2, K6, P2, K4; rep from * to end.
Round 2: *K3, P2, K2, P2, K2, P2, K3; rep from * to end.
Round 3: *K2, P2, K4, P2, K4, P2, K2; rep from * to end.
Round 4: *K1, P2, K6, P2, K6, P2, K1; rep from * to end.
Round 5: *K2, P2, K4, P2, K4, P2, K2; rep from * to end.
Round 6: *K3, P2, K2, P2, K2, P2, K3; rep from * to end.
Round 7: *K4, P2, K6, P2, K4; rep from * to end.
Round 8: *K5, P2, K4, P2, K5; rep from * to end.
Round 9: *K4, P2, K6, P2, K4; rep from * to end.
Round 10: *K3, P2, K2, P2, K2, P2, K3; rep from * to end.
Round 11: *K2, P2, K4, P2, K4, P2, K2; rep from * to end.
Round 12: *K1, P2, K6, P2, K6, P2, K1; rep from * to end.
Round 13: *K2, P2, K4, P2, K4, P2, K2; rep from * to end.
Round 14: *K3, P2, K2, P2, K2, P2, K3; rep from * to end.

Repeat Rounds 1–14 for the pattern until your piece reaches the desired length. The A-line shape comes from the natural drape of the pattern combined with the ribbed hem.

Divide for Armholes:
Next round: Work across the first 90 (100, 110, 120, 130, 140) sts for the front. Place the next 90 (100, 110, 120, 130, 140) sts on a holder or waste yarn for the back. Turn your work and continue back and forth on the front stitches only.

Front

Continue in pattern as established, working back and forth in rows. On the first row (WS), work the pattern as it appears. At the beginning of each row, work 2 edge stitches in garter stitch (knit every row) for the armhole edges. This creates a clean, stable edge for seaming.

Work straight until the armhole measures 7 (7, 8, 8, 9, 9) inches from the divide.

Shape Neck:
Next row (RS): Work across the first 30 (35, 40, 45, 50, 55) sts. Place the next 30 (30, 30, 40, 40, 40) sts on a holder for the neck. Work to the end of the row. Continue on the left shoulder stitches only.

Decrease 1 st at the neck edge every row 4 times, then every other row 3 times. To decrease on the RS, use SSK (slip, slip, knit) for a left-leaning decrease. On the WS, use P2tog.

Work even until the armhole measures 9 (9, 10, 10, 11, 11) inches. Bind off all stitches.

Return to the right shoulder stitches and work the same, mirroring the decreases. Use K2tog on the RS and P2tog on the WS for the neck edge decreases.

Back

Return the back stitches to your needles. Work in pattern as established, with 2 garter edge stitches at each armhole edge. Work straight until the armhole measures 8 (8, 9, 9, 10, 10) inches.

Shape Neck:
Next row (RS): Work across the first 30 (35, 40, 45, 50, 55) sts. Place the next 30 (30, 30, 40, 40, 40) sts on a holder. Work to the end of the row. Continue on the left shoulder stitches only.

Decrease 1 st at the neck edge every row 3 times. Work even until the armhole measures 9 (9, 10, 10, 11, 11) inches. Bind off all stitches.

Return to the right shoulder stitches and work the same, mirroring the decreases.

Sleeves (Make 2)

CO 40 (44, 48, 52, 56, 60) sts. Join in the round, being careful not to twist. PM at the beginning of the round.

Work K1, P1 ribbing for 2 inches.

Switch to stockinette stitch (knit every round). Increase 1 st each side of the marker every 6 rounds until you have 70 (76, 82, 88, 94, 100) sts. To increase, knit into the front and back of the stitch before and after the marker (KFB), or use your preferred increase method.

Work even until the sleeve measures 18 (18, 19, 19, 20, 20) inches from the cast-on edge. Bind off loosely. Repeat for the second sleeve.

Finishing

Seaming:
Sew the shoulder seams using a mattress stitch or your preferred seaming method. Set in the sleeves, easing them to fit the armhole openings. Sew the sleeve seams from the underarm to the cuff.

Neckband:
With the RS facing, pick up and knit stitches around the neckline, including the held stitches. Work K1, P1 ribbing for 1 inch. Bind off loosely in pattern to maintain stretch.

Weave in Ends:
Weave in all loose ends with a tapestry needle, being careful to secure them on the wrong side of the fabric.

Blocking:
Block your tunic to the specified measurements. Wet block by soaking in lukewarm water with a gentle wool wash, then gently squeeze out excess water (never wring). Lay flat on a towel and shape to the finished measurements. Allow to dry completely. Blocking will even out the stitches and enhance the diamond lattice texture.

Tips for Success

• Gauge matters: Always knit a swatch and block it before starting. If your gauge is off, adjust your needle size accordingly.
• Use lifelines: If you're new to working with multiple stitch patterns, insert a lifeline (a piece of waste yarn threaded through your stitches) every few inches. This makes it easy to rip back if you make a mistake.
• Mark your place: Use a row counter or a piece of paper to track which round of the pattern you're on. The 14-round repeat is easy to lose track of.
• Choose your yarn wisely: A wool or wool-blend worsted weight yarn will give you the best stitch definition for the textured pattern and will block beautifully.

Once your Bonnie Tunic is complete, you'll have a stunning, handcrafted layering piece that's perfect for cool days and cozy evenings. The textured diamond pattern and relaxed silhouette make it a versatile addition to any wardrobe—pair it with leggings and boots for a boho look, or layer it over a simple dress for extra warmth. Happy knitting!