Ember Dune Tunic Free Pattern – Knit a Desert Sunset Cocoon

Wrap yourself in the warm gradient of a desert evening with this oversized, cocoon-shaped tunic. Knit in soft, chunky yarn with a subtle brioche stitch, it flows like liquid amber from shoulder to hem. This free knitting pattern is perfect for intermediate knitters looking to create a statement piece that is both cozy and elegant. The Ember Dune Tunic features a wide, rolled cowl neck, long slightly flared sleeves, and a lofty, honeycomb-like texture that drapes beautifully. Whether you are curled up by the fire or stepping out on a crisp autumn day, this tunic will keep you wrapped in warmth and style.

Materials Needed

Before you begin, gather the following materials to ensure a smooth knitting experience:

• Yarn: Super bulky weight yarn (size 6), approximately 900–1100 yards. Suggested: Lion Brand Wool-Ease Thick & Quick in the following colors:
  • 'Butterscotch' (for the neck and first color block)
  • 'Amber' (second color block)
  • 'Crimson' (third color block)
  • 'Terracotta' (fourth color block and hem)
• Needles: US 13 (9 mm) circular knitting needle with a 32-inch cable, and US 13 double-pointed needles for sleeves (optional, if you prefer magic loop).
• Notions: Stitch markers, stitch holders or waste yarn, tapestry needle for weaving in ends.
• Gauge: 10 stitches and 14 rows = 4 inches in brioche stitch (after blocking). Adjust needle size if necessary to achieve gauge.

Step-by-Step Instructions

This tunic is knit in one piece from the top down, starting with a simple cowl neck and increasing for the shoulders. The brioche stitch creates a lofty, reversible fabric that drapes beautifully. Follow the instructions carefully, and you will have a stunning cocoon tunic in no time.

Abbreviations

• k = knit
• p = purl
• k2tog = knit two together
• yo = yarn over
• sl1yo = slip one stitch with yarn over (bring yarn to front, slip next stitch purlwise, then bring yarn over the needle and to the back)
• brk = brioche knit (knit the slipped stitch together with its yarn over)
• brp = brioche purl (purl the slipped stitch together with its yarn over)
• pm = place marker
• sm = slip marker

Special Stitch – Brioche Rib (multiple of 2 + 1)

This pattern uses a simple brioche rib that is worked in the round. Practice this stitch on a small swatch to get comfortable with the rhythm.

• Row 1 (RS): k1, *sl1yo, k1; repeat from * to end.
• Row 2 (WS): p1, *sl1yo, p1; repeat from * to end.
• Row 3 (RS): k1, *brk, sl1yo; repeat from * to last 2 sts, brk, k1.
• Row 4 (WS): p1, *brp, sl1yo; repeat from * to last 2 sts, brp, p1.
• Repeat Rows 3 and 4 for pattern.

Neck and Shoulder Increases

Begin your tunic by casting on and working the cowl neck, then increase gradually to shape the shoulders.

1. Cast on: Cast on 60 stitches with 'Butterscotch' yarn.
2. Join in the round: Join in the round, being careful not to twist. Place a marker at the beginning of the round.
3. Work the cowl: Work in brioche rib for 4 rounds (this forms the cowl neck).
4. First Increase Round: *brk, yo, sl1yo* repeat to end of round (you will have 90 stitches).
5. Work plain: Work 3 rounds in brioche rib without increases.
6. Second Increase Round: *brk, yo, sl1yo, brk, sl1yo* repeat to end (you will have 120 stitches).
7. Work plain: Work 3 rounds plain.
8. Third Increase Round: *brk, yo, sl1yo* repeat to end (you will have 180 stitches).
9. Work plain: Work 3 rounds plain.
10. Fourth Increase Round: *brk, yo, sl1yo, brk, sl1yo* repeat to end (you will have 240 stitches).
11. Work plain: Work 3 rounds plain.

Body

Now you will divide the work for the sleeves and continue knitting the body in the round.

1. Divide for sleeves: Place the first 40 stitches on a holder for the left sleeve, knit the next 80 stitches for the front, place the next 40 stitches on a holder for the right sleeve, knit the remaining 80 stitches for the back. You now have 160 stitches for the body.
2. Continue in brioche rib: Continue in brioche rib in the round, changing colors as follows:
   • 10 rounds in 'Butterscotch'
   • 10 rounds in 'Amber'
   • 10 rounds in 'Crimson'
   • 10 rounds in 'Terracotta'
   • Repeat this color sequence until the tunic measures 22 inches from the underarm, or desired length.
3. Bind off: Bind off loosely in pattern.

Sleeves

Pick up the sleeve stitches and knit them in the round, decreasing gently for a flattering fit.

1. Pick up stitches: Pick up the 40 stitches from the holder onto double-pointed needles.
2. Work in brioche rib: Work in brioche rib in the round, continuing the color sequence from the body (start with the next color in the sequence).
3. Decrease: Decrease 1 stitch at the beginning and end of every 6th round (k2tog after the first stitch, and k2tog before the last stitch) until you have 30 stitches.
4. Continue without decreases: Continue without decreases until the sleeve measures 18 inches from the underarm, or desired length.
5. Bind off: Bind off loosely.

Finishing

Complete your tunic with these final touches to ensure a polished, professional look.

1. Weave in ends: Weave in all ends with a tapestry needle.
2. Block gently: Block gently to open up the brioche stitch and even out the color transitions. Lay flat to dry.

Your Ember Dune Tunic is now complete! The gradient of butterscotch, amber, crimson, and terracotta will evoke the warm hues of a desert sunset, and the plush brioche stitch will keep you cozy all season long. Enjoy your handmade creation!