Berroco Stanza Coat Knitting Pattern

Berroco Stanza Coat: Intermediate Knit Pattern

What Is Being Made

The Stanza Coat is a sophisticated four-color striped coat designed by Julia Farwell-Clay, featured in Berroco Portfolio Vol. 4. This intermediate-level knitting project creates a finished garment with a bust measurement of 40 to 58½ inches (closed) and a length of 33 inches across all sizes. The coat is designed with approximately 6 to 10 inches of ease for comfortable wearing. The garment showcases a striking color palette using Berroco Ultra Wool in four coordinating shades: Black Pepper (CC1), Heather (CC2), Dove (CC3), and Snow (CC4).

Construction Techniques

The Stanza Coat employs a bottom-up, seamed, worked-flat construction method. The back and front pieces are knitted flat from the hem upward to the armholes. Sleeve stitches are then picked up at the armholes and worked downward to completion. The collar extension is shaped using short rows, a technique that creates gradual shaping without increasing or decreasing stitches in the traditional manner. This approach allows for precise shaping and a professional finish.

When working with multiple colors, the yarn not in use may be carried loosely up the side of the work for efficiency. To prevent long loops and maintain neat edges, colors are twisted together at the beginning of every right-side row. This color management technique ensures a clean, professional appearance throughout the striped design.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The primary stitch used in the Stanza Coat is Stockinette Stitch (St st), which creates the smooth, classic fabric base for this garment. The pattern incorporates a 4-color Stripe Sequence that repeats throughout the coat, creating visual interest and dimension. A turning ridge is worked into the construction, with 20 rows between the turning ridge and the first 10 rows of the stripe sequence as written. This structural element adds both functional and aesthetic qualities to the finished piece.

Materials and Tools

The Stanza Coat is knitted using Berroco Ultra Wool, a durable and versatile yarn. Yarn quantities vary by size, ranging from 1 to 3 balls of each color (100 grams per ball). Specific yardage requirements are: Black Pepper (CC1) requires 2 to 3 balls depending on size; Heather (CC2) requires 3 to 4 balls; Dove (CC3) requires 3 to 4 balls; and Snow (CC4) requires 1 to 3 balls.

Needles required include straight or circular needles in sizes 5 (3.75 mm) and 6 (4.00 mm), or whatever size is necessary to obtain the correct gauge. Additional notions include removable stitch markers for tracking pattern repeats, stitch holders for managing stitches during construction, and a tapestry needle for weaving in ends and seaming pieces together.

Gauge and Sizing

The pattern gauge is 18 stitches and 26 rows equals 4 inches in Stockinette Stitch on the larger needle. Checking gauge before beginning is essential to ensure the finished coat meets the intended measurements. The pattern is available in seven sizes, with finished bust measurements of 40, 43½, 46, 49, 52½, 55, and 58½ inches. All sizes share a consistent 33-inch length from hem to shoulder, though the length from hem to underarm varies by size to accommodate different proportions.

Pattern Notes and Adjustments

The pattern includes helpful guidance for customization. To adjust the overall length of the coat, knitters can modify the number of rows between the turning ridge and the stripe sequence. The pattern is designed to complete the full 4-color stripe sequence at the specified 33-inch length, ensuring a balanced visual appearance. Knitters should download the most recent version of the pattern PDF to ensure they have any corrections or updates that may have been made since initial publication.