Blue Sky Fibers Aberdeen Coat Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Blue Sky Fibers Aberdeen Coat

What is Being Made

The Aberdeen Coat is a Scottish-inspired knitted cardigan coat designed by Mary Pranica. This advanced-level garment features customizable length options and is constructed using a two-color color-work design. The coat is sized for women's XS through 5XL, with finished chest circumferences ranging from 34½ inches to 66½ inches, making it adaptable for various body types. The design allows knitters to select their favorite two colors of yarn and create a sophisticated layering piece suitable for chasing away the chill.

Construction Techniques

The Aberdeen Coat employs multiple construction techniques to achieve its finished structure. The garment is worked flat using circular needles to accommodate the large number of stitches, rather than being worked in the round. The upper body and sleeves are knitted separately from the bottom up using a seamed construction method. After these pieces are completed, they are assembled together before the waistband, belt, and skirt portions are picked up and worked from the top down. This combination of bottom-up and top-down techniques allows for the customizable length feature that defines this pattern.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The primary stitch used throughout the Aberdeen Coat is stockinette stitch, which creates a smooth, classic fabric surface. The pattern specifies a gauge of 14 stitches and 19 rows over 4 inches when working in stockinette stitch. The waistband is worked on smaller needles to create a fitted edge, and the pattern includes options for working cuffs using double-pointed needles or the knitter's preferred small circumference knitting method. Finishing techniques include a Three-Needle bind-off for assembling seams.

Materials and Yarn Specifications

The Aberdeen Coat is designed for use with Woolstok Tweed in the Aran weight. This yarn is composed of 85% Highland Wool and 15% Donegal, providing warmth and texture suitable for a coat garment. Yarn quantities vary by size: the smallest size requires 9 hanks of color A and 3 hanks of color B, while the largest size (5XL) requires 19 hanks of color A and 5 hanks of color B. The pattern shown features color A in Prairie Sky (No. 3304) and color B in Midsummer Night (No. 3306).

Needles and Tools

The Aberdeen Coat pattern calls for Size 9 (5.5mm) circular needles measuring 32 inches or longer for the waistband ribbing, which is one size smaller than the main gauge needle to create a fitted edge. Size 10 (6mm) circular needles measuring 32 inches or longer are used for the main body and sleeves to obtain the proper gauge. Optional Size 10 (6mm) double-pointed needles are available for knitters who prefer to work the cuffs using small circumference knitting techniques. Additional tools required include a spare needle for the Three-Needle bind-off, two 1¼-inch (30mm) buttons, two 13/16-inch (20mm) buttons, two 13/16-inch (20mm) snaps, stitch holders or waste yarn, stitch markers, and a tapestry needle for finishing.

Sizing and Finished Measurements

The Aberdeen Coat is available in nine sizes ranging from Women's XS to 5XL. The finished chest circumferences are 34½, 39, 42½, 47, 50½, 55, 58½, 63, and 66½ inches, designed to fit bust sizes from 28–30 inches through 60–62 inches. The sleeve length to underarm is consistent at 18 inches across all sizes, while the body length ranges from 42¼ inches in the smallest size to 48¾ inches in the largest size, reflecting the customizable length feature of the design.

Difficulty Level

This pattern is rated as advanced in difficulty, making it suitable for experienced knitters. The advanced classification reflects the complexity of managing large stitch counts, working with circular needles for flat knitting, coordinating multiple construction techniques (bottom-up and top-down), and executing proper seaming and finishing details including button and snap placement.