Childrens in King Cole Cherished 4Ply - 5984 - Downloadable PDF

Children's Matinee Jacket, Cardigan and Hat in King Cole Cherished 4Ply

What is Being Made

This downloadable PDF pattern from King Cole provides instructions for creating three coordinating children's garments: a matinee jacket, a cardigan, and a matching hat. The designs are sized to fit children aged 12 to 20 inches, making them suitable for newborns through toddlers. All three pieces are knitted using King Cole Cherished 4Ply yarn, allowing for a coordinated set or individual project selection.

Garment Details

Matinee Jacket

The matinee jacket is worked in one piece up to the armholes, creating an efficient construction method that minimizes seaming. The jacket features a classic design with front bands and raglan armhole shaping. The body is cast on using 136 to 201 stitches depending on the chosen size, with the stitch count varying across the five available sizes included in the pattern.

Cardigan

The cardigan construction follows similar principles to the matinee jacket, incorporating raglan armhole shaping for a comfortable, well-fitted garment. The pattern includes detailed instructions for completing front sections and neckband extensions, allowing for proper button band placement and finishing.

Hat

A coordinating hat completes the set, designed to match the jacket and cardigan in both yarn and overall aesthetic.

Knitting Techniques Used

• Raglan armhole shaping: Decreases are worked using K2tog and slip-stitch decreases (sl 1, K1, psso) to create the characteristic diagonal lines of raglan construction
• One-piece construction: The matinee jacket is knitted as a single piece to the armholes, reducing the number of seams required
• Yarn forward lace elements: The pattern incorporates yfwd (yarn forward) stitches to create decorative openwork details
• Garter stitch bands: Front bands and edges are worked in garter stitch (every row knit) to provide structure and prevent curling
• Seam finishing: Raglan seams are sewn together after pieces are completed

Stitches Used

• Stocking stitch (st-st): The primary stitch throughout the garments, worked as knit on right-side rows and purl on wrong-side rows
• Garter stitch (gst): Used for front bands and edge details, created by knitting every row
• Knit two together (K2tog): A right-leaning decrease used in raglan shaping
• Slip, knit, pass slipped stitch over (sl 1, K1, psso): A left-leaning decrease used in raglan shaping
• Yarn forward (yfwd): Creates eyelet holes for decorative lace patterning
• Purl (P): Used on wrong-side rows in stocking stitch sections

Materials and Gauge

The pattern is designed for King Cole Cherished 4Ply yarn, a lightweight yarn suitable for delicate children's garments. Knitting is worked on 3mm needles for garter stitch sections and 3.25mm needles for the main stocking stitch pattern.

The required tension is 28 stitches and 36 rows to 10 centimeters (4 inches) over stocking stitch on 3.25mm needles. The pattern emphasizes the importance of checking tension before beginning, with instructions to use finer needles if gauge is loose or larger needles if gauge is tight.

Sizing and Fit

The pattern provides five different sizes to accommodate children from 12 to 20 inches in width, with specific stitch counts provided for each size. This range ensures proper fit across various ages and measurements within the newborn to toddler range.

Pattern Features

The PDF includes complete abbreviations and instructions, making it accessible for intermediate-level knitters. The pattern uses standard knitting abbreviations including alternate (alt), begin (beg), continue (cont), decrease (dec), increase (inc), and repeat (rep). Each garment section includes detailed row-by-row instructions with stitch counts provided at key shaping