Classic Elite Yarns Hickory Coat Crochet Pattern

Classic Elite Yarns Hickory Crocheted Jacket

What Is Being Made

The Hickory is a crocheted jacket designed by Melissa Leapman, originally published in Spring 2012 in Peabody Path, a printed collection of designs. This garment features a classic silhouette with wide front bands and a collar, constructed in seven sizes ranging from XS to 3XL. The finished bust measurements span from 31¾ inches to 57¾ inches, with a length between 24 and 26½ inches depending on size. The jacket is worked in a bottom-up construction method and finished with seamed seams for a polished appearance.

Construction Method and Techniques

The Hickory jacket is worked flat using the bottom-up technique, meaning the garment pieces are constructed from the lower edge upward. The pattern is seamed together after individual pieces are completed, creating clean, professional-looking seams. The jacket is built from separate pattern pieces: a back, left front, and right front (implied by the pattern structure), which are then assembled. This construction approach allows for precise shaping and sizing adjustments throughout the garment.

Primary Stitch and Openwork Shell Pattern

The defining stitch pattern used throughout the Hickory is the Openwork Shell Pattern, which creates an elegant, lacy appearance ideal for a lightweight jacket. This pattern is based on a multiple of 6 chain stitches plus 2, and is worked over two rows that repeat continuously.

The Openwork Shell Pattern structure includes:

• Set-up Row (RS): Single crochet into the second chain from hook, then alternating groups of 5 double crochets separated by single crochets, creating the distinctive shell motif
• Row 1 (WS): Chain 5 to turn, skip stitches, and work single crochets and double crochets with chain-2 spaces between them, creating openwork gaps
• Row 2 (RS): Single crochets worked into the chain spaces with 5 double crochets worked into the single crochets, recreating the shell shapes

When counting stitches in this pattern, each chain, single crochet, and double crochet is counted individually. The pattern is provided both in written row-by-row format and as a visual chart for reference. This intermediate-level skill pattern creates beautiful, breathable openwork that is perfect for a jacket design.

Shaping and Garment Construction Details

The back piece begins with 86 to 158 chain stitches depending on size, worked for 42 rows in the Openwork Shell Pattern, resulting in 14 to 26 pattern repeats. Armhole shaping is created by slip-stitching into the first several stitches and leaving stitches unworked at the end of rows, reducing the pattern repeats from 12 to 16 depending on size. The garment continues for an additional 17 to 23 rows after armhole shaping, ending on a wrong-side row before fastening off.

The left front piece follows a similar construction, starting with 38 to 74 chain stitches and working 42 rows to match the back piece length. The armhole is shaped on the right side, and neck shaping is introduced by working fewer rows before the neck edge, creating the characteristic jacket front opening. The pattern notes include provisions for 2 inches of overlapping button band, indicating button closures are part of the design.

Materials: Yarn and Tools

The Hickory jacket is designed to be worked with Firefly by Classic Elite Yarns. The pattern calls for a larger crochet hook for the main garment construction, though the specific hook size and yardage requirements are referenced in the complete pattern documentation. The use of a quality yarn from Classic Elite Yarns ensures excellent stitch definition in the intricate Openwork Shell Pattern.

Design Summary

The Hickory represents a sophisticated crocheted jacket suitable for intermediate-level crocheters. Its combination of the elegant Openwork Shell Pattern, bottom-up flat construction, and seamed finishing creates a garment with both visual interest and structural integrity. The wide front bands and collar design provide a classic, wearable silhouette that works well across the seven available sizes.