Coats Knitting Pattern

Lion Brand Homespun Easy-to-Knit Coats

Project Overview: This downloadable knitting pattern from Lion Brand features three sophisticated coat designs crafted from Lion Brand Homespun yarn. The collection includes a Stand-up Collar coat, a Hooded version, and a V-Neck style, each offering a distinct aesthetic while maintaining the same foundational construction techniques. These coats are designed as advanced beginner projects, making them accessible to knitters with some experience while delivering polished, professional results.

Yarn and Materials

Each coat in this pattern collection uses Lion Brand Homespun, a textural and painterly yarn that creates sophisticated, visually interesting fabric suitable for any season. The specific colorways include:

• Stand-up Collar Version: 8 (9, 10, 11) skeins in color #338 Nouveau
• Hooded Version: 9 (10, 11, 12) skeins in color #342 Southwestern
• V-Neck Version: 8 (9, 10, 11) skeins in color #343 Romanesque

Knitters may substitute colors of their choice while maintaining the same yardage requirements. The pattern also calls for one pair each of size 9 (5.50 mm) and 10½ (6.50 mm) circular needles, 29 inches long, along with 8 one-inch buttons for the Stand-up Collar version and stitch holders for managing stitches during construction.

Sizing and Finished Measurements

The pattern is available in four sizes: Small, Medium, Large, and Extra Large. Finished chest measurements (when buttoned) range from 45 inches for Small to 57 inches for Extra Large. Coat lengths vary slightly by size, ranging from 46 to 48 inches, providing a sophisticated, knee-length silhouette appropriate for layering and seasonal wear.

Gauge and Knitting Techniques

Achieving proper gauge is essential for this project. The pattern specifies 14 stitches over 4½ inches (11 cm) wide and 20 rows over 4 inches (10 cm) long when working stockinette stitch with the larger needles. Stockinette stitch, created by knitting on the right side and purling on the wrong side, forms the primary fabric structure and showcases the textural qualities of the Homespun yarn.

Construction Method

The coat body is worked in one piece to the underarms, a technique that minimizes seaming and creates a seamless garment from the lower edge up to where the armholes begin. At the armholes, the body is split to allow for separate sleeve and front panel shaping. This construction approach provides structural integrity and ensures proper fit through the torso and shoulders.

Finishing Techniques

The finishing process includes several key steps that give the coat its polished appearance. Shoulder seams are sewn together, sleeves are set in using traditional seaming methods, and sleeve seams are closed. For the Stand-up Collar version, a button band is created by picking up stitches along the left front edge and working in knit one, purl one (k1, p1) ribbing for 8 rows. The ribbing is then bound off loosely to maintain elasticity.

The buttonhole band mirrors the button band construction but includes yarn over and knit two together (yo, k2tog) decreases placed on the third row of ribbing to create functional buttonholes. Eight buttons are positioned strategically: the first button placement is 1 inch from the top, the last is 8 to 10 inches from the bottom (depending on size), with six additional buttons spaced evenly between these points. This button spacing ensures even closure and proper coat alignment.

The neckline finishing involves picking up stitches around the neck opening with the smaller needles and working in ribbing as well, creating a refined edge that frames the face and provides structure to the neckline area.

Skill Level and Pattern Complexity

Classified as an advanced beginner project, this pattern assumes familiarity with basic knitting techniques including casting on, stockinette stitch, ribbing, and seaming. The use of circular needles and working in one piece to the underarms requires some experience with managing larger numbers of stitches and understanding garment shaping, making this an ideal project for knitters ready to tackle a wearable garment with professional finishing touches.