Debbie Bliss Esme Coat Knitting Pattern

Debbie Bliss Esme Coat

What is Being Made

The Esme Coat is a children's knitted cardigan coat designed by Debbie Bliss, available in three sizes to fit ages 2-3, 4-5, and 6-7 years. The finished chest measurements range from 77 cm to 86 cm (30¼ to 33¾ inches), with length to shoulder varying from 48 cm to 60 cm (19 to 23¾ inches). This intermediate-level project creates a structured, tailored coat featuring a button-front closure and set-in sleeves with turned-back cuffs.

Techniques Used

The Esme Coat is constructed using several key knitting techniques appropriate for an intermediate crafter:

• Bottom-up construction: The garment is worked from the lower edges upward, allowing for easier fitting adjustments and a more intuitive building process.
• Worked flat: All pieces are knitted on straight needles in flat rows rather than in the round, creating distinct front, back, and sleeve panels that are later seamed together.
• Seamed assembly: Individual knitted pieces are carefully joined using seaming techniques to create the finished coat structure.
• Buttonholes: Functional buttonholes are incorporated into the right front band to accommodate the button closure system.
• Set-in sleeves: Sleeves are shaped and attached to the armholes with structured shaping at both the sleeve cap and armhole, creating a fitted, tailored silhouette.

Stitches Used

The pattern employs a combination of fundamental and textured stitches to create visual interest and structure:

• Stocking stitch (st st): The primary stitch used for the main body and pocket linings, creating a smooth, classic knit fabric with a neat appearance on the right side.
• Moss stitch: A textured stitch pattern used for decorative edging and shaping details, created by alternating knit and purl stitches in a consistent pattern that produces a bumpy, tweedy texture.
• Garter stitch: Worked in combination with moss stitch at the front edges to create a sturdy, non-curling border that frames the coat opening.
• Yarn round needle (y2rn): A technique used to create decorative increases and eyelets, particularly in buttonhole construction.
• Decrease techniques: Including k3tog (knit three together) and p3tog (purl three together) to shape the garment and create the tapered silhouette.
• Slip, slip, knit (skpo): A single decrease technique used for refined shaping throughout the pattern.

Materials

The Esme Coat pattern specifies high-quality materials appropriate for a children's garment:

• Yarn: Debbie Bliss Cashmerino Aran, a luxury blend yarn that combines the softness of cashmere with the durability of merino wool and acrylic. The main color is Grey 09 (M), with 8, 9, or 10 balls of 50g required depending on size. A single 50g ball of Crimson 54 (C) is used for the contrast pocket linings.
• Needles: Two sizes of knitting needles are required—4.5mm (US 7) needles for the ribbed and garter stitch edgings, and 5mm (US 8) needles for the main fabric. The pattern specifies a gauge of 18 stitches and 30 rows to 10 cm (4 inches) over moss stitch using the 5mm needles.
• Notions: Three large buttons are required to complete the front closure of the coat.

Pattern Structure and Features

The Esme Coat pattern includes several construction elements that add both functionality and design interest. The back panel is worked in moss stitch with garter stitch edging, while the front panels feature integrated pocket linings worked separately in stocking stitch using the contrast Crimson yarn. The front bands incorporate moss stitch with garter stitch borders and functional buttonholes positioned for the three-button closure. Sleeve shaping is achieved through strategic decreases that create a fitted cap, while the body shaping utilizes decrease rows to create a tapered, structured silhouette appropriate for a formal coat. The pattern provides detailed shaping instructions for all three sizes, with