Debbie Bliss Garter Stitch Jacket & Hat Knitting Pattern

Debbie Bliss Garter Stitch Jacket and Hat

What Is Being Made

This downloadable knitting pattern from Debbie Bliss features a coordinated set consisting of a garter stitch jacket and matching hat, designed for babies and young children. The jacket is sized to fit ages 3–6 months, 6–9 months, and 9–12 months, with finished chest measurements of 56cm, 61cm, and 66cm respectively. The hat is available in sizes for ages 3–6 months and 6–9 months. Both pieces are crafted in the same yarn and color palette, creating a cohesive, coordinated look.

Techniques Used

The jacket and hat are worked using seamed construction and flat knitting techniques, making this an ideal beginner-friendly project. The jacket is worked in one piece from the lower edge of the back, which streamlines the construction process. Key shaping techniques include casting on stitches for sleeve cap increases, decreasing for sleeve shaping, and creating a neck opening with increases worked at the neck edge. The pattern incorporates a pocket opening created by slipping stitches onto a holder and casting on replacement stitches, adding practical detail to the design.

Stitches Used

The primary stitch throughout both the jacket and hat is garter stitch, created by knitting every row. This fundamental stitch produces a reversible, textured fabric with horizontal ridges and is one of the most accessible stitches for beginner knitters. Garter stitch is worked at a gauge of 18 stitches and 36 rows to a 10cm (4 inch) square, providing a dense, warm fabric suitable for baby garments.

Materials and Tools

Both the jacket and hat are knitted with Debbie Bliss Cashmerino Aran yarn, a blend that combines the softness of cashmere with the practicality of acrylic and merino wool. The jacket requires 4, 5, or 6 balls of 50g in Stone 27 (color A), depending on size, plus one ball of Cowslip 64 (color B) for contrast. The hat uses 1 or 2 balls of Stone 27 (color A) and one ball of Cowslip 64 (color B) for the brim and pompon. If making both pieces together, one ball of Cowslip is sufficient for both garments. Construction requires a pair of 5mm (US 8) knitting needles.

Pattern Details and Finished Measurements

• Jacket chest measurements: 56cm (22 inches), 61cm (24 inches), or 66cm (26 inches)
• Jacket length to shoulder: 26cm (10¼ inches), 28cm (11 inches), or 30cm (12 inches)
• Jacket sleeve length: 16cm (6¼ inches), 18cm (7 inches), or 20cm (8 inches)
• Gauge: 18 stitches and 36 rows over 10cm (4 inches) in garter stitch

Construction Overview

The jacket construction begins with casting on stitches for the back and is worked flat from the lower edge. The pattern includes shaping for sleeves through strategic cast-on increases at regular intervals, followed by sleeve cap shaping with decreases. The front pieces are created by dividing the work and continuing with neck shaping that involves increasing stitches at the neck edge over multiple rows. Pocket openings are incorporated into the design, adding functional detail to the finished garment. The seamed construction method allows pieces to be joined together after knitting is complete.