Debbie Bliss Loveday Jacket Knitting Pattern

Debbie Bliss Loveday Jacket

What is Being Made

The Debbie Bliss Loveday Jacket is a children's knitted cardigan designed to fit ages 4-5, 6-7, 8-9, and 10-11 years. This garment features a classic button-front closure with finished chest measurements ranging from 70cm (27½ inches) to 83cm (32¾ inches), and length to shoulder measurements from 32cm (12½ inches) to 44cm (17¼ inches). The jacket includes set-in sleeves with lengths ranging from 30cm (12 inches) to 39cm (15¼ inches), making it a versatile layering piece for children.

Techniques Used

This intermediate-level knitting project employs several key construction techniques. The jacket is worked flat on straight needles, meaning each piece is knitted separately and then assembled. The garment uses a seamed construction method, where individual pieces are sewn together to create the finished jacket. Buttonholes are incorporated into the design to accommodate the button closure system. The pattern includes pocket details with both pocket linings and pocket flaps, adding functional and design elements to the finished garment.

Stitches Used

The Loveday Jacket utilizes fundamental knitting stitches appropriate for an intermediate skill level. Stocking stitch (also called stockinette stitch) forms the primary fabric of the jacket body and sleeves, creating a smooth, classic knit appearance. Moss stitch is used for edgings and trims throughout the garment, providing textural contrast and a neat, decorative finish. The pattern includes standard abbreviations such as knit (k), purl (p), make one (m1) for increases, slip, knit, pass slipped stitch over (skpo) for decreases, and yarn forward (yf) and yarn round needle (yrn) for creating buttonholes and decorative elements.

Materials

The Loveday Jacket is constructed using Debbie Bliss Cotton Denim DK yarn in True Blue 03, requiring 4 to 6 balls of 100g each depending on the child's size. The pattern calls for three pairs of knitting needles in different sizes: 3.25mm (US 3), 3.75mm (US 5), and 4mm (US 6) needles, allowing for varied stitch definition and fabric control throughout construction. The gauge is 22 stitches and 28 rows to a 10cm (4-inch) square when worked in stocking stitch using 4mm (US 6) needles. The jacket requires 13 to 14 buttons depending on the size being made, completing the functional and decorative closure system.