Jo Sharp Shawl Collar Cardigan and Coat Knitting Pattern

Jo Sharp Shawl Collar Cardigan and Coat

What is Being Made

The Jo Sharp Shawl Collar Cardigan and Coat is a fitted knit garment available in two versions: a shorter cardigan silhouette and an extended coat length. Both styles feature a distinctive shaped ribbed shawl collar, with the coat version offering a wider shawl collar for enhanced coverage and visual impact. The design is tailored for women with sizing options to fit bust measurements from 80cm to 110cm (approximately 31.5 to 43 inches).

Construction Techniques

This pattern employs a bottom-up, seamed, worked-flat construction method, meaning pieces are knitted individually from the lower edge upward and then assembled together using seaming techniques. The garment is worked in flat rows rather than in-the-round, allowing for precise shaping and control over the fitted silhouette.

The design incorporates strategic shaping throughout the bodice, armholes, and shoulders to create a tailored fit. The bodice features both decreases and increases to achieve the desired fitted shape: decreases are worked on fourth rows for six repeats, followed by increases on sixth rows for four repeats. Armhole shaping involves casting off stitches at the beginning of rows and working decreases over alternating rows. Shoulder shaping is accomplished through successive cast-offs at the beginning of rows to create clean, structured shoulder lines.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The primary stitch used throughout the garment is Stockinette Stitch (St st), which creates a smooth, classic fabric with characteristic V-shaped columns on the right side. The shawl collar features a K2, P2 rib pattern (knit 2 stitches, purl 2 stitches), which provides elasticity and a finished appearance. Ribbed sections are worked unstretched to maintain their structural integrity.

Shaping techniques include K2tog (knit 2 together) decreases for bodice tapering and M1 (make 1) increases for bodice expansion. Armhole and shoulder shaping utilize standard decrease methods worked at row beginnings and alternating rows to create smooth, angled edges.

Materials: Yarn, Needles, and Gauge

This pattern is designed to be worked with Jo Sharp Alpaca Kid Lustre yarn, a luxurious blend that provides softness and drape suitable for a fitted garment. The yarn is worked on 4.00mm needles (USA size 6, UK size 8) for the main fabric.

Achieving proper gauge is essential for fit. The pattern specifies two gauge requirements depending on the stitch being worked:

• Stockinette Stitch gauge: 22.5 stitches and 30 rows measured over 10cm (approximately 4 inches) using 4.00mm needles
• K2, P2 Rib gauge: 34 stitches and 28 rows measured over 10cm (approximately 4 inches) using 4.00mm needles, measured unstretched

Maintaining these gauge measurements ensures the cardigan or coat will fit correctly at the bust and throughout the body length. The cardigan bodice length measures approximately 59 to 63cm depending on size, while the coat extends to approximately 95 to 99cm for a longer, more dramatic silhouette.

Sizing and Finished Measurements

The pattern offers four women's sizes (A, B, C, D) with finished bodice circumferences at the bust ranging from 78cm to 110cm. Sleeve length is consistent across all sizes at 48 to 50cm from seam to cuff, ensuring proportional fit. The shaped construction means the garment is fitted through the bodice and waist before expanding slightly at the hip, creating a flattering, tailored appearance.