Knit and Tonic Girlfriends Swing Coat Knitting Pattern

Knit and Tonic Girlfriends Swing Coat

What is Being Made

The Girlfriends Swing Coat is a seamless, top-down knitted garment designed for children in sizes 2 through 14. This coat features a relaxed, swing silhouette with finished chest measurements ranging from 22.75 inches (size 2) to 34.75 inches (size 14). The generous bottom edge measurements—from 29.5 inches to 48 inches depending on size—create the characteristic swing shape that gives this coat its name. The design includes an I-Cord trim finish along the edges, adding both structure and a refined detail to the completed garment.

Techniques Used

This pattern employs three primary construction techniques that make it an excellent project for knitters seeking to develop their skills:

• Seamless construction: The coat is knitted as one continuous piece without seaming, eliminating the need for finishing seams and creating a smooth, professional appearance.
• Top-down shaping: The garment begins at the neckline and is worked downward toward the hem, allowing for easy fitting adjustments and the ability to try on the coat as you progress.
• Worked in the round: Using circular needles, the coat is primarily constructed in circular rows, which creates even fabric and reduces the need for turning the work.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The Girlfriends Swing Coat features two primary stitch patterns that work together to create visual interest and structure:

• Seed Stitch: This textured stitch pattern appears in the yoke section of the coat. Seed Stitch is created by alternating knit and purl stitches in a checkerboard pattern (K1, P1) across each row, then reversing the pattern on the return row. This creates a bumpy, dimensional fabric that is reversible and lies flat. The pattern instructions specify working Seed Stitch with a 1-row/round repeat on a multiple of 2 stitches, repeated an additional 6 times beyond the initial setup rows, creating a substantial textured yoke section.
• Stockinette Stitch: Abbreviated as St st, this smooth, classic stitch forms the body of the coat below the yoke. Stockinette Stitch is created by knitting all stitches on right-side rows and purling all stitches on wrong-side rows (or when working in the round, knitting every round). This produces the familiar V-shaped pattern characteristic of most knitted garments.

Raglan Shaping

The coat incorporates raglan shaping, a classic tailoring technique in knitting. Raglan shaping creates diagonal seam lines that run from the underarm to the neckline, allowing for comfortable arm movement and a flattering fit. In this pattern, raglan increases are worked symmetrically at four marked positions: on either side of each front panel and on either side of each sleeve. These increases are created using the kfb (knit front and back) technique, which adds one stitch by knitting into the same stitch twice. The pattern specifies repeating the raglan increase rows 3 to 8 additional times depending on the size being knitted, gradually expanding the yoke and sleeve cap areas.

Construction Details

The pattern begins with a cast-on of 34 to 54 stitches (depending on size) for the yoke, divided into sections for the Left Front, Left Sleeve, Back, Right Sleeve, and Right Front. Markers are placed to denote these sections, allowing the knitter to track increases and transitions. After the yoke is complete, stitches are placed on scrap yarn to hold the sleeves, and additional stitches are cast on at the underarms to create the body. The body is then worked downward in Stockinette Stitch until the desired length is achieved—measurements range from 7.5 inches (size 2) to 14 inches (size 14) from the cast-on edge.

Materials: Yarn and Needles

Yarn: The pattern calls for Spud & Chloe Sweater yarn, a blend of 55% Superwash Wool and 45% Organic Cotton. This fiber combination offers durability, easy care, and a soft hand suitable for children's garments. The yarn provides 160 yards per 100-gram hank. Yardage requirements vary by size, ranging from 3 hanks for the smallest size to 8 hanks for the largest sizes. The specified colorway is #7519 Waterslide.

Needles: The pattern requires one circular needle measuring 30