Knit Flattering Jacket Knitting Pattern

Knit Flattering Jacket Knitting Pattern by Lion Brand

Project Overview

This downloadable knitting pattern from Lion Brand Yarn creates a flattering jacket suitable for knitters of all skill levels. The pattern is rated as Easy, making it an accessible project for beginners and intermediate crafters. The finished jacket features a classic silhouette available in four sizes: Small (finished chest 42"), Medium (46"), Large (50"), and 1X (54"), with corresponding lengths ranging from 27½" to 35".

Materials and Tools

The Knit Flattering Jacket requires Lion Brand Homespun yarn in the colorway #364 Mexicana or a color of your choice. Yardage needs vary by size, ranging from 5 skeins for Small through 7 skeins for 1X. Knitters will need Size 10.5 (6.5 mm) knitting needles or the size necessary to obtain proper gauge. Additional supplies include stitch markers, stitch holders, and a large-eyed blunt needle for finishing.

Gauge and Tension

Achieving the correct gauge is essential for this project. The pattern specifies 12 stitches plus 17.25 rows equal 4 inches (10 cm) when worked in reverse Stockinette Stitch. Knitters are strongly advised to check gauge before beginning the project to ensure the finished jacket dimensions match the intended sizes.

Stitch Techniques

The primary stitch used throughout this jacket is Reverse Stockinette Stitch, which creates a textured, bumpy fabric surface. In this pattern, Reverse Stockinette is worked by purling on right-side rows and knitting on wrong-side rows. This stitch pattern is worked consistently across all major jacket pieces including the back, fronts, and sleeves.

Construction and Shaping

The jacket is constructed using a traditional method with separate pieces that are later assembled. The back piece is cast on with 63 to 81 stitches depending on size and worked even in Reverse Stockinette until reaching the appropriate length. Armhole shaping is achieved by decreasing one stitch at each armhole edge every other row for six rows total, reducing the stitch count significantly. The armhole depth ranges from 8½" to 10" depending on size.

The right front piece begins with 39 to 48 cast-on stitches and includes pocket placement markers positioned approximately 2 to 3 inches from the bottom edge. The front features simultaneous armhole shaping at the left edge and neck shaping that begins when the piece measures approximately 19½" to 27" from the cast-on edge. Neck decreases are worked every fourth row using a purl two together through the back loop decrease, creating a gradual, flattering neckline.

Design Features

This jacket pattern incorporates practical design elements including pocket placement on the front pieces, positioned to enhance both functionality and visual proportion. The pattern includes a helpful note for managing the Homespun yarn's characteristic color variations: knitters may choose to alternate between two skeins, knitting two rows with one skein and two rows with another throughout the project to avoid large blocks of color striping.

Pattern Notes and Tips

The pattern recommends circling all numbers pertaining to your chosen size before beginning work, which helps prevent mistakes during the knitting process. The use of stitch markers and holders is essential for tracking pattern sections, pocket placement, and shoulder placement. Markers are positioned 13 to 22 stitches from each edge on the back piece to indicate neck and shoulder placement for assembly.