Sirdar Rainbow Matinee Coat & Blanket Knitting Pattern

Sirdar Rainbow Matinee Coat & Blanket

Overview

Design No. 5416 is an intermediate-level knitting pattern from Sirdar Snuggly that includes two coordinating projects: a rainbow matinee coat for babies aged 0–24 months and a matching blanket in one size. This downloadable PDF pattern combines vibrant multi-color knitting with classic baby garment construction, making it an ideal project for knitters seeking to create heirloom-quality pieces using Britain's best-selling baby yarn.

Matinee Coat

The matinee coat is a buttoned cardigan designed for newborns through toddlers, with six size options ranging from 0–3 months through 18–24 months. Chest measurements span from 42 cm (16½") for the smallest size to 56 cm (22") for the largest, with corresponding full lengths from 28 cm (11") to 40 cm (15¾"). Sleeve length increases gradually from 16 cm (6¼") to 25 cm (9¾") as sizes progress. The garment features three buttons for closure, providing a practical and charming fastening solution suitable for quick dressing of infants.

Blanket

The coordinating blanket is offered in one size measuring 74 cm × 99 cm (29¼" × 39"), making it a generous throw suitable for prams, cribs, or playtime. The blanket uses six different yarn shades, allowing for extensive color variation and visual interest across the larger surface area.

Knitting Techniques & Stitches

This intermediate pattern employs double knitting as the primary construction method, a fundamental technique that creates a smooth, even fabric ideal for baby garments. Double knitting involves working with two colors simultaneously to produce reversible fabric with excellent drape and durability. The pattern utilizes multi-color knitting throughout, requiring knitters to manage multiple yarn colors within rows or across sections. The matinee coat incorporates button bands and structured shaping to create a fitted garment, while the blanket design emphasizes color blocking and pattern repeat work across its larger dimensions.

Materials

The pattern specifies Sirdar Snuggly Double Knitting (DK) yarn, available in 50g balls. For the matinee coat, yarn requirements vary by size: smaller sizes (0–9 months) require 2 balls each of Yarn A and 1 ball each of Yarns B, C, and D, while larger sizes (9–24 months) need 3 balls of Yarn A and 1 ball each of the remaining colors. The blanket requires 2 balls each of six different yarn shades (Yarns A through F). Recommended yarn shades include 469 Happy Hippo, 484 Cherry Pie, 508 Pumpkin, and 500 Sunshine, showcasing the modern baby brights available in the Snuggly DK range. Standard knitting needles appropriate for DK-weight yarn are required, though specific needle sizes are detailed on the pattern's back page.

Yarn Quality & Heritage

Sirdar Snuggly DK is Britain's best-selling baby yarn, manufactured by Sirdar, a West Yorkshire-based company established in 1880. Every Sirdar Snuggly yarn undergoes rigorous testing to ensure it remains soft and gentle against a baby's tender skin through repeated washing. The yarn is available in traditional pastels, soft contemporary shades, and modern baby brights, making it ideal for creating the vibrant rainbow effects featured in this design.

Design Suitability

This intermediate-level pattern suits knitters with foundational skills who are ready to tackle multi-color work and garment shaping. The inclusion of both a fitted matinee coat and a blanket project within a single pattern provides flexibility, allowing crafters to choose one project or complete both as a coordinated set. The generous size range for the coat ensures the pattern remains useful across multiple children or extended family members.