Skrugga Coat Knitting Pattern

Skrugga Coat in Lopi Lettlopi

What is Being Made

The Skrugga Coat is a structured knitted cardigan-style coat designed in two sizes: S/M with a chest measurement of 109 cm and L/XL with a chest measurement of 119 cm. The coat features a length to underarm of 62 cm for S/M and 66 cm for L/XL, with sleeve lengths measuring 46 cm and 48 cm respectively. This intermediate-level project combines classic Icelandic knitting traditions with contemporary outerwear design, featuring set-in sleeves and a raglan yoke construction that creates elegant shaping through the shoulders and upper back.

Techniques Used

The Skrugga Coat employs several key knitting techniques to achieve its finished structure. Moss stitch forms the primary fabric throughout the garment, creating a textured, reversible surface that is both visually interesting and structurally sound. The pattern uses a two-strand holding technique with Léttlopi held doubled, which adds density and warmth to the finished piece. Raglan shaping is incorporated at the yoke, where decreases are strategically placed to create a smooth transition from the body to the sleeves. The decrease stitches are worked as purled stitches from the wrong side to ensure they appear neat and refined on the right side. Set-in sleeves are constructed by casting on stitches separately and then joining them to the body during yoke assembly, with increases worked at regular intervals to accommodate the sleeve cap. The coat also features a pocket detail, adding functional design elements to the garment.

Stitches Used

• Moss Stitch: The foundation stitch of this coat, worked by knitting purled stitches and purling knitted stitches in alternating rows to create a bumpy, textured fabric
• Stockinette Stitch: Used for the pocket lining, worked flat in rows of knit and purl
• Slip Stitch, Knit 1, Pass Slipped Stitch Over (slip 1, k1, psso): A left-leaning decrease used for raglan shaping
• Knit 2 Together (k2tog): A right-leaning decrease used for raglan shaping
• Increases: Single stitch increases worked at the beginning and end of sleeve rows every 6 rows for a total of 7 increases in S/M and 8 increases in L/XL

Materials and Tools

The Skrugga Coat is knitted using Léttlopi yarn, an Icelandic wool that is lightweight yet durable. The project requires two colors: Light Léttlopi in colorway A 1702 milkyway (20 balls for S/M, 22 balls for L/XL) and Dark Léttlopi in colorway A 1707 galaxy (20 balls for S/M, 22 balls for L/XL), with each ball weighing 50 grams. The yarn is held doubled throughout most of the construction, creating a thicker, more substantial fabric suitable for outerwear. Needles required include 6mm (US 10) needles for the initial cast-on and moss stitch foundation rows, and 7mm (US 10.5) needles for the main fabric and yoke shaping. Circular needles in 60 cm or 80 cm lengths are specified for joining the yoke and working in the round. Stitch holders are used to hold stitches for the neckline and pocket openings during construction.

Construction Overview

The Skrugga Coat is constructed in separate pieces that are later joined. The back is cast on with 65 (69) stitches and worked in moss stitch until it reaches the specified length, with stitches placed on holders at the underarm for later joining. The front pieces are cast on separately with 33 (37) stitches each and worked to match the back length, with a pocket opening created by placing 15 stitches on a holder. The sleeves are cast on with 27 (31) stitches and increased regularly to accommodate the sleeve cap before being joined to the body. All pieces are assembled using a 7mm needle, and the yoke is worked in the round with raglan decreases placed at four marked positions where the body and sleeves meet, creating the characteristic sloped shoulder line of this classic coat style.