Southwold + Salle Coat Knitting Pattern

Southwold + Salle Sleeveless Long Coat by Quail Studio

What is Being Made

The Southwold + Salle is a sophisticated sleeveless long coat designed by Quail Studio for Mode at Rowan. This advanced knitting project creates a tailored, structured garment that extends the full length of the body, offering a dramatic silhouette suitable for layering or wearing as a statement piece. The coat features a classic long-line construction with a front opening and shaped armholes, making it an elegant addition to any wardrobe.

Garment Specifications

This pattern is available in nine sizes, accommodating chest measurements from 71–76 cm (28–30 inches) through to 152–157 cm (60–62 inches). The actual chest measurement of the finished garment ranges from 113.5 cm (44¾ inches) in the smallest size to 193.5 cm (76¼ inches) in the largest size. The coat is designed to be worn with generous ease, creating a relaxed, flowing fit that drapes elegantly over the body.

Knitting Techniques Used

This advanced project employs several key knitting techniques that require intermediate to advanced skill levels. The construction begins with casting on and working in a broken rib pattern, which creates visual texture and subtle elasticity throughout the garment. The pattern incorporates shaping at the armholes using decreases worked at regular intervals to create fitted arm openings. Front neck shaping is achieved through strategic decreases that taper the neckline, while seamless construction ensures a professional finish without visible seams. Decreases are executed using both knit two together (K2tog) and slip, knit, pass slipped stitch over (sl 1, K1, psso) techniques to maintain pattern consistency and create balanced shaping on both sides of the garment.

Stitches Used

• Broken rib pattern: An alternating pattern of knit and purl stitches (P1, K1) that creates a textured, elastic fabric with visual interest
• Knit stitch (K): The fundamental stitch used throughout the garment
• Purl stitch (P): Used in combination with knit stitches to create the broken rib texture
• Knit two together (K2tog): A right-leaning decrease used for armhole and neck shaping
• Slip, knit, pass slipped stitch over (sl 1, K1, psso): A left-leaning decrease used to balance decreases on opposite sides of the garment

Materials Required

This pattern is designed to be worked using Mode at Rowan Chunky Wool, a substantial yarn weight that creates a structured, durable fabric ideal for a long coat. Yarn quantities vary by size, ranging from 11 balls (100g each) for the smallest size to 21 balls for the largest size. The photographed sample is shown in the colorway Palm 018. Knitting needles required include one pair of 7mm (US 10½) straight needles and 7mm (US 10½) circular needles measuring at least 100 cm in length, which are used for working the front bands. Additional notions include a stitch holder and stitch markers to assist with shaping and pattern management.

Gauge and Tension

Achieving the correct tension is essential for this advanced project. The pattern specifies a gauge of 14 stitches and 20 rows to 10 cm (4 inches) when measured over the broken rib pattern using 7mm (US 10.5) needles. This relatively loose gauge creates a fabric with good drape and structure, appropriate for a coat that will be worn as an outer layer.

Project Complexity

This is an advanced-level knitting project that requires solid foundational skills and comfort with shaping techniques. Knitters should be experienced with reading pattern instructions, managing multiple decreases across rows, and understanding how to shape garments at the armholes and neckline simultaneously. The seamless construction method and the need to work decreases consistently throughout the piece make this pattern suitable for knitters who have completed several fitted garment projects.