Trendsetter R Ribbed Jacket Variations Knitting Pattern

Trendsetter R Ribbed Jacket Variations Overview

The Trendsetter R Ribbed Jacket Variations is an advanced-level knitting pattern designed by Barry Klein that offers two distinct silhouettes: a Classic Fit and a Wide Fit. This downloadable PDF pattern provides comprehensive instructions for creating a sophisticated ribbed cardigan jacket suitable for intermediate to experienced knitters seeking a structured, professional garment with refined construction techniques.

What Is Being Made

This pattern produces a full cardigan jacket featuring prominent ribbed stitch work throughout. The garment is constructed in pieces—back, right front, left front, and sleeves—then assembled to create a finished jacket. The design emphasizes vertical ribbing as a primary design element, creating visual interest and texture while providing structure and shape retention. Two fit options allow knitters to choose between a more tailored Classic Fit or a relaxed, contemporary Wide Fit silhouette.

Sizing and Fit Options

• Classic Fit: Available in sizes Small through Extra Large, with finished bust measurements of 37", 41", 45", and 49" respectively. This option includes positive ease and is designed for a more fitted, traditional jacket silhouette.
• Wide Fit: Offered in sizes Small through Extra Large, with finished bust measurements of 40", 48", 56", and 62" respectively. This relaxed fit is measured elbow-to-elbow across the width, creating a contemporary, oversized aesthetic.

Stitches and Techniques Used

This pattern employs three primary stitch patterns to create visual depth and structure:

• Large Rib Stitch (Lg. Rib St.): A foundational stitch pattern worked as Knit 6, Purl 2 on right-side rows and Purl 6, Knit 2 on wrong-side rows. This creates bold, pronounced vertical ridges that dominate the lower body sections and establish the jacket's primary textural theme. The large rib stitch is worked for the initial 16 inches of the body pieces.
• Small Rib Stitch (Sm. Rib St.): A tighter, more refined ribbed pattern worked as Knit 2, Purl 2 on right-side rows and Purl 2, Knit 2 on wrong-side rows. This stitch is introduced after the large rib section and continues to the bind-off, creating a more delicate textural transition in the upper body and providing refined definition near the neckline and armholes.
• Stockinette Stitch (Stock St.): A smooth, classic knit stitch pattern formed by knitting all stitches on right-side rows and purling all stitches on wrong-side rows. This stitch is available as an option within the pattern, providing an alternative for knitters preferring a smoother fabric surface.

Construction techniques include strategic shaping at the neckline through bind-offs and decreases, with the right front featuring a bind-off of 10 stitches once, followed by four bind-offs of 2 stitches each, and then 10 single-stitch decreases worked every other row. Sleeve stitches are picked up from marked positions along the body edges, a common technique in seamless or minimal-seam garment construction.

Materials and Gauge

Yarn: The pattern calls for Basis yarn by Trendsetter Yarns. For the Classic Fit, use Basis #28829 in weights 6, 7, 8, or 9 (corresponding to sizes S, M, L, XL), with each skein weighing 50 grams. For the Wide Fit, use Basis #28844 in weights 7, 8, 9, or 10 (corresponding to sizes S, M, L, XL), also 50 grams per skein. Basis is a specialty yarn from Trendsetter Yarns known for its unique texture and drape characteristics.

Needles and Tools: The pattern requires U.S. needles in sizes #4, #5, and #6, depending on the specific section being worked and the fit variation chosen. A size #D crochet hook is also listed in the materials, likely for finishing details such as edging or securing bound-off edges.

Gauge: When worked with U.S. #5 needle and Basis yarn in Large Rib Stitch, the gauge is 32 stitches over 4 inches. Achieving correct gauge is essential for proper fit, particularly in a structured jacket where sizing is critical. Knitters should always swatch and measure gauge before beginning the project.

Pattern Difficulty and Skill Requirements