#1205 Lyra - Jacket Knitting Pattern For Kids in Valley Yarns Superwash Bulky by Valley Yarns

Pattern Summary: #1205 Lyra – Kids' Cable Jacket Knitting Pattern by Susan Baron for Valley Yarns

The #1205 Lyra is a charming and practical children's jacket knitting pattern designed by Susan Baron and published by Valley Yarns. This unisex design is built for active kids who love the outdoors, offering warmth and durability in equal measure. Whether heading to the playground, walking to school, or exploring on a chilly day, the Lyra jacket is designed to keep children comfortable and stylish through it all.

What Is Being Made

The Lyra is a buttoned, seamed jacket for children, sized to fit ages 1–2 years, 2–4 years, 4–6 years, and 6–8 years. The sample shown in the pattern is knitted in size 4–6 years. Finished chest measurements range from 22½ inches to 29¾ inches when buttoned, with a recommended 2–4 inches of positive ease for a comfortable, active fit. The unisex styling makes it a versatile wardrobe staple suitable for any child.

Design Features and Construction

The Lyra jacket is worked flat in separate pieces that are then seamed together, making it an excellent project for knitters who enjoy traditional garment construction. The finished jacket features button closures, with the number of buttons varying by size: 4 buttons for sizes 1–2 and 2–4 years, 5 buttons for size 4–6 years, and 6 buttons for size 6–8 years. Buttons should be ¾ inch in diameter, and a sewing needle and matching thread are needed to attach them securely.

A standout design element of the Lyra is its use of cable knitting, which adds beautiful texture and visual interest to the jacket's surface. Cables are a classic technique in knitwear design, created by crossing groups of stitches over one another to produce a twisted, rope-like or braided appearance. They add both aesthetic appeal and a subtle extra layer of warmth to the fabric.

Techniques Used

• Cable knitting – decorative twisted stitch patterns worked with the aid of a cable needle
• Worked flat – pieces are knitted back and forth in rows rather than in the round
• Seamed construction – individual pieces are joined using finishing techniques and a tapestry needle
• Button band and buttonhole construction – for the front closure of the jacket
• Stitch marker usage – both standard and locking stitch markers are used to track pattern placement and shaping

Stitches Used

• Cable stitches – the signature textural element of the Lyra design
• Knit and purl stitches – foundational stitches used throughout the flat construction
• Ribbing or border stitches are implied by the garment's structured edging and button bands

Skill Level

The pattern is listed as Adventurous Beginner on the original pattern sheet, though it is categorized as intermediate in the product attributes — making it an ideal next step for knitters who have mastered the basics and are ready to tackle cables and garment shaping for the first time. The chunky yarn weight and relatively straightforward construction help keep the project approachable even for those new to cables.

Materials: Yarn, Needles, and Notions

The Lyra jacket is knitted in Valley Yarns Valley Superwash Bulky, a 100% Extra Fine Merino wool yarn that comes in 100g balls with approximately 109 yards per ball. The pattern calls for 4 (5, 5, 6) balls depending on the size being knitted. The sample shown is worked in Color 13 Red, a bold and cheerful choice well-suited to children's knitwear.

One of the most practical features of this yarn choice is that Valley Superwash Bulky is machine washable on a gentle cycle, making it an ideal fiber for children's garments that are bound to