Quilted Sweater Coat

Quilted Sweater Coat by Two of Wands

What is Being Made

The Quilted Sweater Coat is a structured cardigan-style jacket designed as an intermediate-level knitting project. This garment combines the comfort of a sweater with the layering versatility of a coat, featuring a tailored silhouette with inset pockets and a collar that is picked up and knit after the main construction is complete. The finished piece is available in multiple sizes with suggested positive ease of 6-12 inches, accommodating various body types and styling preferences.

Construction Method

The Quilted Sweater Coat is worked flat in separate pieces from the bottom up, then seamed together. This modular construction approach allows knitters to manage the project in distinct sections before assembly. The collar is added as a finishing detail by picking up stitches from the neckline and knitting it separately, a technique that ensures a polished, professional neckline finish. Inset pockets are incorporated into the design, providing both functional storage and design interest.

Primary Stitch and Texture

The primary stitch used throughout this project is the bubble stitch, which creates the distinctive quilted texture referenced in the garment's name. The bubble stitch is worked at a gauge of 11 stitches and 22 rows per 4 inches (10cm), establishing the fabric density and drape characteristics. This textured stitch adds visual depth and dimension to the finished coat.

Knitting Techniques Used

This intermediate project incorporates several essential knitting techniques:

• Increases: Make 1 left (M1l) and Make 1 right (M1r) for shaping and stitch creation
• Decreases: Knit 2 together (K2tog) and slip, slip, knit (SSK) for fitted shaping
• Specialty stitches: Knit 4 below (K4B), which contributes to the bubble stitch texture
• Purl stitches: Used in combination with knit stitches to create the dimensional bubble pattern
• Stitch pickup: Required for the collar construction and pocket insets
• Seaming: Multiple seams join the flat pieces into the finished three-dimensional garment

Materials and Tools

The Quilted Sweater Coat is knit using Lion Brand Yarn Hue + Me in Fatigues, a chunky-weight yarn that creates a substantial, cozy fabric. The project requires 9 to 17 skeins depending on the size selected, with the pictured sample (size 1) fitting a 34-inch bust and using approximately 9 skeins.

Needles required include two pairs of US 10.5 (6.5mm) circular knitting needles: one 24-inch (60cm) needle for working smaller circumferences and ribbing, and one 40-inch (100cm) or longer needle for working the larger body sections. Additional tools include stitch holders for managing stitches during construction, removable stitch markers for tracking pattern repeats and shaping points, and a tapestry needle for seaming and weaving in yarn ends.

Skill Level and Pattern Details

Rated as an intermediate difficulty project, the Quilted Sweater Coat is suitable for knitters with foundational skills who are ready to tackle multi-piece garment construction and shaping techniques. The pattern is written in standard US knitting terminology and includes comprehensive abbreviations and gauge information to ensure accurate results. Knitters should pay careful attention to pattern repeat ordering, as noted in the pattern instructions, to maintain consistency throughout the bubble stitch texture.