Coats in Stylecraft Bambino DK - 9502 - Downloadable PDF

Coats in Stylecraft Bambino DK – Pattern 9502: Full Summary

Pattern 9502 from Stylecraft is a downloadable PDF knitting pattern offering two easy knit coat designs for babies and toddlers: a Plain Coat and a Striped Coat. Both garments are worked in Stylecraft Bambino DK yarn, making them ideal projects for knitters with some basic experience who are looking for a satisfying, practical make. The pattern is rated as intermediate in difficulty, though the construction is straightforward enough to appeal to confident beginners progressing their skills.

Sizes and Fit

The pattern covers five sizes, ranging from newborn through to 2–3 years, making it a versatile pattern to return to as little ones grow. The size range is as follows:

• Newborn – to fit chest 36 cm / 14 in, actual measurement 42 cm / 16½ in
• 0–6 months – to fit chest 41 cm / 16 in, actual measurement 48 cm / 19 in
• 6–12 months – to fit chest 46 cm / 18 in, actual measurement 54 cm / 21¼ in
• 12–24 months – to fit chest 51 cm / 20 in, actual measurement 60 cm / 23½ in
• 2–3 years – to fit chest 56 cm / 22 in, actual measurement 64 cm / 25 in

Full lengths range from 25 cm (9¾ in) for newborn up to 41 cm (16 in) for the 2–3 years size, and sleeve lengths range from 12 cm (4¾ in) to 24 cm (9½ in) across the size range. The pattern helpfully advises knitters to circle their chosen size before beginning.

The Two Designs

Striped Coat

The Striped Coat is the primary design from which the construction instructions are drawn. It is worked in Stylecraft Bambino DK using a main colour (MC) alongside at least one contrast colour to create the stripe effect. The back is cast on using the thumb method with 4mm needles, beginning with the underarm section. Markers are placed at both ends of a specified row to denote the top of the side seam openings, a neat technique that helps knitters keep track of shaping without complex counting. Shaping is introduced through decreases at each end of set rows, giving the coat a tailored silhouette appropriate for small bodies.

Plain Coat

The Plain Coat is worked using exactly the same construction and shaping as the Striped Coat, but uses a single colour throughout rather than introducing stripes. This makes it an excellent option for knitters who prefer a classic, unfussy look or who wish to showcase a particularly beautiful shade of Stylecraft Bambino DK. The sample shown in the pattern uses Soft Pink (shade 7), a soft and baby-appropriate colourway from the Bambino DK range.

Techniques and Construction

Both coats are constructed using straightforward, beginner-friendly techniques that are nonetheless satisfying to work. Key techniques and methods used throughout the pattern include:

• Thumb cast-on method – used to cast on stitches at the underarm, a versatile and commonly used cast-on technique in knitting
• Garter stitch (g-st) – the entire fabric of both coats is worked in garter stitch, meaning every row is knitted. This creates a ridged, reversible fabric with good stretch and body, ideal for baby garments as it lies flat without curling
• Stitch markers – placed at both ends of a row to mark the top of the side seam openings, helping knitters track construction stages
• Decreasing – worked at each end of specified rows to shape the body of the coat
• Stripe sequence – introduced