Colourful Swing Coat - Free Crochet Pattern For Women in Paintbox Yarns Simply Chunky & Chunky Pots

Colourful Swing Coat – Free Crochet Pattern for Women in Paintbox Yarns Simply Chunky & Chunky Pots

This free intermediate crochet pattern from Paintbox Yarns creates a stylish, relaxed-fit women's swing coat with a generous silhouette and eye-catching colourwork details. Worked flat in separate panels and then seamed together, the design combines two distinct crochet textures — a smooth half treble fabric and a classic granny square section — for a coat that is both visually striking and satisfying to make. The finished length is a consistent 56 cm / 22 inches across all sizes, while the pattern accommodates a wide range of bust measurements from 81 cm (32 in) to 117 cm (46 in), with actual garment measurements ranging from 99 cm to 135 cm for a comfortable, swinging ease.

What Is Being Made

The finished project is a women's swing coat, a relaxed outerwear garment characterised by its flared, A-line shape that swings away from the body. The coat is constructed from multiple flat panels that are seamed together, giving the maker control over each section before assembly. A standout feature is the incorporation of a granny square panel worked into the back of the coat, adding a bold, textural contrast to the otherwise smooth half treble fabric. The coat is designed with a two-colour palette, using a neutral main colour punctuated by a vibrant accent, making it a wearable yet expressive piece.

Techniques Used

• Worked flat: All panels are crocheted flat, meaning they are turned at the end of each row rather than worked in the round. This gives clean, structured edges ready for seaming.
• Seamed construction: The individual flat panels are joined together after completion, a technique that allows for precise shaping and a more tailored, garment-like finish.
• Granny square panel: A section of the back is worked as a three-sided granny square, using treble crochet (US double crochet) worked in groups of three — the classic granny stripe method. This is a traditional crochet technique beloved for its geometric texture and ease of working.
• Bottom-up construction: The panels are worked from the bottom hem upward, with the exception of the back granny square section.
• Back loop only (blo) working: Referenced in the abbreviations, this technique involves inserting the hook through only the back loop of a stitch, creating a ridged, ribbed texture that adds visual and structural interest.
• Two-colour design: The pattern uses a main colour and a contrasting accent colour, requiring colour management across different sections of the coat.

Stitches Used

• Half treble crochet (htr) / US half double crochet (hdc): This is the primary stitch used throughout the main body panels. It sits between a double crochet and a treble in height, producing a dense yet slightly flexible fabric that is ideal for outerwear. The tension for this stitch is set at 12 stitches and 10 rows over 10 cm.
• Treble crochet (tr) / US double crochet (dc): Used in the granny square panel section, worked in groups of three to create the characteristic cluster texture of granny stripe crochet. The tension for this section is 12 stitches and 7.5 rows over 10 cm.
• Chain (ch): Used throughout for foundation chains, turning chains, and within the granny square construction.
• Double crochet (dc) / US single crochet (sc): Listed in the abbreviations, used for finishing, edging, or joining elements.

Materials Required

• Paintbox Yarns Simply Chunky in Slate Grey (Colour A) — a 100g ball chunky weight yarn. You will need 6 to 8 balls depending on your size (6 balls for the smallest sizes, up to 8 balls for the largest).
• Paintbox Yarns Chunky Pots in Raspberry Ripple (Colour B) — a 200g ball chunky weight yarn. You will need