Delilah

Delilah Knitted Jacket by Belinda Harris-Reid

Garment Overview

Delilah is a sophisticated two-way knitted jacket designed by Belinda Harris-Reid that offers versatile styling options in a single garment. This advanced-level knitting project creates a flowing coat that accommodates sizes 12-20 with a one-size-fits-all approach. The design embodies dual aesthetics—wear it as a structured coat draped softly over the shoulders and back, or transform it into a floating waterfall cardigan wrap. The garment's flexibility makes it suitable for various occasions, from casual cold-weather walks to elegant evening wear paired with a special black dress.

Construction and Techniques

This knitted jacket employs advanced knitting techniques suitable for experienced crafters. The construction begins with casting on 69 stitches using a 5mm circular needle measuring 100cm. The pattern incorporates a repeating leaf motif that creates visual interest and texture throughout the garment. Key techniques used include:

• Decreases: Slip-slip-knit (ssk) and central double decrease (cdd) stitches shape the leaf pattern and structure
• Yarn overs: Decorative yarn overs (yo) create the openwork characteristic of the leaf pattern repeat
• Stockinette stitch: The primary fabric base worked in rows, creating a smooth, classic knit surface
• Garter stitch edges: Knit 3 stitches maintained at both edges (k3) provide finished selvage borders

Stitches and Pattern Details

The leaf pattern repeat forms the visual centerpiece of Delilah. The pattern sequence works across the fabric as follows: knit 2, ssk, yarn over, knit 1, yarn over, knit 3, then repeat the central motif of (central double decrease, knit 3, yarn over, knit 1, yarn over, knit 3) five times across, finishing with a central double decrease, knit 3, yarn over, knit 1, yarn over, knit 3, knit 2 together, and knit 2. This creates a balanced, symmetrical leaf design. The pattern alternates between right-side rows featuring the leaf decreases and yarn overs, and wrong-side rows worked in knit 3, purl across to last 3 stitches, knit 3, maintaining the garter stitch borders throughout.

Materials and Gauge

Delilah requires 6 skeins of SILKY yarn, each weighing 100g with a yardage of 166 meters per 100g skein. The yarn composition is 80% Peruvian alpaca and 20% silk, creating a luxurious, fluid fabric with natural drape and subtle sheen. The recommended gauge is 18 stitches to 10 centimeters measured over stockinette stitch using 5mm needles in SILKY yarn. Achieving proper gauge is essential for accurate sizing and garment fit.

Needles and Notions

This project requires a comprehensive needle collection to accommodate different stages of construction and techniques. Essential needles include one pair of 5mm single-point needles, one 100cm circular needle in 5mm, and additional 100cm circular needles in 7mm, 8mm, and 9mm sizes for various sections or finishing techniques. Additional notions needed include a row counter for tracking pattern repeats, stitch markers for pattern alignment, a sewing-up needle for seaming, and a shawl pin of your choice for fastening the jacket when worn as a coat.

Yarn Weight and Difficulty

Delilah is worked in DK (double knitting) weight yarn, a versatile weight that creates a fabric with excellent drape and fluidity—ideal for a garment designed to flow elegantly. The advanced difficulty level reflects the complexity of executing the leaf pattern repeat accurately, managing multiple needle sizes, and achieving the precise gauge necessary for proper fit across the size range. Knitters should be comfortable with decreases, yarn overs, pattern reading, and circular needle techniques before beginning this project.