Meader Coatigan in Berroco Hearthside - Downloadable PDF

Meader Coatigan in Berroco Hearthside

What is Being Made

The Meader Coatigan is a substantial knitted cardigan designed by Åsa Buchta that combines the comfort of a cardigan with the structured presence of a coat. This garment is crafted in chunky-weight yarn, creating a warm, textured piece suitable for layering or wearing as an outer layer. The coatigan is available in nine size options, ranging from 38½ inches to 72¾ inches in bust measurement, with corresponding length adjustments to accommodate different body proportions. The finished garment features overlapped buttonbands and is shown in size 42¾ inches (108.5 cm) in the colorway Honey Maple.

Finished Measurements and Sizing

The Meader Coatigan offers generous sizing flexibility with bust measurements of (38½, 42¾, 47¼) [51½, 55¾, 60] {64¼, 68½, 72¾} inches, equivalent to (98, 108.5, 120) [131, 141.5, 152.5] {163, 174, 185} centimeters. The length ranges from (30½, 31¾, 31¾) [31¾, 32¾, 32¾] {32¾, 33¾, 33¾} inches or (77.5, 80.5, 80.5) [80.5, 83, 83] {83, 85.5, 85.5} centimeters. The pattern recommends approximately 2–4 inches (5–10 cm) of positive ease for optimal fit and comfort.

Knitting Techniques and Construction

This coatigan is constructed using circular knitting techniques, which allows for seamless construction and the ability to work in the round for portions of the garment. The pattern requires swatching and blocking before beginning the project to ensure accurate gauge, as the chunky yarn and stitch pattern may expand or grow slightly after blocking. Knitters must adhere to both stitch and row gauges to achieve the correct finished measurements. The construction method involves working from the body outward, with sleeves likely worked either in the round or picked up and knitted down from the armholes, depending on the specific pattern instructions.

Stitches and Pattern Details

While specific stitch abbreviations are not detailed in the provided content, the Meader Coatigan employs stitch patterns appropriate for intermediate-level knitters working with chunky-weight yarn. The garment features buttonbands that overlap at the front closure, requiring careful attention to buttonband construction and button placement. The pattern structure accommodates multiple sizes through strategic increases and shaping, allowing the coatigan to maintain proper proportions across the range of bust measurements offered.

Materials: Yarn and Needles

The Meader Coatigan is designed to be knitted in Berroco Hearthside, a chunky-weight yarn sold in 100-gram balls. The yardage per ball is not specified in the provided content, but the pattern calls for (8, 9, 10) [11, 12, 12] {13, 14, 15} balls depending on the size being knitted. The colorway shown is #11003 Honey Maple, a warm, neutral tone suitable for versatile styling.

Needle requirements include:

• 32-inch (80 cm) circular needles in sizes 9 (5.5 mm) and 10½ (6.5 mm)
• 16-inch (40 cm) circular needle in size 10½ (6.5 mm)
• One set of double-pointed needles or preferred needles for small circumference knitting

Knitters should select needle size based on achieving the correct gauge with their chosen yarn, as the pattern indicates that needle size may need adjustment to obtain proper stitch and row gauges.

Skill Level and Pattern Difficulty

The Meader Coatigan is rated as an intermediate-level knitting project, making it accessible to knitters with foundational skills who are ready to tackle garment construction with multiple sizing options and shaping techniques. The advanced yarn weight classification reflects the use of chunky Berroco Hearthside yarn, which creates a quick-knitting project despite the garment's substantial finished size.