Stanza Coat in Berroco Ultra Wool - Portfolio4 - Downloadable PDF

Stanza Coat in Berroco Ultra Wool – Knitting Pattern Summary

About This Pattern

The Stanza Coat is a sophisticated, full-length knitted coat designed by Julia Farwell-Clay and published in Berroco Portfolio Vol. 4. Available as a downloadable PDF, this intermediate-level knitting pattern produces a striking, colorwork-rich outer coat worked in a palette of four carefully chosen shades of Berroco Ultra Wool. With a finished length of 33 inches across all sizes and a generous bust measurement ranging from 40 to 58½ inches, the Stanza Coat is designed with approximately 6–10 inches of ease, giving it a relaxed, elegant drape suited to layering over sweaters and heavier garments.

Construction and Techniques

The Stanza Coat is constructed bottom-up and worked flat in separate pieces that are then seamed together. This traditional construction method gives knitters precise control over shaping and finishing, and results in a structured, tailored silhouette. Working flat on straight or circular needles allows the colorwork panels and stitch patterns to be managed row by row, making it approachable for intermediate knitters who are comfortable with multi-color knitting and seaming techniques.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The primary stitch used throughout the body of the coat is Stockinette stitch (St st), which serves as the foundation for the colorwork design. The interplay of four contrast colors creates the visual interest and pattern definition that makes the Stanza Coat so distinctive. Knitters should be comfortable working with multiple yarn colors and managing floats or intarsia sections as indicated in the pattern.

Sizing and Fit

The pattern is offered in seven sizes, with a finished bust measurement (closed) of:

• 40"
• 43½" (shown sample size)
• 46"
• 49"
• 52½"
• 55"
• 58½"

The finished length is 33 inches for all sizes. Because the coat is designed with 6–10 inches of positive ease, knitters are strongly encouraged to measure their actual bust and select a size accordingly, rather than defaulting to their usual size.

Yarn and Materials

The pattern calls for Berroco Ultra Wool (100g skeins) in four colors, used as contrast colors throughout the design:

• CC1 – #33113 Black Pepper: 2(2-2-2-2-3-3) balls
• CC2 – #33153 Heather: 3(3-3-3-3-4-4) balls
• CC3 – #3311 Dove: 3(3-3-4-4-4-4) balls
• CC4 – #3300 Snow: 1(2-2-2-2-2-3) balls

Berroco Ultra Wool is an aran weight yarn, making it ideal for a structured outer coat. Its smooth, consistent texture supports clean stitch definition, which is especially important when working colorwork patterns.

Needles and Notions

The Stanza Coat requires straight or circular needles in two sizes:

• Size 5 (3.75 mm) – for ribbing or border sections
• Size 6 (4.00 mm) – for the main body, or size needed to achieve gauge

Additional notions include removable stitch markers, stitch holders, and a tapestry needle for seaming and finishing.

Gauge

Achieving accurate gauge is essential for this pattern. The specified