Brigitte's long coat

Brigitte's Long Coat: Evening Coat by Brigitte Reydams

What is Being Made

Brigitte's long coat is an elegant evening coat designed by independent designer Brigitte Reydams. This sophisticated garment features a generous length of 42 inches without the bottom border, extending to 45 inches with the border included. The coat is designed to fit one size with a finished circumference of 48-50 inches around the body, making it a versatile piece suitable for layering over evening wear or as a statement outerwear piece.

Craft and Primary Techniques

This design combines both knitting and crochet techniques, with knitting as the primary construction method. The coat is worked primarily using knitting stitches to create the body and structure, while crochet may be incorporated for finishing details such as edgings or borders. The knitting technique creates a fabric with beautiful drape and texture suitable for an evening garment.

Stitches and Pattern Details

The evening coat features a distinctive 14-stitch repeat pattern that creates visual interest throughout the garment. The pattern stitch sequence is as follows:

• Row 1: Knit twice in first stitch, knit 4, slip one stitch, knit one, pass slipped stitch over (psso), knit 1, knit 2 together, knit 4, knit twice in last stitch, then repeat across the row
• Row 2: Purl across the entire row (with the exception of knit rows worked at the beginning of each color sequence change)

These two rows are repeated throughout the body of the coat in designated color sequences. The pattern incorporates yarn overs and decreases that create a lacy, textured fabric with elegant shaping. The increases at the beginning and end of Row 1 (knit twice in first and last stitch) help shape the coat, while the slip stitch, knit one, psso and knit 2 together decreases create balanced decreases within the pattern repeat.

Materials and Yarn Specifications

The evening coat is worked using Prism Yarns in an aran weight, which provides excellent stitch definition and drape for an evening garment. The original design was created with yarn no longer available but has been successfully reknitted with Prism Yarns products.

Yarn Requirements:

• 1 full skein of Prism Yarns Stuff in (A) Mink
• 6 half skeins of Prism Yarns Stuff in the following colors: (B) Tamarack, (C) Bittersweet, (D) Moss, (E) Kilimanjaro, (F) Lichen, (G) Antique
• 7 skeins of Prism Yarns Symphony in coordinate colors: (1) Mink, (2) Tamarack, (3) Bittersweet, (4) Moss, (5) Kilimanjaro, (6) Lichen, (7) Straw

The combination of Stuff and Symphony yarns creates a rich, multi-colored effect with excellent color coordination throughout the piece.

Tools and Gauge

The coat is worked on Size 10 needles, or needles sized to achieve the correct gauge. The gauge is 14 stitches in pattern equal 3.5 inches, which is essential for achieving the correct finished dimensions. Knitters should always swatch and measure gauge before beginning the project to ensure proper fit and fabric characteristics.

Difficulty Level

This evening coat is rated as intermediate difficulty, making it suitable for knitters with some experience. The pattern repeat is straightforward to follow, but the color changes and the combination of knitting and crochet techniques require attention to detail and familiarity with fundamental knitting skills including yarn overs, decreases, and color work.