Gray Isle

Gray Isle Knitted Jacket by Brigitte Reydams

Garment Overview

The Gray Isle is a tailored knitted jacket designed by Brigitte Reydams and published by WEBS Yarn in 2019. This intermediate-level knitting project features a distinctive silhouette that flares at the bottom and tapers as it is knitted upward, creating an elegant, fitted shape. The finished jacket measures 32 inches in length with a bottom edge width of 34 inches, and is available in three sizes: Small (40 inches), Medium (44 inches), and Large (48 inches) across the chest.

Materials and Tools

The Gray Isle is knitted using Valley Yarns "Northfield" in light gray, a DK weight yarn. The project requires 12, 14, or 16 balls depending on size selection, with each ball containing 50 grams and 124 yards of yarn. Knitters will need two US Size #7 needles: one 24-inch circular needle and one 32-inch circular needle to accommodate the increasing stitch counts as the jacket is worked.

Knitting Techniques and Stitches

This jacket showcases the Feather and Fan stitch pattern, a classic lace technique that creates the visual interest and shaping of the garment. The Feather and Fan pattern combines decreases and yarn overs to produce a chevron or scalloped effect. The stitch pattern is worked differently across the back and front panels to accommodate the jacket's construction.

Back Panel Pattern: The back features 17 stitches per chevron repeat with stockinette stitch sections of 10, 11, or 12 stitches depending on size. Row 1 of the back pattern begins with 6 knit stitches, then repeats the chevron motif six times across, followed by one additional chevron and 6 final knit stitches. The chevron itself is constructed using three purl-two-together decreases, five yarn-over and knit-one combinations, one additional yarn over, and three more purl-two-together decreases. Row 2 is worked entirely in purl across all stitches, creating the smooth reverse stockinette background that allows the lace pattern to stand out.

Right Front Panel Pattern: The right front begins with 10, 11, or 12 stockinette stitches, followed by one complete chevron repeat and one additional chevron, ending with 6 knit stitches. The pattern row structure mirrors the back panel, with Row 1 containing the decreases and yarn overs and Row 2 worked in purl.

Left Front Panel Pattern: The left front is mirror-imaged, starting with 6 knit stitches, followed by the chevron repeats and stockinette sections.

Gauge and Sizing

The project is worked at a gauge of 5.5 stitches per inch, which is typical for DK weight yarn on US Size #7 needles. Achieving accurate gauge is essential for proper fit, particularly in a tailored jacket where the shaping relies on precise stitch counts and the tapering effect depends on consistent tension throughout the knitting process.

Difficulty Level

Rated as intermediate difficulty, the Gray Isle requires knitters to be comfortable with lace knitting techniques, including yarn overs and decreases, as well as the ability to work from a written pattern with multiple size options and panel variations. The use of circular needles and the management of stitch counts as the garment is constructed upward add to the complexity, making this project suitable for knitters with some experience beyond basic stockinette stitch projects.