Jacket and Waistcoat in Stylecraft Life DK - 9655 - Downloadable PDF

Jacket and Waistcoat in Stylecraft Life DK – Pattern 9655

This downloadable PDF from Stylecraft contains patterns for two separate knitted garments: a textured jacket and a matching waistcoat, both worked in Stylecraft Life DK double knitting yarn. Rated as easy and suitable for advanced beginners, the designs feature classic ribbing, an all-over textured stitch pattern, and a clean, wearable silhouette. The inclusion of a wide range of sizes — from a 32/34 inch to a 48/50 inch bust — makes this pattern especially versatile and accessible for a broad range of knitters.

The Jacket

What Is Being Made

The jacket is a fully knitted, shaped outerwear garment with a structured body, set-in or drop-shoulder sleeves, and ribbed borders. It is designed to have a generous, comfortable fit, with actual measurements ranging from 112 cm (44 in) to 152 cm (59¾ in) across the bust. The full length ranges from 63 cm (24¾ in) to 81 cm (32 in) depending on size, and the sleeve length is approximately 30–31 cm (11¾–12 in), making it a cropped-to-mid-length sleeve style.

Techniques Used

• Thumb method cast-on — specified explicitly in the pattern for the back piece, giving a neat, elastic foundation edge
• Ribbing — used for borders and cuffs, worked over multiple rows to create stretch and structure
• Decreasing within rib — a shaping row using work 2 tog is worked to reduce stitch count after the welt, transitioning smoothly into the main pattern
• Stitch marker placement — markers are used to help track pattern repeats and shaping points
• All-over textured stitch pattern — the body is worked in a repeating combination of knit and purl stitches that creates surface interest and visual texture

Stitches Used

• 2x2 rib (p2, k2 repeat) — used for the lower welt and side borders, with a moss-stitch-style edge treatment at each side
• Moss stitch border panels — the first and last 9 stitches of each row are worked in a (k1, p1) rib/moss arrangement, framing the central pattern panel
• Textured panel stitch — the main body fabric is formed from a repeating stitch pattern involving p1, k1, p1, k7 sequences on right-side rows and k3, p7 repeats on wrong-side rows, creating a raised, structured surface
• Knit (k) and purl (p) — the fundamental stitches throughout

Materials

• Yarn: Stylecraft Life DK in Denim Nepp (shade 2368) — a 100g double knitting ball; quantities range from 5 to 8 balls depending on size
• Needles: 1 pair 3¼ mm (UK10 / USA3) knitting needles for ribbing and borders; 1 pair 4 mm (UK8 / USA6) knitting needles for the main body fabric
• Notions: stitch markers
• Alternative yarns noted: Stylecraft Special DK, Bellissima DK, Batik DK, and Life Changes DK are all listed as suitable substitutes, though knitters are advised to check meterage as ball quantities may differ

The Waistcoat

What Is Being Made

The waistcoat is a sleeveless knitted vest designed to coordinate with the jacket, making the two pieces w