Knitting Matinee 'Swing' Jacket in Lion Brand Homespun - 60468

Lion Brand Homespun Matinee 'Swing' Jacket – Free Knitting Pattern (Pattern No. 60468)

This free downloadable knitting pattern from Lion Brand produces a relaxed, swing-style matinee jacket designed for everyday wear. The swing silhouette features a gently flared or eased body that skims the figure rather than following it closely, making it a flattering and comfortable layering piece. The finished jacket is closed with a single button, giving it a casual, open-front aesthetic that works well over lightweight tops or dresses.

Sizes and Finished Measurements

The pattern is written for four sizes to suit a wide range of wearers:

• Small: Finished chest 38 in. (96.5 cm), finished length 18½ in. (47 cm)
• Medium: Finished chest 42 in. (106.5 cm), finished length 18½ in. (47 cm)
• Large: Finished chest 48 in. (122 cm), finished length 20½ in. (52 cm)
• 1X/2X: Finished chest 54 in. (137 cm), finished length 21½ in. (54.5 cm)

The pattern is written for the smallest size, with changes for larger sizes given in parentheses throughout. Knitters are encouraged to circle all numbers relevant to their chosen size before casting on, a helpful practice for avoiding errors mid-project.

Skill Level

This pattern is rated Beginner, making it an excellent choice for newer knitters who have mastered basic knitting skills and are ready to tackle a simple shaped garment. The construction is straightforward, relying on fundamental techniques without complex colorwork, cables, or intricate shaping.

Materials and Yarn

The jacket is worked in Lion Brand Homespun® yarn in the colorway Golden (shade 790-394). Homespun is a beloved bulky-weight yarn known for its soft, textured, woven appearance that mimics the look of handwoven fabric. It is a blend that knits up quickly and produces a cozy, drapey fabric well suited to swing-style outerwear. The quantity required varies by size:

• Small: 4 skeins of Lion Brand Homespun® Golden
• Medium: 5 skeins
• Large: 5 skeins
• 1X/2X: 6 skeins

Needles and Notions

The pattern calls for the following tools and notions:

• Lion Brand Knitting Needles – Size 10 (6 mm) – the primary needles used throughout the project
• Large-Eye Blunt Needles (Set of 6) – used for seaming and weaving in ends
• 1 button, 1 inch in diameter – the single closure at the front of the jacket

Techniques and Construction

As a beginner-level knitted garment, the Matinee 'Swing' Jacket relies on core knitting techniques that are accessible to those new to garment construction. The swing shape is achieved through straightforward shaping rather than complex increases or decreases, allowing the fabric itself — the lofty, textured Homespun yarn — to do much of the visual work. Knitters will work the front and back panels separately before seaming them together using the blunt tapestry needles provided.

Working with a bulky yarn on size 10 (6 mm) needles means the fabric grows quickly, making this a satisfying project that can be completed in a relatively short time. The larger needle size also contributes to the soft drape characteristic of a swing-style jacket, allowing the fabric to fall gracefully from the shoulders.

Design Notes

It is worth noting that the pattern itself references a crochet version of the same jacket design, which is shown in the accompanying photography. The pattern provided here, however, is the knitting version. Both versions share the same overall swing silhouette and use Lion Brand Homespun® yarn, but the construction methods and stitch structures differ