Matinee Coat and Cardigan in Sirdar Snuggly 4 Ply 50g - 4476 - Downloadable PDF

Matinee Coat and Cardigan in Sirdar Snuggly 4 Ply – Pattern 4476

This downloadable PDF from Sirdar contains crochet patterns for two classic baby and children's garments: a Matinee Coat and a Cardigan, both worked in Sirdar Snuggly 4 Ply yarn. The patterns cover a generous size range, making this a versatile collection suitable for babies and young children from birth right through to 7 years of age. Both designs are crafted entirely in crochet, offering a beautifully textured, lightweight finish that is ideal for delicate baby clothing.

About the Matinee Coat

The Matinee Coat is a traditional baby garment designed to fit chest sizes from 16 to 20 inches (approximately 41–51 cm), covering ages 0–6 months, 6–12 months, and 1–2 years. The actual measurements are slightly larger for ease, ranging from approximately 46 cm to 55 cm. The full length ranges from 23 cm to 28 cm, and the sleeve length (measured just below the armholes) runs from 11 cm to 14 cm depending on size.

A key design feature of the Matinee Coat is its decorative skirt section, which incorporates a shell-style stitch pattern. The pattern text references a fan or shell motif constructed from groups of treble stitches arranged around a central chain space — a classic crochet lace technique that gives the lower portion of the coat an elegant, flared silhouette. This type of skirt detailing is a hallmark of traditional matinee coat design, lending the garment a timeless, heirloom quality.

The coat fastens with 3 buttons and is finished with neat edges worked in double crochet.

About the Cardigan

The Cardigan is sized to fit chest measurements from 16 to 26 inches (41–66 cm), spanning ages 0–6 months through to 6–7 years. Actual measurements range from approximately 46 cm to 70 cm, with a full length of 25 cm to 45 cm and an adjustable sleeve length of 15 cm to 33 cm. The wider size range makes this cardigan pattern particularly practical for families looking for a single pattern that can be used repeatedly as a child grows.

The Cardigan fastens with 3 to 4 buttons depending on size, and features a structured, classic shape suited to everyday wear as well as special occasions.

Crochet Techniques and Stitches Used

Both garments are worked using standard crochet construction techniques. The stitches and methods referenced throughout the pattern include:

• Double crochet (dc) – the foundational stitch used throughout both garments for body sections, edgings, and shaping
• Treble (tr) – used to create the decorative shell and fan motifs, particularly in the Matinee Coat skirt
dc2tog – a double crochet decrease worked by inserting the hook into the next stitch and drawing yarn through twice, then yarning over and drawing through all 3 loops; used for shaping
• Chain (ch) – used for turning chains and as part of the lace pattern structure
• Slip stitch (ss) – used for joining and finishing
• Shell stitch / fan motif – a decorative grouping of treble stitches worked into a single stitch or space, creating a scalloped, lacy effect in the Matinee Coat skirt; the pattern specifies groups such as (3tr, 2ch, 3tr) worked into a stitch with missed stitches on either side
• Increasing and decreasing – standard shaping techniques used to form armholes, sleeves, and fitted sections

The shell and fan stitch pattern used in the Matinee Coat skirt is a well-loved technique in baby crochet. It creates an open, airy texture that is both visually attractive and practical for lightweight layering. Working treble groups around chain spaces produces the characteristic scalloped edge that distinguishes a traditional matinee coat from a plain cardigan.

Materials Required

Both garments are worked