Ruby-Anne baby matinee coat knitting pattern 18" chest

Ruby-Anne Baby Matinee Coat Knitting Pattern

What is Being Made

The Ruby-Anne is a baby matinee coat designed for an 18-inch chest measurement. This cardigan-style garment is created using the knitting craft and features a classic construction with button closures. The pattern includes shaping for the left front, with detailed row-by-row instructions to achieve proper fit and structure for a baby-sized cardigan.

Techniques Used

This intermediate-level knitting pattern employs several essential knitting techniques to create texture and shaping:

• Stocking stitch – The primary fabric construction method, created by alternating knit and purl rows to produce a smooth, classic appearance
• Yarn overs (YO and YFWD) – Used to create decorative eyelet holes and lace elements throughout the pattern
• Decreases – Multiple decrease methods including K2TOG (knit two together), SSK (slip, slip, knit), and SK2PO (slip, knit two together, pass slipped stitch over) for shaping the garment
• Increases – M1 (make one) technique, created by picking up the loop between stitches and working into the back of it to add stitches without creating visible holes
• Repeating pattern sections – Abbreviated as REP, allowing efficient construction of patterned rows across multiple stitches

Stitches Used

The Ruby-Anne pattern incorporates the following stitches and abbreviations:

• K (knit) and P (purl) – Fundamental stitches forming the stocking stitch base
• K2TOG (knit two together) – A right-leaning decrease used for shaping
• SSK (slip, slip, knit) – A left-leaning decrease providing balanced shaping
• SK2PO (slip one, knit two together, pass slipped stitch over) – A double decrease for more pronounced shaping
• YO (yarn over) and YFWD (yarn forward) – Creates eyelet details and lace elements
• YRN (yarn around needle) – Alternative yarn over technique
• M1 (make one) – An invisible increase method
• SKPO (slip, knit, pass slipped stitch over) – A single decrease variation

Materials Required

The Ruby-Anne pattern calls for specific materials to achieve the intended finished garment:

• Yarn: 200g of DK (double knit) weight yarn, providing appropriate drape and weight for a baby matinee coat
• Needles: Two sizes of needles are required – 4mm needles for the main fabric and 3.25mm needles for ribbing or edging (specific usage detailed in pattern instructions)
• Notions: 3 buttons for the cardigan front closure

Tension and Sizing

Proper tension is critical for achieving the correct finished measurements. The pattern specifies a tension of 22 stitches to 30 rows using 4mm needles and DK yarn, measured over 4 inches or 10 centimeters of stocking stitch. The finished garment is sized to fit an 18-inch chest, making it suitable for newborn to young baby wear.

Pattern designed by Designs by Tracy D, copyright 2021. This intermediate-level project combines classic knitting techniques with decorative lace elements to create a charming baby cardigan.