Venus Coat

Venus Coat by Kari-Helene Rane

What is Being Made

The Venus Coat is an advanced-level knitted cardigan designed by independent designer Kari-Helene Rane. This garment is a structured coat-style cardigan available in five sizes ranging from XS to XL, with bust measurements from 73 cm (29 inches) to 112 cm (44 inches). The design features a sophisticated construction suitable for experienced knitters seeking a polished, wearable layering piece.

Techniques Used

This advanced knitting project employs several intermediate to advanced techniques that require careful attention and solid foundational skills. The construction incorporates yarn overs and decreases to create decorative lace patterning throughout the garment. Shaping is achieved through strategic increases and decreases, including inc1 (knit into front and back of stitch) for increases and multiple decrease methods for refined shaping. The pattern uses slip stitch techniques at row edges for neat finishing. The garment is worked in stocking stitch as the primary fabric base, with lace motifs integrated into the body. Steaming is employed to set the tension and achieve accurate gauge after completion.

Stitches Used

The Venus Coat utilizes a range of essential knitting stitches executed at an advanced level:

• Stocking stitch - the primary fabric structure, providing a smooth, classic appearance
• Garter stitch - used for ribbed edgings and textured borders, created through alternating knit and purl stitches
• Yarn overs (yo) - creates decorative openings and lace elements throughout the pattern
• Slip stitch (sl1k) - used at row edges for neat selvage finishing
• Knit two together (k2tog) - a right-leaning decrease used for shaping and lace patterning
• Slip, slip, knit (ssk) - a left-leaning decrease that pairs with yarn overs for balanced lace motifs
• Slip, slip, knit, pass slipped stitch over (sskpo) - a double decrease creating more dramatic shaping
• Purl two together (p2tog) - decrease worked on wrong-side rows
• Purl two together through back loop (p2togtbl) - a twisted decrease for refined finishing

Materials and Specifications

The Venus Coat is designed to be knitted with Purl Alpaca Fine, a luxury yarn composed of 100% English Alpaca with a yardage of 116 meters per 50-gram ball. The yardage requirements vary by size: XS requires 13 balls, Small requires 15 balls, Medium requires 17 balls, Large requires 19 balls, and XL requires 21 balls of the 50-gram weight. The sample shown in the pattern is knitted in size Small using the shade Alpaca Dawn.

The pattern calls for sport-weight yarn, which is a lightweight, versatile yarn weight suitable for creating garments with drape and refined stitch definition. The alpaca fiber provides softness, breathability, and a luxurious hand feel ideal for a coat-style cardigan.

Needles required include one pair each of 3.5 mm and 4 mm straight knitting needles, plus 5 mm circular needles with a long cord measuring 100 cm or longer. The needle size may be adjusted as needed to achieve the correct tension. Additional notions include a blunt tapestry needle for weaving in ends and seaming, and three small buttons for closure.

Gauge and Tension

The pattern specifies a tension of 20 stitches and 29 rows to a 10 cm square when worked in stocking stitch using 4 mm needles. The swatch should be measured after light steaming to accurately reflect the finished fabric. Achieving correct gauge is essential for proper fit across all five sizes, and knitters are advised to adjust needle size if necessary to match the specified tension before beginning the project.