Babies Jacket and Mittens in Bergere de France Sport - 60437-11 - Downloadable PDF

Babies Jacket and Mittens in Bergere de France Sport – Pattern 60437-11

This downloadable PDF knitting pattern from Bergere de France provides instructions for a babies' jacket and mittens set, worked in Sport weight yarn. The pattern is rated intermediate difficulty and covers multiple sizes for babies aged 6 months, 12 months, and 24 months, making it a versatile addition to any handknitter's collection. The finished jacket features a structured, tailored look with decorative cable panels, a hood, and a neat ribbed border, while the mittens complete the coordinating set.

About the Jacket Design

The jacket is a fully constructed garment with separate back, left front, right front, sleeves, and a hood. Each piece is worked flat on straight needles and then seamed together. The design incorporates a combination of textural stitch patterns across the body, giving the finished piece a sophisticated, heirloom-quality appearance that is well suited to a special occasion or everyday wear for a young baby or toddler.

Construction and Shaping

The jacket is constructed in separate pieces that are later joined. Key construction details include:

• Back (Dos): Cast on and work a ribbed hem, then continue in the main stitch pattern combination. Armhole shaping is worked at a specified height, with stitches bound off on each side every two rows. Shoulder shaping follows, with remaining stitches bound off for the neckline.
• Left Front (Devant Gauche): Cast on 28–30–33 stitches depending on size. Work a ribbed hem, then continue in the cable and reverse stockinette stitch pattern. Increases are worked at the centre front to shape the front band or dart, repeated every two rows. Armhole shaping mirrors the back.
• Sleeves (Manche): Worked flat with ribbed cuffs, then increased regularly to shape the sleeve cap. The sleeve incorporates the same decorative stitch panels as the body for a cohesive look.
• Hood (Capuche): A hood is included as part of the design, worked in the same stitch combinations and shaped to fit neatly around the neckline.
• Finishing detail: The pattern references Brandebourgs Perforés avec Buchette en Bois (decorative toggle closures with a wooden stick, reference 67737, length 10 cm, in khaki/kaki), which serve as the jacket's fastening. These are a distinctive feature of the finished garment.

Stitch Patterns Used

The jacket makes use of several stitch patterns worked in combination across the body panels. Understanding each stitch adds depth to the knitting experience:

• Côtes 2/2 (2x2 Ribbing): Worked on needle size 3.5 mm for the hems, cuffs, and borders. This classic rib of two knit stitches alternating with two purl stitches creates a stretchy, neat edge that helps the garment hold its shape.
• Jersey Endroit (Stockinette Stitch): Worked on needle size 4 mm. The right side is knit and the wrong side is purled, producing a smooth, classic fabric. Used across large sections of the body and sleeves.
• Jersey Envers (Reverse Stockinette Stitch): The opposite of stockinette, with the purl side facing outward. Used in panels alongside the cable to create textural contrast and frame the decorative stitches.
• Point Torsadé (Cable Stitch): Worked over 20 stitches on needle size 4 mm, following a chart (grille) included in the pattern. This cable panel is the central decorative feature of the jacket, running vertically up the fronts and back. The cable involves crossing stitches to the right and left at regular intervals — specifically, 2 m. croisées à droite (2 stitches crossed to the right) and 2 m. croisées à gauche (2 stitches crossed to the left) — creating a classic twisted rope or braid effect.
• Point Fantaisie (Fancy/Decorative Stitch): Worked over 22 stitches on needle size 4 mm. This additional stitch pattern adds further visual interest to the body panels, worked alongside the cable and reverse stockinette sections.