Damenmantel in Novita Nalle - NFFP014 - Downloadable PDF

Damenmantel in Novita Nalle – NFFP014: Knitting Pattern Summary

This downloadable PDF pattern by designer Lea Petäjä for Novita presents a beautifully crafted women's coat knitted in Novita Nalle yarn. The pattern is rated intermediate in difficulty and is available as a free downloadable PDF. It is designed for women's sizes S, M, L, XL, and XXL, with finished measurements ranging from a body circumference of 96 cm (S) up to 132 cm (XXL) and a total length of 97 cm to 105 cm depending on size. The sleeve inseam measures between 48 and 51 cm across sizes.

Construction Method

One of the most distinctive features of this coat pattern is its sideways construction. Rather than being knitted from the bottom hem upward in the traditional manner, the entire coat — including both the back section and the front panels — is worked horizontally, from the right sleeve across to the left sleeve. This technique creates a seamless flow of the lace pattern across the garment and is an interesting structural choice that intermediate knitters will find both challenging and rewarding.

• Back section: Knitted sideways, beginning with the right sleeve. Stitches are cast on for the sleeve and then body stitches are gradually added along the left edge to form the back body, before being cast off symmetrically to shape the left sleeve.
• Left front panel: Also knitted sideways, with the cast-on edge forming the front centre. The lace pattern repeat is worked across the full width of the front panel in the same manner as the back.
• Collar: Referenced in the finishing section of the pattern, completing the elegant neckline of the coat.

Stitches and Techniques Used

The primary stitch pattern used throughout this coat is an Ajourmuster — the German term for an openwork or lace pattern — worked from a charted stitch diagram included in the PDF. This type of lace knitting involves deliberate yarn-overs paired with decreases to create decorative holes in a regular, repeating arrangement, giving the finished coat an airy, elegant texture.

• Ajourmuster (lace/openwork pattern): Worked from a 4-row stitch chart with a 13-stitch repeat. The pattern is set up with the first 6 stitches worked separately before the repeat begins, ensuring correct alignment across all sections of the coat.
• Knit stitch (Rechts stricken): Used for the initial return row (Rückreihe) after casting on, as well as for finishing rows before cast-off.
• Increases (Aufnehmen): Stitches are picked up along the left edge at regular intervals — every 2 cm — to shape the transition from sleeve to body.
• Decreases (Abnehmen): Worked symmetrically on the left sleeve to taper the sleeve back to its original stitch count after the body stitches are cast off.
• Cast-on and cast-off: Standard techniques are used at multiple stages due to the sideways construction, requiring the knitter to be comfortable with mid-project cast-ons and cast-offs.

Gauge and Needle Information

The pattern is worked on a circular knitting needle (Rundstricknadel) in size 3.5–4 mm, 80 cm length. A circular needle of this length is recommended even though the coat is worked flat in rows, as the large stitch counts — up to 286–312 stitches across the widest sections — require the extra cable length to accommodate all stitches comfortably.

The stated gauge (Maschenprobe) in the lace pattern is 27 stitches and 30 rows = 10 cm. Achieving this gauge is essential for the coat to reach the correct dimensions, and knitters are encouraged to swatch carefully before beginning.

Materials Required

The coat is knitted in Novita Nalle, a DK weight yarn, in colour 061 Leinen (Linen). The quantity required varies by size: