Dress, Matinee Coat and Blanket in King Cole Beaches DK - 5511 - Downloadable PDF

King Cole Beaches DK Pattern 5511 – Dress, Matinee Coat and Blanket Knitting Pattern Summary

Pattern 5511 from King Cole is a charming collection of three coordinating baby knits designed to be worked in King Cole Beaches DK yarn. The set includes a baby dress, a matinee coat, and a blanket, making it an ideal project for gifting or building a complete newborn layette. Sizes range from 36 to 51 cm (14 to 20 inches), covering newborn through to early infant stages. This is classified as an intermediate difficulty knitting pattern, available as a downloadable PDF.

A purchase of this pattern contributes a donation to the Pink Ribbon Foundation, King Cole's long-standing charitable initiative.

Yarn and Materials

All three pieces in this set are knitted using King Cole Beaches DK, a double knit (DK) weight yarn. The pattern is worked on 4mm knitting needles, or the size needed to achieve the correct tension. The self-striping or tonal nature of Beaches DK adds visual interest without requiring colour changes, making it a practical and attractive choice for baby garments.

Tension

The stated tension is 22 stitches and 28 rows to 10 cm (4 inches) measured over stocking stitch using 4mm needles. Achieving the correct tension is essential, particularly for the fitted dress and matinee coat, to ensure accurate sizing. Knitters are advised to switch to finer needles if fewer stitches than stated are produced per 10 cm, and to switch to larger needles if more stitches are produced.

The Baby Dress

The baby dress is a classic infant garment designed to fit chest sizes from 36 to 51 cm. It forms the centrepiece of this coordinating set and is worked in a combination of stitch patterns that give it both texture and elegance appropriate for a special occasion or everyday wear.

Techniques and Stitches – Dress

• Stocking stitch (St-St) forms the main fabric of the dress, created by knitting on right-side rows and purling on wrong-side rows, producing a smooth, classic finish ideal for showcasing the tonal qualities of Beaches DK yarn.
• 1x1 Rib is used for neat, stretchy edging sections, worked by alternating knit one and purl one stitches across the row, providing a snug and tidy finish at cuffs or hems.
• Increasing (inc) and decreasing (psso – pass slipped stitch over) techniques are used for shaping the garment to achieve a well-fitted silhouette suitable for a growing baby.
• Stitches worked through the back of the loop (tbl) may be used to create neat, twisted stitches at key shaping points.
• Yarn forward (yfwd) is used to create decorative eyelets, which may feature in lace-effect detailing or buttonhole construction.

The Matinee Coat

The matinee coat is a traditional short baby jacket, a staple of classic British baby knitwear. Designed to coordinate with the dress, it provides a layer of warmth while maintaining a neat, tailored appearance. It is sized to match the dress at 36 to 51 cm chest measurements.

Techniques and Stitches – Matinee Coat

• Stocking stitch is again the primary fabric stitch, giving the coat a smooth outer surface that complements the dress.
• 1x1 Rib is worked on borders, cuffs, and button bands to provide elasticity and a polished edge.
• Shaping through increasing and decreasing creates the fitted body and sleeve shaping characteristic of a matinee coat silhouette.
• Yarn forward (yfwd) is used to form buttonholes along the front opening, a traditional feature of the matinee coat style.
• Techniques such as slip one knitways (s1) and pass slipped stitch over (psso