Estuary Jacket in Valley Yarns Brodie - 1108 - Downloadable PDF

Estuary Jacket in Valley Yarns Brodie – Pattern #1108 by Julie Turjoman

The Estuary Jacket is a beautifully understated, beginner-friendly knitted cardigan designed by Julie Turjoman and published by Valley Yarns as pattern #1108. Conceived as a modern interpretation of the classic worker's jacket, this open-front cardigan is elevated from everyday staple to luxurious wardrobe essential through its construction in Valley Yarns Brodie, a sumptuous yarn blended from 95% Cashmere and 5% Extrafine Merino Wool. The result is a garment with an exceptionally soft hand that can be reached for comfortably in every season.

Design Overview and Fit

The Estuary Jacket is designed with a relaxed, generous silhouette in mind. Key design features include:

• Generous positive ease of 4 to 6 inches for a comfortable, flowing fit
• Drop shoulders for an effortless, relaxed shoulder line
• Flowing sleeves that complement the overall ease of the garment
• An open front with no buttons or closures, lending it a casual, versatile wearability
• Welt pockets for a practical yet polished finishing detail

The jacket is available in a wide range of sizes: XS, S, M, L, XL, 2XL, 3XL, 4XL, and 5XL, with finished bust measurements ranging from 34½ inches to 66½ inches. The sample shown in the pattern is knitted in Size S.

Techniques and Construction

The Estuary Jacket is worked flat in separate pieces that are then seamed together, making it an excellent project for knitters who are comfortable with basic flat knitting and straightforward finishing. The construction approach includes several classic techniques that add structure and elegance without overwhelming a beginner:

• Worked flat – all pieces are knitted back and forth in rows rather than in the round
• Seamed construction – individual panels are joined using traditional seaming methods, which adds stability and shape to the finished garment
• Hem (single) – a clean, single hem finish at the lower edges for a neat, professional look
• Knit bound neckline – the neckline is finished with a knitted bind-off treatment that maintains the garment's clean aesthetic
• Welt pockets – a classic tailoring detail in which a horizontal opening is created in the fabric and backed with a pocket lining, giving the jacket a refined, structured appearance
• Three-Needle Bind-Off – used to join seams invisibly and neatly, requiring an extra needle

Welt pockets, in particular, are a technique borrowed from tailored garment construction. They involve knitting a reinforced horizontal slit into the body of the jacket and attaching a pocket bag behind it, creating a functional pocket that lies flat and clean against the fabric — a subtle but sophisticated touch on what is otherwise a beginner-accessible design.

Stitches Used

While the pattern is rated Beginner in skill level, it incorporates a variety of foundational knitting stitches and finishing techniques. The overall fabric and structural elements rely on:

• Basic knit and purl stitches to create the main fabric
• Ribbing or hem stitches for the single hem edging
• Standard bind-off methods, including the Three-Needle Bind-Off for seaming
• Techniques associated with welt pocket construction, including picking up stitches and working pocket linings

Yarn and Materials

The pattern calls for Valley Yarns Brodie, a DK weight yarn composed of 95% Cashmere and 5% Extrafine Merino Wool, sold in 50g balls with approximately