Jackets in Stylecraft Batik Elements Swirl DK & Life DK - 10053 - Downloadable PDF

Stylecraft Batik Elements Swirl DK & Life DK Jackets – Pattern 10053

This downloadable PDF knitting pattern from Stylecraft (pattern number 10053) presents two distinct jacket designs — a Long Jacket and a Short Jacket — both worked in a striking chevron lace stitch pattern. The pattern is rated intermediate in difficulty and is sized to fit a wide range of bust measurements, from 81–86 cm (32–34 in) up to 132–137 cm (52–54 in), making it an inclusive and versatile choice for knitters of varying sizes.

Design Overview

Long Jacket

The Long Jacket is the more substantial of the two designs, with a full length ranging from approximately 60 cm (23¾ in) to 74 cm (29¼ in) depending on size, and a sleeve length of approximately 44–46 cm (17¼–18 in). The actual bust measurement of the finished garment ranges from approximately 105 cm to 154 cm, offering a comfortable, relaxed fit across all sizes.

A distinctive construction feature of both jackets is that the back is worked horizontally, from cuff to cuff, meaning the sleeves and back are knitted in one continuous piece. This seamless approach creates an elegant drape and reduces finishing work. The chevron lace pattern runs across the entire back and sleeve section, creating a flowing, decorative texture that is beautifully showcased by the variegated yarn.

Short Jacket

The Short Jacket offers a cropped, more casual silhouette, with a full length of approximately 46 cm (18 in) to 60 cm (23¾ in) and shorter sleeves of approximately 26–29 cm (10¼–11½ in). Like the Long Jacket, it features the same cuff-to-cuff back construction and chevron lace detailing, giving both designs a cohesive aesthetic while offering knitters a choice of length and style.

Techniques Used

Both jackets are worked primarily in stocking stitch (stockinette) with an integrated chevron lace pattern that forms the decorative centrepiece of each design. The lace is structured over a 10-row repeat and uses a combination of yarn-over increases and paired decreases to create the characteristic zigzag wave effect. The construction technique of knitting the back from left cuff to right cuff is an intermediate-level skill that requires careful attention to shaping and stitch counts.

Stitches Used

• Stocking stitch (st-st) — knit on right side rows, purl on wrong side rows, forming the base fabric
• Yarn forward (yfwd) — used to create lace eyelets within the chevron pattern
• Slip 1, knit 1, pass slipped stitch over (sl1-k1-psso) — a left-leaning decrease used throughout the lace repeat
• Knit 2 together (k2tog) — a right-leaning decrease paired with the sl1-k1-psso to form the chevron points
• Slip 2, knit 1, pass 2 slipped stitches over (sl2-k1-p2sso) — a central double decrease used at the peak of the chevron to create a sharp point
• Purl — worked on all wrong side rows throughout the lace section
• Cast on — standard cast-on used at the cuff edge to begin the back section

Materials

Long Jacket

• Stylecraft Batik Elements Swirl DK (100g balls) in shade Time 6175 — requires 4 to 10 balls depending on size
• Worked on 4mm knitting needles

Short Jacket

• Stylecraft Batik Elements Swirl DK (100g