Lighthouse Keeper

Lighthouse Keeper Jacket by Andrea Sanchez

What is Being Made

The Lighthouse Keeper is a warm, fisherman-style knitted jacket designed for young children as part of the Saltwater Knits Collection by independent designer Andrea Sanchez. This beginner-friendly knit project creates a protective garment perfect for seafaring adventures, featuring a cozy hood and practical deep pockets. The jacket is available in nine sizes ranging from 6 months through 12 years, with finished chest measurements from 19 inches (48.5 cm) up to 33 inches (84 cm).

Knitting Techniques and Construction

The Lighthouse Keeper jacket is worked seamlessly from the bottom up using a raglan construction method. This technique involves knitting the body and sleeves as one continuous piece, with increases worked at the raglan lines to shape the armholes and yoke. The seamless construction eliminates the need for seaming, making this an excellent beginner project that still delivers professional results. The garment is worked on a 40-inch circular needle, allowing for the large circumference required for body and sleeve stitches before they are joined at the yoke.

Stitches and Stitch Details

The primary stitch pattern used throughout the jacket is stockinette stitch, which creates the classic smooth, flat fabric characteristic of traditional fisherman-style sweaters. The gauge is 13 stitches and 18 rows per 4 inches (10 cm) in stockinette stitch, providing a fabric with good drape and warmth suitable for a child's jacket. Special details include a folded band at the hem and cuffs, and a deep hood that provides extra protection from the elements.

Special Features and Details

• Deep pockets for storing treasures and keeping small hands warm
• Folded band with toggle loops at the front closure
• Deep hood for extended coverage and protection
• Quick-to-knit design suitable for knitters new to garment construction
• Four 1-inch toggle buttons for secure fastening

Materials and Yarn Requirements

The Lighthouse Keeper jacket is designed to be knitted in Dream in Color Groovy, a 100% superwash merino yarn that offers durability and easy care for children's garments. The yarn comes in 120-yard (110 meter) skeins weighing 4 ounces (113 grams) each. Yarn quantities vary by size, ranging from 2 skeins for the smallest size (6 months) to 7 skeins for the largest size (12 years). The sample shown in the pattern was knitted in the colorway Strange Harvest #130.

Tools and Notions Required

• US 10 [6.0mm] circular needle, 40 inches long, or size needed to achieve gauge
• Stitch markers for tracking raglan increases and pattern sections
• Tapestry needle for weaving in yarn ends
• Waste yarn for holding stitches
• Four 1-inch [25.5mm] toggle buttons
• Matching thread and sewing needle for attaching buttons

Skill Level

Rated as a beginner project, the Lighthouse Keeper jacket introduces knitters to seamless garment construction and raglan shaping without overwhelming complexity. The straightforward stockinette stitch and clear pattern structure make this an ideal first jacket project for those ready to move beyond basic scarves and hats into wearable garments.