Moto Jacket

Moto Jacket by Hannah Fettig

What Is Being Made

The Moto Jacket is a top-down cardigan designed by Hannah Fettig of Knitbot. This versatile garment can be worn in three different ways, offering multiple styling options from a single knitted piece. The cardigan features a structured, tailored silhouette inspired by classic moto jacket styling.

Finished Measurements

The pattern is available in eight sizes with chest circumferences ranging from 33 to 57 inches (84 to 145 cm). Specific sizes include 33, 36, 39, 42, 45, 48, 51, 54, and 57 inches. The sample shown measures 36 inches with no ease. Positive ease of 0 to 2 inches (0 to 5 cm) is suggested for an optimal fit.

Knitting Techniques

This intermediate-level cardigan employs top-down construction, a popular method that allows knitters to try on the garment as it progresses and easily adjust length. The pattern uses both flat knitting and knitting in the round techniques to shape different sections of the jacket.

The design incorporates increases worked strategically throughout the piece. Increases are executed using M1L (make one left) and M1R (make one right) methods, which are placed at marked intervals to create shaping. A backward loop cast on is used for certain sections, adding to the construction flexibility.

Stitches Used

The primary stitch pattern employed in the Moto Jacket is garter stitch, which is created by knitting every row when working flat. This classic, reversible stitch provides a textured, structured fabric ideal for a jacket silhouette. The garter stitch base is interrupted by strategic increases worked as K1, M1L, knit to marker, M1R, k1 sequences, which are repeated multiple times across rows to achieve the jacket's shaping.

Materials and Yarn

The Moto Jacket is designed to be knitted with DK or sport weight yarn. The pattern calls for 9 to 16 skeins depending on size, with the sample shown using The Fibre Company Savannah. This yarn is a blend of 50% wool, 20% cotton, 15% linen, and 15% soya, offering a breathable, durable fabric suitable for a structured cardigan. The Fibre Company Savannah provides 160 yards per skein.

Pattern Details

Construction begins with a backward loop cast on of 23 to 35 stitches depending on size. The back section requires 82 to 114 stitches, while sleeve stitches range from 68 to 114 stitches based on the chosen size. The pattern includes detailed shaping instructions with stitch markers to guide increases and construction progression.

Pattern Credits: Design by M J Gumayagay, illustration by Neesha Hudson, and technical editing by Tana Pageler. © 2014 Hannah Fettig and Knitbot. For pattern questions, contact info@knitbot.com.