Scouting Jacket

Scouting Jacket by Hannah Fettig

What is Being Made

The Scouting Jacket is a classic cardigan design created by designer Hannah Fettig and published by Carrie Bostick Hoge. This intermediate-level knitting project produces a structured, wearable cardigan available in seven sizes ranging from extra-small (XS) through 3X, with finished chest measurements from 34 inches to 58 inches and lengths from 21 inches to 29 inches. The jacket is designed to be a versatile layering piece suitable for various occasions and body types.

Knitting Techniques Used

This cardigan employs several fundamental and intermediate knitting techniques that build essential skills. The garment is constructed primarily using stockinette stitch, which creates a smooth, classic fabric on the right side. Garter stitch is incorporated for textural contrast and structural definition. The pattern utilizes increases, specifically M1L (make one left) increases, to shape the garment at strategic points for proper fit and drape. Decreases including k2tog (knit two together) and ssk (slip, slip, knit) are used to create shaping and tailored lines. The jacket features a collar that is worked separately and integrated into the main garment, and button bands are constructed as part of the finishing process. The pattern is worked flat on circular needles rather than in the round for most of the body, with sleeves worked on smaller circular needles or double-pointed needles (dpns).

Stitches and Stitch Abbreviations

• St st (Stockinette Stitch): The primary stitch throughout the cardigan, created by knitting on the right side and purling on the wrong side when working flat
• Garter Stitch: Knit all rows when working flat, used for specific sections requiring texture and stability
• k (Knit): The fundamental knit stitch
• p (Purl): The fundamental purl stitch
• k2tog (Knit Two Together): A right-leaning decrease used for shaping
• ssk (Slip, Slip, Knit): A left-leaning decrease used for balanced shaping
• M1L (Make One Left): An increase stitch created by lifting the bar between stitches from front to back with the left needle
• Stitch Markers (m): Used to mark pattern repeats and shaping points; placed with pm (place marker) and moved with sm (slip marker)

Materials: Yarn and Needles

The Scouting Jacket is designed to be worked in Quince & Co. Osprey, a 100% wool yarn in the aran weight category. The yardage per skein is 170 yards with each skein weighing 100 grams. The sample shown in size Medium requires 5 skeins, though yardage requirements scale across sizes: XS requires 4 skeins, sizes S and M require 5 skeins, size L requires 6 skeins, size 1X requires 7 skeins, size 2X requires 8 skeins, and size 3X requires 9 skeins. The original sample is worked in the colorway gingerbread.

The pattern calls for US 10.5 circular needles in two sizes: a 32-inch circular needle for working the collar and body, and a 16-inch circular needle (or double-pointed needles as an alternative) for working the sleeves. The recommended gauge is 14 stitches and 20 rows over 4 inches in stockinette stitch, which is essential for achieving the correct finished measurements.

Additional Supplies

Beyond yarn and needles, the pattern requires a cable needle for any cable work, a yarn needle for weaving in ends and seaming, and 9 buttons for the front closure. Stitch markers are essential notions for tracking pattern sections and shaping points throughout construction.

Difficulty Level

This pattern is rated as intermediate, making it suitable for knitters who have mastered basic stitches and simple garment construction but are ready to tackle more complex shaping, sizing options, and finishing techniques. The combination of stockinette and garter stitches