Coats in Hayfield Baby Blossom - 4678 - Downloadable PDF

Coats in Hayfield Baby Blossom Chunky - Knitted Baby Garments

What Is Being Made

This downloadable PDF pattern provides instructions for knitting two distinct coat styles for babies and young children, sized from birth through 7 years old. The pattern includes a Hooded Coat and a Round Neck Coat, both designed in Hayfield Baby Blossom Chunky yarn. Each style offers a practical, cozy layering piece suitable for infants through early childhood, with six size options to accommodate growth stages from newborn to 7-year-old children.

Garment Sizing and Measurements

The pattern covers six age ranges with corresponding chest measurements and finished garment dimensions:

• 0-6 months: To fit chest 41cm (16in), finished chest 44cm (17¼in), length 23cm (9in)
• 6-12 months: To fit chest 46cm (18in), finished chest 50cm (19¾in), length 25cm (9¾in)
• 1-2 years: To fit chest 51cm (20in), finished chest 56cm (22in), length 27cm (10¾in)
• 2-3 years: To fit chest 56cm (22in), finished chest 61cm (24in), length 31cm (12in)
• 4-5 years: To fit chest 61cm (24in), finished chest 64cm (25¼in), length 34cm (13½in)
• 6-7 years: To fit chest 66cm (26in), finished chest 70cm (27½in), length 37cm (14½in)

Sleeve length is adjustable and ranges from 15cm (6in) for the smallest size to 33cm (13in) for the largest, measured just below the armhole.

Techniques and Construction Methods

These coats are designed as beginner-level knitting projects, making them accessible to newer knitters while producing professional-looking results. The garments are constructed using fundamental knitting techniques appropriate for chunky yarn work. The pattern requires basic shaping for armholes and sleeves, and the Round Neck Coat includes button band construction with three button placements for closure. The Hooded Coat features an integrated hood design, adding warmth and weather protection for young children.

Stitches Used

The primary stitch structure is stocking stitch (also called stockinette stitch), which creates a smooth, classic fabric surface ideal for baby garments. This fundamental knit and purl alternating pattern is straightforward for beginners while providing an attractive finish suitable for children's wear.

Materials and Yarn Specifications

Both coat designs are worked in Hayfield Baby Blossom Chunky, a chunky-weight yarn specifically formulated for babies. The Hooded Coat requires 2 to 4 100g balls depending on size (2 balls for 0-6 months, increasing to 4 balls for 6-7 years), available in shade 354. The Round Neck Coat requires 1 to 3 100g balls (1 ball for 0-6 months, increasing to 3 balls for 6-7 years), available in shade 351. The chunky weight yarn creates quick, satisfying progress and produces a fabric with excellent drape and warmth for baby garments.

Knitting needles required include 6½mm (UK size 3 / USA size 10.5) needles for the main fabric and 5½mm (UK size 5 / USA size 9) needles for ribbing and edgings. The pattern also calls for stitch holders for managing stitches during construction, particularly for the Round Neck Coat. Three buttons are needed for the Round Neck Coat closure.

Tension and Gauge

The pattern specifies a tension of 14 stitches and 19 rows to 10cm (4 inches) over stocking stitch using the 6½mm needles. Achieving the correct tension is essential for proper garment fit across all six size options, ensuring that finished measurements align with the specifications provided for each age range.