Jacket and Hat in Plymouth Yarn Jeannee Chunky - 1891 - Downloadable PDF

Plymouth Yarn Jeannee Chunky Pattern 1891 – Kid's Cabled Tunic Cardigan and Hat Knitting Pattern

This free, downloadable PDF knitting pattern from Plymouth Yarn, catalogued as Design 1891, presents two coordinating children's projects worked in Plymouth Yarn Jeannee Chunky: a cabled tunic-style cardigan and a matching hat. Both pieces are rated intermediate in difficulty, making them an excellent challenge for knitters who are comfortable with basic techniques and ready to explore more intricate cable constructions. The pattern is sized to fit children from 2 through 10 years, offering a generous range that makes it a versatile addition to any knitter's collection.

About the Yarn and Materials

Plymouth Yarn Jeannee Chunky is the specified yarn for both projects, used here in color 8. Jeannee Chunky is a chunky weight yarn sold in 100g balls. The chunky weight allows the intricate cable patterns to stand out with excellent stitch definition while keeping the knitting relatively quick to work up. The gauge for this pattern is 14 stitches and 20 rows over 4 inches worked in stockinette stitch on US size 10½ needles.

Required materials include:

• US Size 9 and US Size 10½ knitting needles – two needle sizes are used to achieve proper tension in different sections of the garment
• Stitch holders – used to hold live stitches while working other sections
• Stitch markers – 2 markers for the sweater; 4 or 5 markers for the hat depending on size
• Six 1-inch diameter buttons – for the cardigan front opening
• 5 to 9 balls of Jeannee Chunky for the cardigan (quantity varies by size) and 2 to 3 balls for the hat

The Kid's Cabled Tunic Cardigan

Sizing and Finished Measurements

The cardigan is designed to fit children aged 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10 years. The approximate finished chest measurements range from 25 inches up to 33 inches, with finished lengths ranging from 17 inches to 25¼ inches. Sleeve length from the underarm measures between 7½ inches and 15½ inches depending on the size selected. These generous measurements account for comfortable, wearable ease appropriate for active children.

Construction and Design

The cardigan is described as a tunic-style design, meaning it features a longer body length that falls below the hip — a flattering and practical silhouette for children's knitwear. The front opening is finished with six buttons, making it a true cardigan rather than a pullover. The combination of a longer hem and button front gives this piece a classic, polished look that works equally well for everyday wear or special occasions.

Stitch Patterns Used

The cardigan incorporates two primary stitch patterns alongside standard stockinette:

• Seed Stitch – worked over an even number of stitches, alternating knit and purl stitches and reversing the sequence on each row. Seed stitch creates a firm, textured fabric that lies flat and is commonly used for borders, button bands, and edgings. It provides a beautiful contrast to the smoother stockinette and cable sections.
• Cable Pattern – a sophisticated, 36-row repeating cable worked over a multiple of 21 stitches. This is the centerpiece of the design and gives the tunic its striking visual character.

The Cable Pattern in Detail

The cable pattern is a complex, 36-row repeat that combines multiple cable techniques to create a richly textured, traveling cable design. This is not a simple rope cable — it is a moving cable construction where stitches travel diagonally across the fabric, cross over one another, and create an interlocking, almost Celtic-inspired appearance. Knitters working this pattern will use the following cable abbreviations and techniques:

• C6F (Cable 6 Front) –