Autumn Wave

Autumn Wave Evening Jacket by Brigitte Reydams

What is Being Made

The Autumn Wave is a special occasion evening jacket coat designed by Brigitte Reydams. This is a sophisticated outerwear piece available in multiple sizes ranging from 40 to 54 inches around the bust. The finished coat measures 28 inches in length without the bottom border, extending to 30 to 36 inches when the border is included, making it a statement piece suitable for formal events and evening wear.

Knitting Techniques Used

This intermediate-level knitting project employs several key techniques to create visual interest and structure. The pattern incorporates increases (knit twice in a stitch) and decreases (knit 2 together and slip-slip-knit decreases) to shape the fabric. Stitch markers are used to help track pattern repeats and maintain consistency across the width of the garment. The coat is constructed using a repeating pattern stitch that creates texture and dimension throughout the body of the jacket.

Stitches Used

The Autumn Wave pattern utilizes fundamental knitting stitches combined in a structured sequence. The primary stitches include:

• Knit stitch (K) - the basic foundation stitch
• Purl stitch (P) - used for reverse texture
• Knit 2 together (k2tog) - a right-leaning decrease
• Slip, slip, knit (sssk) - a left-leaning decrease
• Knit twice in stitch - an increase that creates decorative shaping

These stitches are worked in a 14-stitch repeat pattern across 2 rows, with Row 1 containing the textured stitch work and Row 2 consisting of purl stitches across. This two-row repeat forms the foundation of the coat's body and is repeated in various color sequences depending on the selected size.

Materials and Yarn

The Autumn Wave is designed to showcase beautiful color work using two distinct yarn lines. The project calls for Stuff yarn in five half-skein quantities: Twilight, Violetta, Autumn, Blue Lagoon, and Avocado. Additionally, Symphony yarn is used in larger quantities, with 2 skeins of Conifer and 1 skein each of Violetta, Bittersweet, #804, #106, and Bracken.

Both yarns are worked at aran and worsted weight, providing excellent stitch definition for the textured pattern. The project requires Size 10 needles (or the size needed to achieve proper gauge). The recommended gauge is 14 stitches in pattern equaling 3.5 inches, though the designer notes the coat will grow slightly to 4 inches per repeat, allowing for comfortable wearing ease and a relaxed fit.

Pattern Structure and Construction

The Autumn Wave follows a systematic color-blocking approach where different yarn colors are introduced in specific row sequences depending on the garment size selected. The pattern provides detailed row-by-row instructions for each size, with color changes occurring at planned intervals to create the "wave" effect suggested by the design name. The bottom border is worked separately and adds 2 to 8 inches to the overall length of the finished piece.