Jackets and Hat in King Cole Chunky - 4843 - Downloadable PDF

Jackets and Hat in King Cole Chunky – Pattern 4843

This King Cole pattern 4843 is a downloadable PDF knitting pattern featuring a collection of baby and toddler jackets and a matching hat, all knitted in King Cole Chunky weight yarn. The designs are sized to fit chest measurements ranging from 36 cm to 56 cm (14 to 22 inches), making them suitable for babies and young children across a range of ages and sizes. The jackets are constructed with a classic raglan sleeve shaping, a timeless and practical design choice that creates a smooth, comfortable fit across the shoulders and arms — ideal for little ones who need ease of movement.

Rated as an intermediate level knitting project, this pattern is well suited to knitters who have moved beyond the basics and are comfortable working with shaping techniques, reading multi-size patterns, and maintaining consistent tension. It is not recommended as a first project, but confident beginners who are happy to take their time should find it achievable with care.

For every King Cole pattern purchased, a donation is made to the Pink Ribbon Foundation, so buying this pattern also supports a worthwhile charitable cause.

Jackets

Design and Construction

The jackets in this pattern are worked in a combination of Fisherman's Rib pattern and Garter Stitch, giving the finished garments a beautifully textured, cosy appearance that is both practical and visually appealing. Fisherman's Rib is a knitting technique that creates a deeply ribbed, squishy fabric with excellent stretch and warmth — perfect for outerwear designed to keep babies and toddlers snug. Garter Stitch, where every row is knitted, produces a firm, flat fabric with a ridged texture that lies flat without curling, making it ideal for borders, hems, and structural sections of a garment.

The raglan sleeve construction is a key feature of these jackets. In raglan shaping, the sleeves and body are joined and decreased together at diagonal lines running from the underarm to the neckline, rather than being set in at a traditional armhole. This creates a garment that is easier to knit for those developing their skills, and results in a flexible, comfortable fit that works especially well for babies and young children.

Techniques Used

• Raglan sleeve shaping — decreasing stitches along diagonal lines to join sleeves and body
• Fisherman's Rib pattern — a textured rib technique creating a thick, stretchy fabric
• Garter Stitch — every row knitted, used for flat, structured sections
• Increasing and decreasing — including pass slipped stitch over (psso) and knitting through the back of stitch (tbs)
• Tension/gauge checking — essential before beginning, using a tension square

Stitches Used

• Knit (K) and Purl (P) — the two fundamental knitting stitches forming the basis of all pattern sections
• Slip stitch (sl) — used within shaping and decorative sequences
• Pass slipped stitch over (psso) — a decrease technique used in raglan and other shaping
• Knit/purl together (tog) — standard decrease method
• Knit through back of stitch (tbs) — a twisted stitch technique used to create neat, firm decreases

Materials

The jackets are designed to be knitted using King Cole Chunky yarn, a chunky weight yarn that works up quickly and produces a warm, substantial fabric ideal for baby outerwear. The recommended needle size is 5.5mm, which achieves the stated tension of 14 stitches and 28 rows to 10 cm (4 inches) over Fisherman's Rib pattern and Garter Stitch. Knitters are strongly advised to check their tension before beginning, as achieving the correct tension is essential for the garment to come out at the intended size. If your tension square shows fewer stitches or rows than stated, switch to finer needles; if it shows more, switch to larger needles.

Hat