Letterman Lineup Jacket - Free Knitting Pattern For Women in Paintbox Yarns Simply Chunky

Letterman Lineup Jacket – Free Chunky Knitting Pattern for Women by Paintbox Yarns

The Letterman Lineup Jacket is a bold, collegiate-inspired women's knitted jacket worked in Paintbox Yarns Simply Chunky weight yarn. Designed at an intermediate difficulty level, this free downloadable pattern produces a structured, seamed jacket with a classic varsity aesthetic, making it a standout addition to any handknit wardrobe. The pattern is available as a downloadable PDF and is written using UK knitting terminology, with US equivalents provided in italics throughout.

Sizing and Fit

The pattern is offered in six sizes, designed to fit bust measurements ranging from 81 cm (32 in) to 107 cm (42 in). The actual finished measurements are generously cut, with a bust circumference of 93 cm (36½ in) to 121 cm (47¾ in), providing a comfortable, relaxed fit. The finished length from shoulder measures between 57 cm (22½ in) and 62 cm (24½ in) depending on size, and the sleeve seam ranges from 46 cm (18 in) to 48 cm (19 in). Instructions are written for the smallest size first, with adjustments for larger sizes given in square brackets throughout the pattern.

Materials Required

Yarn

• Paintbox Yarns Simply Chunky in three colourways:
• Colour A – Champagne White: 2 [3: 4: 4: 5: 5] × 100g balls
• Colour B – Midnight Blue: 3 [4: 4: 5: 5: 6] × 100g balls
• Colour C – Red Wine: 1 × 100g ball (all sizes)

Needles and Notions

• A pair of 5½mm (UK 5 / US 9) knitting needles
• A pair of 6mm (UK 4 / US 10) knitting needles
• 8 buttons, each 2 cm (¾ in) in diameter

Tension (Gauge)

The correct tension for this pattern is 14 stitches and 20 rows to 10 cm (4 in), measured over stocking (stockinette) stitch using 6mm (UK 4 / US 10) needles. As with all knitting projects, achieving the correct tension is essential to ensure the finished jacket matches the stated dimensions. Knitters are encouraged to swatch and adjust needle size as needed before beginning the main pieces.

Construction and Techniques

The Letterman Lineup Jacket is constructed using a bottom-up, worked flat method, meaning each piece — the back, fronts, and sleeves — is knitted separately from the lower edge upward and then seamed together to create the finished garment. This traditional construction approach gives the jacket excellent structure and shape retention, and is well suited to the chunky weight yarn used throughout.

Key Techniques Used

• Bottom-up construction: Pieces are begun at the cast-on edge and worked upward toward the shoulders, a classic approach that allows for easy length adjustments.
• Worked flat: All pieces are knitted back and forth in rows rather than in the round, making this pattern accessible to knitters who prefer straight or circular needles used flat.
• Seamed finishing: The individual pieces are joined using seaming techniques, which contributes to the jacket's structured, tailored silhouette.
• Stripes: The three-colour palette of Champagne White, Midnight Blue, and Red Wine is used to create the bold stripe detailing that defines the letterman aesthetic. Working stripes flat requires careful management of yarn ends and colour changes at row edges.
• Buttonholes: The pattern includes worked buttonholes to accommodate the 8 buttons, requiring attention to placement and neatness for