Matinee Jackets Cardigans & Shawl in Giza 4 Ply - 5002 - Downloadable PDF

Matinee Jackets, Cardigans & Shawl in King Cole Giza 4 Ply – Pattern 5002

This downloadable PDF from King Cole (pattern number 5002) presents a collection of classic crocheted baby garments worked in Giza 4 Ply yarn. The pattern covers matinee jackets, cardigans, and a shawl, all sized for babies and young infants ranging from 36 cm to 56 cm (14 in to 22 in) chest measurement. This makes the collection ideal for newborns through to babies of approximately 12 months, depending on sizing. The designs are rated at an intermediate level of difficulty, making them well suited to crocheters who are comfortable with basic stitches and are ready to work with shaping techniques and multi-row pattern repeats.

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Garments Included in Pattern 5002

Matinee Jackets

The matinee jacket is a beloved traditional baby garment, typically featuring a longer body length than a standard cardigan to keep a baby's lower half warm and comfortable. The versions presented in this pattern are crocheted in Giza 4 Ply, giving them a delicate, lightweight finish that is ideal for newborn and infant wear. Multiple sizes are included across the 36–56 cm (14–22 in) size range, allowing crafters to select and circle the size they wish to make directly on the leaflet.

Cardigans

The cardigan designs in this collection follow a similar size range and are worked in the same yarn and tension. Cardigans for babies are perennial favourites, offering easy dressing and a neat, finished appearance. The shaping in these designs involves careful decreasing and increasing of stitches at key points such as armholes and necklines, with the pattern providing clear row-by-row instructions for each size. The pattern references working decreases at specific stitch counts — for example, decreasing 1 stitch at each end over a set number of rows — to achieve the correct shaped silhouette.

Shawl

A crocheted baby shawl is also included in this pattern leaflet. Baby shawls worked in a fine 4 ply yarn are lightweight yet warm, and are a classic gift for newborns. The use of Giza 4 Ply lends the shawl a soft, refined drape that is gentle against a baby's skin.

Techniques and Stitches Used

All designs in pattern 5002 are worked using crochet as the primary craft. The pattern employs a range of standard crochet techniques and stitches appropriate for an intermediate crocheter:

• Chain (ch): Used for foundation chains and turning chains throughout. The pattern specifies turning chains such as 2ch at the beginning of rows to maintain correct stitch height.
• Slip stitch (ss): Used for joining and finishing sections of the garments.
• Pattern stitch (patt): The main body fabric is worked in a repeating pattern stitch, with the tension set at 24 stitches and 12 rows to 10 cm (4 in) over pattern. This structured repeat gives the fabric texture and visual interest beyond a simple double crochet fabric.
• Increasing (inc) and Decreasing (dec): Shaping is achieved through carefully placed increases and decreases. For example, the pattern instructs working a set number of rows while decreasing 1 stitch at specified intervals to shape armholes and sleeve caps.
• Right side (rs) and Wrong side (ws) working: The pattern distinguishes between right-side and wrong-side rows, which is important for maintaining the correct appearance of the pattern stitch and any textural detail.
• Turning and partial rows: Shaping techniques include turning mid-row and leaving stitches unworked to create angled edges at armholes and necklines.

Tension

Achieving the correct tension is described in the pattern as essential. The stated tension is 24 stitches and 12 rows to 10 cm (4 in) measured over