Smock Jacket in Rowan Pure Alpaca - Downloadable PDF

Smock Jacket Knitting Pattern by Martin Storey in Rowan Pure Alpaca

This downloadable PDF pattern by designer Martin Storey presents the Smock, a classic knitted jacket worked in Rowan Pure Alpaca yarn. The design is rated advanced beginner, making it an excellent project for knitters who have mastered basic techniques and are ready to explore more structured garment construction. The jacket is photographed in Rust 122, a warm, earthy colourway that showcases the richness of the alpaca fibre beautifully.

About the Garment

The Smock is a fitted jacket featuring a structured front opening, ribbed body panels, and a combination of stocking stitch and garter stitch detailing along the front bands. The design includes a neckband worked by picking up stitches held on a holder, giving the finished garment a neat, professional neckline. The jacket is available in a generous range of sizes, fitting chest measurements from 71–76 cm (28–30 in) up to 152–157 cm (60–62 in), with actual garment chest measurements ranging from 82.5 cm to 164.5 cm. This wide size range makes the pattern inclusive and versatile for a broad range of body types.

Construction and Structure

The jacket is constructed in separate pieces — including a Left Front and corresponding sections — which are seamed together at finishing. The front opening edge is worked over 17 stitches in a combination of stocking stitch and garter stitch, creating a firm, decorative button band integrated directly into the knitting. The remaining stitches across the body are worked in rib, which provides elasticity and a close, flattering fit through the body. This kind of integrated band construction is a hallmark of well-finished knitwear and adds a couture quality to an otherwise accessible design.

Techniques Used

• Ribbing — the main body fabric uses a K1, P1 rib pattern, worked to approximately 10 cm before transitioning to the main needle size
• Stocking stitch (st st) — used within the front band section for smooth, flat fabric
• Garter stitch (g st) — incorporated into the front opening edge alongside stocking stitch for structure and texture
• Shaping and decreasing — subtle stitch decreases are worked at the end of the ribbed section on certain sizes to achieve correct stitch counts before transitioning needles
• Holding stitches — stitches are left on a holder for the neckband, a technique that allows for a seamlessly integrated neckline finish
• Needle changes — the pattern moves from smaller to larger needles partway through construction, a standard technique for creating a firmer ribbed welt followed by a more relaxed main fabric

Stitches Used

• K1, P1 Rib — the primary stitch pattern for the body, worked flat on straight needles
• Stocking Stitch — knit on right side rows, purl on wrong side rows, used within the front band
• Garter Stitch — knit on every row, used in combination with stocking stitch along the front opening edge

Materials

• Yarn: Rowan Pure Alpaca, a 50 g ball weight yarn. The pattern requires between 9 and 18 balls depending on the size being knitted. The sample is shown in Rust 122.
• Needles: 3¼ mm (US 3) needles are used for the ribbed welt section, transitioning to 3¾ mm (US 5) needles for the main body of the jacket.

About Rowan Pure Alpaca

Rowan Pure Alpaca is a luxuriously soft yarn spun from 100% alpaca fibre, known for its exceptional warmth, natural lustre, and gentle drape. Alpaca is a popular choice for garments worn close to the body, as it is naturally hypoallergenic and softer than