Concord Top-Down Swing Coat #101

Concord Top-Down Swing Coat #101 by Sue McCain

Garment Overview

The Concord Top-Down Swing Coat is an intermediate-level knitted jacket designed by Sue McCain. This downloadable PDF pattern provides a sophisticated layering piece that features a swing silhouette, offering a flattering, relaxed fit. The coat is constructed using a top-down knitting method, which allows knitters to try on the garment as they work and easily customize the length. The design includes button closure and is suitable for a wide range of body sizes.

Size Range and Finished Measurements

This pattern accommodates women's sizes from XX-Small through 6X-Large, making it inclusive for diverse body types. The finished bust measurements range from 30.5 inches (XX-Small) to 71.5 inches (6X-Large) when buttoned. The extensive size range includes:

• XX-Small: 30.5" bust
• X-Small through Small: 34.5" to 38.5" bust
• Medium through Large: 42.5" to 46.5" bust
• 1X-Large through 3X-Large: 50.5" to 58.75" bust
• 4X-Large through 6X-Large: 63.25" to 71.5" bust

Knitting Techniques

The Concord Top-Down Swing Coat employs the top-down construction method, a popular technique in modern knitting that begins at the neckline and works downward toward the hem. This approach offers several advantages: knitters can try on the garment during construction to ensure proper fit, easily adjust the body and sleeve length to personal preference, and avoid the need for seaming. The pattern uses circular knitting techniques, which creates seamless fabric and allows for working in the round.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The primary stitch used in this garment is Stockinette Stitch (St st), which creates the smooth, classic knit fabric that forms the body of the coat. This fundamental knit stitch is ideal for showcasing the qualities of the yarn and providing a refined, polished appearance suitable for a tailored jacket.

Yarn and Materials

The Concord Top-Down Swing Coat is designed for light worsted weight yarn, also known as DK weight. The yardage requirements vary by size, ranging from 1475 yards for the smallest size (XX-Small) to 2925 yards for the largest size (6X-Large). The sample garment shown in the pattern was knitted using Naturally Yarns Karamea in color #353, a premium blend consisting of 75% merino wool, 15% alpaca, and 10% possum fiber. This fiber blend provides warmth, softness, and a luxurious hand. The pattern notes that knitters planning to increase the length of the body or sleeves should purchase additional yarn beyond the specified yardage.

Needles and Tools

This pattern requires Size 7 (4.5 mm) circular needles. Specifically, knitters will need one 32-inch circular needle (or longer) for working the body of the coat in the round. For the sleeves, the pattern calls for either a 12-inch circular needle or a set of five size 7 (4.5 mm) double-pointed needles, allowing knitters to choose their preferred method for working small circumferences in the round.

Additional notions required include stitch markers in three different colors to help track pattern repeats and construction sections, waste yarn for holding stitches, two removable markers for marking specific points, and five .75-inch buttons for the front closure.

Gauge

The pattern specifies a gauge of 22 stitches and 30 rows over 4 inches (10 centimeters) in Stockinette Stitch. Achieving the correct gauge is essential for obtaining the finished measurements listed in the pattern. Knitters should knit a gauge swatch before beginning the project to ensure their tension matches the pattern's specifications.

Difficulty Level

Rated as intermediate, the Concord Top-Down Swing Coat is suitable for knitters with some experience. The intermediate difficulty level reflects the techniques involved in top-down construction, circular knitting, and managing multiple stitches on needles, though the primary stitch pattern remains straightforward Stockinette Stitch.