My First Denim Jacket

My First Denim Jacket by Margot Taylor

What is Being Made

My First Denim Jacket is a knitted cardigan-style jacket designed for babies and young children, available in three sizes: 3 months, 6 months, and 9 months. This downloadable knitting pattern creates a structured, wearable garment with a classic denim-inspired aesthetic, featuring button closures and a tailored fit suitable for layering over everyday clothing.

Craft and Techniques

This project uses knitting as the primary craft method. The pattern employs fundamental knitting techniques appropriate for an intermediate skill level, including casting on, basic stitch work, shaping through strategic decreases, and finishing with button bands. The construction method involves working the back and front pieces separately before assembly, a standard approach in garment knitting that allows for precise fit and professional results.

Stitches Used

• Garter Stitch: Created by knitting every row, used for the initial ribbed texture and edge details
• Ribbed Stitch: A 2x2 rib pattern (K2, P2 repeat) worked over multiple rows to create elasticity and structure at the jacket edges
• Stockinette Stitch: The primary fabric stitch formed by alternating knit rows and purl rows, creating the smooth, classic denim-like appearance of the main jacket body
• Knit and Purl combinations: Strategic placement of purl stitches within knit rows to create textural interest and definition in the garment design

Materials and Tools

This pattern requires Bendigo Woollen Mills Classic 8ply Knitting Wool in a DK (double knit) weight yarn. One 200g ball of yarn is needed for the main color. Knitters will need 4.00mm needles for the main fabric work, and a tapestry needle for weaving in ends and seaming pieces together. The pattern calls for 7 buttons for the front closure, making button selection an important finishing detail.

Tension and Fit

The pattern specifies a tension of 22 stitches over 10 centimeters on 4.00mm needles. Achieving correct tension is essential for proper garment sizing and fit, particularly in a baby garment where accurate measurements ensure comfort and wearability across the three size options.

Pattern Structure

The jacket construction begins with the back piece, cast on to the appropriate stitch count for the chosen size. The pattern incorporates garter stitch edging, transitions to ribbed texture for visual interest, and then establishes the main stockinette stitch body. Armhole shaping is achieved through strategic cast-offs at the beginning of rows, and the pattern includes provisions for neckline shaping and button band placement, creating a professionally finished cardigan jacket suitable for a first knitting project at the intermediate level.