Whether stolen, borrowed or inherited, sporting a garment that once belonged to someone special brings a certain comfort or strength to your day. Maybe it’s because of the smell or the attached sentimentality. Whatever the reason, it’s why kids love to sleep in their dad’s shirts; why women wear the same oversized man’s sweater day in and day out; and it’s why I cherish my grandmother’s old clothes.

Cardigan Coat + Vest | Purl Soho

The Cardigan Coat + Vest was undeniably inspired by this phenomenon. If my grandmother had had this sweater, I would most definitely and most shamelessly have stolen it! This piece is meant to be worn a lot and by many, even by those who aren’t its original owner. Its timeless design makes it an insta-hand-me-down.

Cardigan Coat + Vest | Purl Soho

This simple sweater is knit in Purl Soho’s new Worsted Twist, a yarn-lover’s merino,  classic and hearty, but with an elegant loft and touch. Designing this Coat, I channeled my admiration for Elizabeth Zimmermann to create a modular vibe and a thoughtful construction. I strategically combined stockinette and garter stitches to add a graphic and modern edge to a seemingly vintage cut.

Cardigan Coat + Vest | Purl Soho

You can pick up the Cardigan Coat + Vest Pattern right here! I hope you enjoy knitting this sweater as much as I did, daydreaming all the while of who will wear it after me. I have a feeling it won’t be in my grips for long! -Laura

Update: New Colors!

September 24, 2021

Cardigan Coat + Vest | Purl Soho

Now featured exclusively in Child’s Size 2 through 12, you can knit up the whole Cardigan Coat, or choose to forgo the sleeves and whip up a sweet little Vest instead. Make a bunch of both as the kid in your life grows!

Designed by Purl Soho designer, Laura Ferguson.

Share your progress and connect with the community by tagging your pics with #PurlSoho, #PurlSohoBusyHands, #PurlSohoCardiganCoatAndVest, and #PurlSohoWorstedTwist. We can’t wait to see what you make!

Materials

Cardigan Coat + Vest | Purl Soho

In addition to a Cardigan Coat + Vest pattern, you’ll need…

  • Coat: 4 (4, 5, 6, 7, 7, 8, 8, 9, 10, 11) skeins of Purl Soho’s Worsted Twist. The Cardigan Coat is knit in the color Sea Salt. (NOTE: We no longer offer Worsted Twist, but choose from one of our other worsted/aran weight yarns.)
  • Vest: 3 (3, 3, 4, 4, 5, 5, 6 , 6, 7, 8) skeins of Purl Soho’s Worsted Twist. The Cardigan Vest is knit in the color Oyster Gray.
  • A US 8 (5 mm), 24 or 32-inch circular needle
  • A US 8, 16-inch circular needle (for Collar + Coat sleeves)
  • A US 7 (4.5 mm), 16-inch circular needle (for Collar)
  • A set of US 8, double pointed needles (for Coat sleeves)
  • Stitch markers
  • Stitch holders or scrap yarn
  • 5 (5, 5, 6, 6, 6, 6, 6, 6, 6, 7) 3/4-inch buttons

Gauge

4 1/2 stitches and 6 rows = 1 inch in stockinette stitch, using larger needle

Sizes

NOTE For help picking a size, please check out our Understanding Ease + Selecting Size Tutorial!

Child’s 2 (4, 6, 8, 10, 12, Women’s X-Small, Small, Medium, Large, 1X-Large)

NOTE: The current version of this pattern has been updated to include Child sizing only. If you would like the original pattern with Women’s sizing, please contact customerservice@purlsoho.com, and we’ll send you the previous PDF!

  • Finished Chest Circumference: 25¾ (28, 29¾, 32, 34¼, 36, 36, 37¾, 42¼, 46¼, 50¼) inches, buttoned
  • Finished Length from Shoulder to Bottom Edge: 14 (14¼, 15½, 18, 19, 21, 21¼, 22, 22, 23¼, 24) inches
  • Finished Length from Underarm to Bottom Edge: 8 1/2 (8¾, 9, 11, 12, 13½, 13¾, 14, 13½, 14¼, 15) inches
  • Ease: designed with 2 to 4 inches of ease.

Pattern

Cardigan Coat + Vest | Purl Soho

The Cardigan Coat + Vest pattern for kids is available for purchase as a downloadable PDF.

NOTE: The current version of this pattern has been updated to include Child sizing only. If you would like the original pattern with Women’s sizing, please contact customerservice@purlsoho.com, and we’ll send you the previous PDF!