Cardigan Coat + Vest
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.
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.
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.
If you love the yarn used in this project, you’ll love all of our other yarn, too! Explore our 35+ lovingly created yarn collections, in nearly every natural fiber and spectacular color you can imagine… Only available here at Purl Soho’s online yarn shop!
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
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
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.
- 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
- A Cardigan Coat + Vest Pattern (Please Note: The Cardigan Coat + Vest Pattern is no longer available for purchase. If you would like the original pattern with Women’s sizing, or the version with Child sizing please contact customerservice@purlsoho.com!)
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
Looking for more inspiration? Explore all of our free knitting patterns and knitting tutorials, buy one of our many knitting kits and yarn bundles, and shop for beautiful yarn. We have over 35 gorgeous natural fiber yarns in 100’s of magnificent colors, designed to bring integrity, beauty, and joy to your next knitting project and only available at Purl Soho!
I love this pattern, I want this patter, I need this pattern! I'm in the UK, where can i get hold of some of your georgus yarn?
Lovely. But is there a photo of the vest somewhere?
Wow! Another stunning design! Thanks for sharing!
Simply wonderful!!
Hi Debbie.
You can get this yarn right here (click below):
https://www.purlsoho.com/purl/products/item/9239-Purl-Soho-Worsted-Twist
You can get this pattern right here (click below):
https://www.purlsoho.com/purl/products/item/9245
Thanks for your interest and kind words!
Laura
Hi Karen,
I am working on completing a vest… stay tuned!
Laura
My heart stopped when I saw this pattern. I sew, but now I need to learn to knit. Beautiful.
Wow What does the vest look like?
I'm seam averse. Can you tell me if this pattern is seamless – or close to it?
Do you have the pattern available by pdf? ..I already have the yarn, and I didn't want to pay shipping just for the pattern.
Hi bb,
We will get a picture of the vest up as soon as we can!
Thanks for the interest.
Laura
Hi MB,
The body is knit bottom up, then you divide for the Front Right, Back, and Front Left. You work these three sections separately. After that, the shoulders have to be seamed (we suggest 3-needle bo or kitchener, but you can sew them too). You work across the Front Right, Back and Front Left for the Collar. To do the sleeves, you pick up from the shoulder and knit down. So…. very few seams to deal with!
Hope this helps.
Laura
Hi Alison-
Unfortunately we don't have the capability to sell PDFs right now but if you just need the pattern we charge a reduced shipping rate. You can email customerservice AT purlsoho DOT com to arrange it.
Thank you!
Molly
What is the gauge for this sweater?
You gals!! Posting two amazing sweaters right in a row. I've got my work cut out for me 🙂
Thanks so much for the beautiful patterns!
Beautiful sweater! I'm wondering what is the length for Women's Large size? (I usually have to lengthen and buy more yarn, so it helps to know the intended length.) Thanks!
Looking forward to seeing the vest. 🙂
Hi Deborah,
For Women's XS (Small, Medium, Large, XL), the length from shoulder to bottom edge measures 21 1/4 (22, 22, 23 1/4, 24) inches.
Thanks for the interest, Deborah, and I will get that vest done ASAP.
Laura
It's easy to post PDFs with Ravelry's downloading service! You should do that. Everyone else does.
Will you guys sell PDF patterns any time soon? I live in Australia and I don't want to pay for shipping just for a pattern, but your patterns are just so lovely!!
Is there a picture of the vest on the pattern. I don't mind buying it i there is a photo. I really want to make a vest as I know I would wear it a lot.
Preciosa! Me encanta, esta es la chaqueta que voy a tejer. Gracias por tus ideas, todas dan ganas de hacer.
I really need this sweater in my life! Simply beautiful!
Gorgeous sweater! When you give the chest sizes does that mean bust size or something else? Also, what is the gauge for the sweater?
Thanks!
No instructions attached. Please send. Thank you.
What a gorgeous cardigan – I love it.
My Dutch grandmother taught me how to knit, which means I stick the left needle under my armpit and then move the right needle, so unfortunately I can't knit with circular needles. I have tried many a time, but with no success!
What a shame!!
I love this! I love everything you guys create… I'm another one who'd rather make the vest though so I'll wait to see that. It does seem a bit funny that PDFs aren't available yet from purl soho…
Thanks for the info, Laura – that's helpful! I really, really like this sweater.
Hi Penny-
We don't have a picture of it on a person at the moment but we will try to put one on Instagram in the near future:
http://instagram.com/purlsoho
Thank you!
Molly
Hi Nancy-
This pattern is available for sale here: https://www.purlsoho.com/purl/products/item/9245
Thank you for getting in touch!
Molly
do you have the pattern for sale in the store…then i would not have to pay shipping…..
thank you for letting me know…
robin
Hi Robin-
Yes, we do have it for sale at the store.
Thanks for getting in touch!
Molly
Kate,
I learned to knit 'stitching in the pit' as well. My grandmother was Italian and knit like your grandmother.
This piece is knit flat, back and forth. The sleeves are knit in the round, but you could use double points, just knit them flat and seam them up.
Hopefully soon, we will put out a video on knitting in the round. Maybe it will clear up some of your questions about it!
Thanks for writing in.
Laura
Hi Candace.
The gauge is 4.5 stitches = 1 inch. I added it to the post above too so it's easier to find!
The chest circumference measurement is around the body just under that armpits, so yes, for women… this is across the bust.
The fit of the piece is more coat than sweater-like with a +2 to +4 ease.
Thanks for writing in!
Laura
Quick question to clarify ease on this one: It says "ease" is +2-+4 inches … does that mean if I choose to knit a women's size small with chest circumference of 37 3/4 inches, the actual chest measurement of the finished garment will be 39 3/4 – 41 3/4 in circumference? Thanks for clarifying!
Do your patterns come as pdfs?
Hi Lou Lou-
The don't currently but we are working on it!
Thank you for asking about this, we hope to have them available soon.
Molly
Hi Michelle O.
Happy to clarify!
The dimensions listed are the FINISHED dimensions, meaning that is what the piece will measure when you've completed it.
Saying the garment has an ease of +2 to +4 is just to explain how tightly or loosely it is meant to be warn. The +2 to +4 explains why the Small would have such a generous finished dimension of 37 3/4… because there are inches already added in.
I re-worded that section a bit. I hope it is more clear now.
Thanks.
Laura
I'd knit this in a heartbeat if it were bigger….
LOVE this pattern. I've ordered and received it and plan to make it with Madelinetosh Tosh Vintage. Two of them actually. One in glazed pecan, the other in lowlands colorways.
Since this is a superwash wool, would i machine wash and dry to block it. Superwash stretches so much when wet that i don't want to mess it up. I'm always nervous blocking a project with yarn i've never used before.
Thank you for all the lovely patterns!
Ok. I'm working through this lovely pattern and I'm having a moment. Under the FRONT LEFT directions, after the first paragraph, is that supposed to say 'Work the Front RIGHT stitches in garter for X inches, ending with a wrong side row.'? Shouldn't it be Front LEFT stitches? Thank you!!
Knitymama,
YES! You are absolutely right.
We will get this corrected.
Thank you.
Laura
Thank you for your response! I worked through it and the coat is coming out beautiful! Thanks again!
-Jenna
I absolutely love this sweater but I'm a very beginner knitter. how would you rate the difficulty of this pattern? is there a photo of the vest yet? thanks!
Hello Eva,
This sweater is quite easy. I would classify it as Advanced-Beginner except for the fact that there are short rows in the larger sizes (for shoulder shaping) which bumps it up to Intermediate.
It does involve a yarn over to make button holes as well as picking up stitches to knit down from the shoulders to make sleeves. But really, this pattern is quite manageable. Especially if you have a knitter friend of a local yarn store with helpful people. PLUS… we are always here to help you along.
Laura
Can you suggest another one of your yarns I could substitute for the worsted twist? The available colors for the worsted twist are a bit bright for me.
Hi Brigitte,
I am happy to give you some other suggestions.
Bleu Sky's Hand Dyed Worsted: https://www.purlsoho.com/purl/products/item/711-Blue-Sky-Worsted-Hand-Dyes
Cascade's Eco Cloud: https://www.purlsoho.com/purl/products/item/8065-Cascade-Yarns-Eco-Cloud
Jade Sapphire's 8 Ply Cashmere: https://www.purlsoho.com/purl/products/item/819-Jade-Sapphire-8-ply-Cashmere
Swan's Island's Worsted: https://www.purlsoho.com/purl/products/item/6280-Swans-Island-Worsted
These are hand spun or hand spun-looking…
Madeline Tosh's Tosh Merino (spun irregularly for a hand-spun look): https://www.purlsoho.com/purl/products/item/8234-Madelinetosh-Tosh-Merino
Manos' Maxima: https://www.purlsoho.com/purl/products/item/7529-Manos-Del-Uruguay-Maxima
Let me know if you have any questions on these suggestions.
Laura
I have this pattern and have been trying to decide between making the sweater or vest. Do you have a photo of the vest to show us yet?
Thanks,
Laura
Hi Laura,
I am so sorry, we do not yet have an image of the vest. I will see about someone knitting one up, perhaps over the holidays.
Thank you so much for your interest. As soon as we have an image of it, we will post it on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and Ravelry.
Thanks,
Laura
hi!
is there a picture of the vest posted somewhere? thanks!
Andrea
HI Andrea-
We don't have a photo of the vest yet but we are working on it and will post it on Facebook and Instagram when it's done.
Thanks for getting in touch!
Molly
Tosh Merino isn't handspun, it has a 'handspun look'. Sorry to knit pick, but this is how knitting rumors get started! Gorgeous pattern, from one Italian pit knitter to another.
Is there any pay pal options on your check out list please
I checked out but only found credit card details.
Please come back to me by I really wanted this pattern soon.
Many thanks.
Ria!
Thank you. I am going to go back into that comment and edit it right now. I appreciate you taking the time to write in to us. We definitely want to be accurate (and avoid spreading roomers).
Grazie.
Laura
Hi Margaret-
We don't currently take Paypal. Sorry! If it would make you more comfortable to be checked out over the phone instead of online please give us a call: 800-597-PURL
Thank you!
Molly
Laura
Glanced at this coat the other day and decided to come back for another look. A superlative piece of work !!!! Clean, simple lines with what I call stitch interest that isn't too busy. I am a tall gal with generous curves,,, thinking this design will be figure flattering. Plan to use some cream colored wool and wooden buttons for the final touch. Kudos to you for your immense creatively and thanks so much for sharing this with us. SMILE
Helen
A fan in the Peach State
Hello,
I'm currently working on this wonderful jacket and I have one question about shaping of the neck on the BACK-section. I may misunderstand the pattern, because I end up with the neck -part built upwords in the middle (which is the opposite of what is usual for sweaters/jackets). Is that correct for this jacket?
Thank you
Kiwikow
Hi Kiwikow,
Wonderful question! These few short rows at the center of the back are to bring the back of the collar up, taller than the front, for extra warmth of course and also to give a nice line as the collar comes around the neck to the front. There aren't many short rows. Obviously, feel free to omit them if you'd like. I'm always curious how people decide to modify patterns to make them their own. I do hope you enjoy the pattern and please let us know if you have any questions.
Laura
Hallo Laura,
thank you for the instruction! I just had to ask to be sure 🙂 I want it exactly as in the original pattern, no modifications.
I'm really enjoying making this jacket and I'm looking forward to wearing it.
Thank you so much!
Kiwikow
Tienen un maravilloso blog todo lo que ponen es interesante me gusta este chaqueta gris ….pero seria posible que pongan traductor…el ingles no lo entiende o crean otra pagina en ESPAOL.
Muchas gracias.
Hola Lucy-
Desafortunadamente no hablamos espaol lo suficientemente bien como para tener traducciones aqu. Tal vez usted podra tratar de usar Google Translate para comprender nuestros patrones? Lo sentimos, no podemos ser de ms ayuda.
Molly
When do you plan on having PayPal for downloads? C'mon, get with it, go digital! Who actually mails stuff out anymore?
Love, Grandma
Hi Kate-
All our Purl Soho patterns are currently available as downloads as well as hard copies but we hear you on the PayPal front and are planning to add that option very shortly!
Thanks for getting in touch!
Molly
Hi Laura,
Love the pattern, and just started making it! Any suggestions on how to make the buttonholes a bit larger? I wanted to use buttons that were either 1 inch or 1 3/8 inches. Do you think there’s a enough stretch in the yarn (I’m using the worsted twist) that one yarn-over will give ma button hole big enough to fit the larger button, or do I some how need to make a large button hole? Thanks!!
Hi Elsa.
Oh how I wish our buttonhole tutorial list was more robust. I hate to send you to another site, but I find this post (link below) extremely informative in regards to buttonholes. Please let me know what you think and which method you end up going with! I’m curious to hear your thoughts. As with all things in knitting there are so many techniques and of course certain ones work better with certain stitch patterns or yarns, but I am sure there is something that will work for you here:
http://www.vogueknitting.com/pattern_help/how-to/beyond_the_basics/buttonholes.aspx
Thanks for writing in.
Best,
Laura
Hello, in regards to buttonholes on this jacket. Why do you slip the first stitch knitwise? Well actually, why do you slip the stitch at all? What do you with the stitch when you come back to the stitch?
Thanks,
Gina
By the way I’ve loved this jacket forever and I’m finally making something for myself and this is it! thanks Purl Bee/Soho. 🙂
Hello Gina,
Thank you for reaching out and for your kind words! We slip the first stitch of each row along the button and buttonhole bands knitwise to create a clean straight edge. When you are knitting back across your row, you just knit the slipped stitch from the previous row as you normally would with any stitch.
I hope this helps and happy knitting!
-Marilla
I am making the coat version. I am on the first front part and am confused on the 15-18 short rows. For rows 15 and 17 do I turn at the same stitch i did on row 13? Seems like a lot of wraps on the same stitch.
Hi Ann.
Yes, for Rows 15 and 17, you turn at the same stitch as you did for Row 13. In Row 13, after working the stitches, please note that it says “…do not wrap, turn.”
Does not wrapping that stitch help? You are right, that would be a lot of wraps on the same stitch.
Please let me know if you have any questions.
Best,
Laura
Thanks, Laura! I ended up just doing the standard YO button-hole in the pattern… I tested a few button-hole options, and it turns out there was a enough give in the yarn to fit the larger buttons into the little button hole!
I do have one more question… I’ve gotten to the part where I’ve just finished all my short row shaping for the Front Left, and am ready to move on to the Front Right…. Am I correct to assume I need to cut the yarn from the Front Left in order to then join the yarn to the Front Right? (The last instruction in the pattern’s Front Right section is to cut the yarn, but there’s no similar last instruction in the Front Left section.)
Hi Elsa,
I like the standard YO buttonhole option! Glad it worked out.
As for the finishing Front Left. You are correct. You should cut the yarn in order to join it to the Front Right. Thanks for pointing out this discrepancy! We’ll get that sorted out.
Laura
I love this cardigan and am really looking forward to knitting it. I do, however, have a question. If I were to add a hood (because it would be a gift for my mother who adores hooded sweaters), would it be best to shorten the neck on the pattern to avoid a turtle-esque result?
Any suggestions you have would be more than welcome. Thank you for your amazing blog! I’m a huge fan!
Hi Jo Jo!
I think the easiest way to make this into a hood is to continue the neck directions further (making the neck become the hood). When it is as long as you’d like the hood to be, I would simply fold the stitches in half, and do a three-needle bind-off or kitchener the two halves together.
Happy Knitting.
Thomas
Hello. I am finishing up this charming sweater. My pattern says to gently block. What does that mean? I generally like to ‘wet block’ (wash, then shape the garment). Would that be ok? Thanks for your help. Sally
Hi Sally-
Yes wet blocking should work as long as you are washing it gently by hand.
Thanks for your question!
Molly
I am working on this Cardigan. I am using two colors, the garter stitch for the sleeve cap is one color, and the body of the sleeve or stockinette stitch is another. My question is, ‘how many inches are knit for the garter portion (cap) of the sleeve? I may be reading them incorrectly, but this portion of the directions does not seem to distinguish the difference for me. Thanks you very much for your time and consideration.
Hi Deborah.
This cardigan is a drop shoulder. So there is no sleeve cap shaping. The fabric covering the shoulder is from the width of the body of the garment. It is wide enough that it falls off the edge of the shoulder. Then when you join the armholes to make sleeves, you jump right into stockinette. There is no garter stitch at the join at all.
I do hope this answers your question. Please let me know if I’ve misunderstood or if you have any additional questions!
Thanks!
Laura
I am starting the sleeve, using a 16″ circular needle. The Top of the sleeve should look like the bottom of the front and back, and top. However, when I knit each row for garter stitch it gives a stockinette appearance. How should I remedy this?
Hi Deborah.
It sound like you’re right on track!
When you pick up for the sleeve, you’ll be knitting each round, resulting in stockinette stitch. You’ll continue in stockinette stitch until the last few inches of the sleeve at which point you’ll alternate knitting a round and purling a round, making garter stitch.
Please let me know if you have any questions.
Laura
I am having some confusion too. Can you please correct the instructions for future knitters.
Thank you
Y
Hello!
Thank you for leaving your comment! The sleeves are worked in the round in stockinette stitch (flat fabric with V shaped stitches on one side and purl bumps on the other side), until the end of the sleeve is knit in garter stitch (ridges or bumpy looking fabric on both sides). This is indicated in the pattern by knitting every round for stockinette stitch, and alternating purl and knit rounds for garter stitch in the round. If you would like us to help clarify anything else, please let us know and we would be happy to help!
All the best,
Margaret
Fabulous!
Thank you.
I’m looking at the sweater for the first time…how would you rate the this, between eastpy to difficult? I’m only knitting for a year and have knitted a couple of apseaters & a vest. Thank you
Hey Meryl.
It’s not difficult! I would call this an advanced beginner pattern I think. The front of the neck as well as the back shoulders are shaped using short rows. That’s really the only technique used here that is maybe something you haven’t done. The nice thing though is that the short rows are in garter stitch, so you don’t have to pick up the “wrap” which is kind of the fussiest part of short rows. Below is a link to a tutorial for short rows and the pattern also has very detailed instructions. Let me know if you have any questions!
Laura
https://www.purlsoho.com/create/2008/06/18/short-rows/
Hi,
I am very much interested in making this sweater. I am wondering a few things. Does the pattern include petite sizes? I fear the sleeves will be a bit too long for me. If it doesn’t would you be able to suggest changes to the pattern? Second – I’ve heard the alpaca yarn has a lot of give to it and may be prone to stretching. Have you had a similar experience?
Thanks so much!
Dawn
Hi Dawn.
Thanks for your interest in this pattern!
First, about the alpaca, we really only recommend it for kids sizes. It is a heavy fiber and we found that it stretches too much in the adult sizes. I would recommend sticking with the Worsted Twist (or another worsted weight wool)!
The pattern does not have petite sizes… but fortunately, it’s incredibly easy to modify. I suggest working one fewer round between each decrease round on the sleeves. Or if you want to shorten it, but not by a ton, work one less round between every other decrease round. By the time you work the sleeves you will have already worked the entire body of the coat and will by well acquainted with your row gauge!
Plus, we’re always here to help.
Let me know how it goes and/or if you have any questions!
Thanks for writing in.
Laura
Thank you Laura. I really appreciate it.
My mistake on the yarn. I thought it called for alpaca but now see I was wrong.
I am going to place my order now!!
Dawn
Hi Laura,
Hopefully a quick question. I just started on the front left. I am making a woman’s small. I knitted and slipped the first 44 stitches. When I read the pattern it says to knit 8 and slip. My question is why are there less stitches to knit and slip then the children sizes. The pattern doesn’t make sense to me.
Thanks for your help.
Dawn
Hi Dawn.
I understand your concern. Sometimes the numbers just don’t look right. The math of body proportions is quite strange and sometime seemingly mysterious. This specific portion of the pattern has to do with side body and shoulder widths. I assure you that this pattern has been edited and graded by two separate technical editors and while the numbers may look wrong, they are not. Our tech editors take into account dozens of measurements for each individual size. If it helps you feel any better, the size you’re making is the same size as the sample shown here in this post.
Please let me know if you have any questions!
Best,
Laura
Hi Laura,
Thank you for the reply. I just needed to double check for my own sanity before I moved forward. Being a beginner knitter I wasn’t so sure of myself.
Dawn
Happy to help!
Holler if you have any other questions.
Best,
Laura
Is there any easy way to knit this in a larger size? 2X or 3X? I haven’t ‘altered’ a pattern before, but really, really love this vest/sweater. You have some ‘Rubenesque’ gals who love to knit for themselves too! I love Purl Bee’s knitting patterns, but can rarely make them for myself due to the lack of plus size options. Thank you!
Hi Robin.
Thanks so much for your interest in this pattern. Unfortunately, at this time, we only have this pattern written in the listed sizes.
I think the vest would be fairly simple to modify (figure out your gauge and desired circumference and that’s most of it), but if you’re planning to do the full sweater, it may be a bit more complicated. The drop of the drop shoulder would come unflatteringly far down the upper arm unless there was some shaping that happens after the armhole to bring width in to more proportionately match your shoulder width, then you may need to do some short rows once you pick up at the underarm, before working down the sleeve.
One really easy way to modify the vest pattern would be to work it as written, but in a thicker yarn. Always a fun (and more mindless, less math-y) trick.
Let me know how it goes and if you have questions along the way!
Thanks again for writing in.
Laura
A question- I love this pattern. when knitting the Front Right it says “Pick up two stitches one between each of the previous two garter ridges. This is not like the left front and I am not sure why we are told to do this. Your help would be appreciated.
Hi Maureen.
I’m so glad you like the pattern!
You pick up these Front Right stitches for later when it’s time to work the Collar. Once you get to the Collar section you will pick up the corresponding left stitches. They are done in different sections due to the placement of the needles at the time. It’s more convenient to pick up the right ones in the Front Right section, while it’s easier to pick up the left ones in the Collar section, again, because of the placement of the needles.
Hopefully once you get to that point in the pattern it will be more clear.
Please do not hesitate to write us with any additional questions!
Thanks for writing in.
Laura
Please send me your catalogue and patterns
Hi Matseliso.
Thank you for your interest in our work!
The free patterns are all found here on this site.
Our paid patterns are available for purchase at this link: https://www.purlsoho.com/purl/products/115-purl-products-purl-patterns
If you’re interested in signing up for our newsletter, please visit: https://www.purlsoho.com/create/join-our-mailing-list/
Thanks again for writing in!
Best,
Laura
I have a question: When I knit the sleeves starting with k2g and then going all the way around and ssk last 2 before the stitch marker it ends up looking like the ssk is 1 row above the k2g, rather than looking like they are right next to each other like they do in other sleeves, hats, etc. Is this on purpose? Or am I doing something wrong?
Thank you!
Maggie
Hi Maggie.
This is a great question you bring up! You aren’t doing a thing wrong. When you work in the round you’re making very small spirals. The last stitch of a round and the first stitch of the round oftentimes don’t perfectly align. The thinner the yarn the more subtle these spirals are, but when the yarn is thicker, like with this worsted/aran weight yarn, the spirals become more pronounced. This is why the end-of-round is often placed or hidden at the sides of sweaters of the underside of a sleeve.
If you want your ssk to look more in line with your k2tog, you could work the ssk in the round before your k2tog… this way they’ll look more aligned, even though technically they are on different rounds.
The pattern is written with them in the same round so it’s easier to follow and one less line of pattern to keep track of for the reader.
I hope this answers your question. Please don’t hesitate to write us back!
Thanks.
Laura
I have started knitting this lovely jacket but sadlynow find I have misunderstood the sizing list and will have to undo my 8 inches of work and start again – DURR! There are so many sizes given in a string – inluding all the children’s sizes – that I have managed to miscount! I wonder if it would make it easier to read the pattern if the kids’ sizes were kept separate? Just a thought!
Hello Marion!
Thank you for the suggestion! We will definitely keep it in mind for our future patterns. As I work through complex patterns with many different sizes like this, I usually go through the pattern first and highlight all the pertinent instructions for my size. That way you can know which counts apply to you with only a quick glance!
Happy knitting! -Alyson
Hall, I wantbuy the pattern of the pearl soho cardigan coat and west. It’s unfortunatly not available on your site. Please let me know, how I can get this now.
Yours sencerely
Ortrud Friedrich
Hello Ortrud!
Thank you for your interest in our patterns! It does seem like some of our links are still not working! The pattern is still very much available here: https://www.purlsoho.com/purl-soho-goods/purl-soho-patterns/purl-soho-cardigan-coat-vest-pattern.html
Let us know if you have any issues! Best of luck! -Alyson
I am trying to download the pattern for the Purl Soho Cardigan Coat but have not been successful. Can you give me any guidance? Thanks, Cindy
Hello Cynthia!
We’re so sorry you’re having trouble! Have you checked the downloads folder on your hard drive? Occasionally it appears there unannounced! If you are still having issues, feel free to email customerservice AT purlsoho DOT com and we can rectify the issue!
Enjoy the pattern! -Alyson
Hello,
I’m working the front right section of this pattern. I’m so confused as to where I have to pick up the 2 stitches between the previous two garter ridges. It’s not obvious to me when I’m looking at the work. Am I picking up stitches from two different rows? The ones that we did not wrap but just turned? Are they just going onto the right needle without doing anything to them? Thanks so much!
Sarah
Hi Sarah,
I’m glad you wrote in.
To pick up the stitches you’ll want to insert the tip of the left needle into the fabric from front going through to the back, wrap your working yarn around your needle as if to knit normally and use the needle to pull the working yarn back through the fabric. As far as where to pick up those stitches… I recommend picking up stitches between the edge stitch and the next stitch in. And yes, you’ll want to pick insert your needle into two different spots to pick up the two stitches, otherwise the pattern would specify to pick up two stitches in the same stitch).
This is a tricky thing to explain in a comment box, so please do not hesitate to write us back with more questions!
Thanks for writing in.
Laura
I love the clean lines of this jacket and am itching to have a knitting project for the winter. I’m wondering if the collar is designed to wear buttoned up all the way as you show it in the picture, or can it be worn unbuttoned to form a type of sailor collar- which I would love.
Hi Sharon.
Great question! You can wear it buttoned up or unbottoned which does form that kind-of sailor collar you describe.
Thanks for writing in.
Laura
This is my first bottom up cardigan and I’m confused about what to do after I finish the Front Left section. Am I supposed to cut the yarn even though it only says this at the end of the Front Right section, but not the Front Left?
Hi Catherine,
Thank you for catching this! I’m so sorry that this part of the pattern is confusing. Yes, you will have to cut the yarn after the front left section. Best of luck on the rest of the project!
-Adam
Great sweater! I’d like to make it, but wonder if I could adjust the pattern to make it blockier. The photo makes it look sort of tubular, and it doesn’t indicate (unless I didn’t see it) where it falls relative to hips. I’d like it blocky and hittig mid-hip. Thoughts?
Hi Mary Jo,
Thanks for the kind comment! This sweater hits around the hip bone to the high hip depending on the person. You can certainly buy two more skeins than the size you want to make the sweater longer. Also, it might be a good idea to do a size up to make it boxier. Thanks again for writing in and I hope that you’ll knit this pattern!
-Adam
Do you have any photos of this coat with the neck unbuttoned ? I’d like to see how that lays as a collar. Thank you.
Hi Rebecca,
Great question! We do not currently have a photo of this cardigan with the collar unbuttoned. However, there are a few images on Ravelry that knitters have taken with the collar down. We will certainly consider your request for the future and thanks again!
Best,
Cassy
Hi just,
Just gauged my yarn and needle. Super excited to start mine. I need help in deciding on size as the pattern states 6 ins ease. this sounds very loose. I would like it to be tidy but certainly not tight.
I measure exactly for 42. Should I knit it in 42 or should I go down a size?
Thank you
Linda
Hi Linda,
I would recommend you knit this pattern with 2″-4″ of positive ease. I think the 46 1/4 size would be best if you measure 42″.
Happy knitting!
Carly
This jacket looks lovely but I’m wondering if tggere is a way to shape the waist a bit?
Thank you,
Gwen
Hello Gwen,
Thanks for writing in! I would suggest experimenting with adding in some decreases and increase at the waist. It might take a bit of trial and error but shouldn’t be to complex. I hope this helps!
Warmly,
Marilla
I have made two of these in the vest version, with worsted twist, for my kids and I’d like to make a third but both times I’ve run into the same problem and I’d like to try and figure out where I’ve gone wrong… I thought maybe you could help? When I knit the first row of the collar, the junction isn’t as tidy as a standard garter stitch and I have a little hole on both the front left and front right where I turn without wrapping. Do you have any idea what I am doing wrong? While waiting for an answer, I ripped out the collar of one of the vests and redid it again and have run into the same problem – the little holes next to the repeated wrapped and unwrapped stitches, and an untidy junction after adding the collar. Any help or input would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you so much in advance!
Hi Pastille,
Thanks for writing in! I am sorry to hear that you are having difficulties. It sounds like perhaps you are pulling a bit tight on the wraps when you are executing them. The little bit extra pull can cause tiny holes. If the holes are small enough, I tend to weave in some additional yarn on the backside of the work. If the holes are larger, I would rip back and knit them again, being mindful to wrap a bit looser than you were initially.
I hope that this helps and happy knitting!
Cassy
Hi Cassy, thank you for your suggestion. I ripped it out again for the right and left fronts to see if it would help to wrap more loosely. I have done 16 of the 18 short rows and there is already a little hole forming. This is more from the turns without the wraps because the active knitting is much higher than the part that has been shaped. I don’t see how it is possible to not have the hole when there are so many extra knitted rows because of the edge that forms – is there something I am not understanding? I have knit many of Purl Soho’s sweaters, and have a lot of experience with short rows, I have never come across this before so I am a bit miffed. I am considering stopping at 16 rows to avoid a bigger hole but I would love to understand where the problem lies. Your feedback would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!
Hi Pastille,
Thanks for writing back! It would be really helpful to see and image of the issue that is occurring. I think that I may be able to give you a better answer by taking a look. Can you send an image or several showing the problem to [email protected]? I’d be happy to try to work out some help for you!
Best,
Cassy
How does this look with the top button unbuttoned and the collar opened? Is there a photo anywhere? Thanks!
Hi Susan,
Great question! While we don’t have a picture we can share, if you check the projects on Ravelry, you will find quite a few pictures showing the cardigan worn with the top unbuttoned. The collar points fall open quite nicely and mostly look like a regular collar!
I hope that helps!
Julianna
I am wondering if anyone has added pockets to this fabulous sweater. If so, how far up from the cast on edge would you suggest? I can figure out the rest. Thank you.
Hi and thanks for writing in! We haven’t seen any versions of this coat or vest with pockets, but it sounds like a wonderful idea! I would plan on having the bottom of the pockets even with the top of the garter stitch border, so where to start depends on your pocket method. If you plan to knit the pocket as a flap to sew down later, I would knit the flap or put stitches on hold immediately after finishing the garter stitch, or if you are planning on adding an afterthought pocket, I would insert a line of waste yarn about 4 or 5 inches above the garter stitch to mark the top of the pocket.
I hope that helps, and please do let us know how it turns out!
Julianna
Hi, not sure if you’re not accepting comments anymore on this project since it’s been so long. But I would like to give this a try (my first sweater!) Wondering if this can be made using your Cashmere Merino Bloom. I just impulse bought 6 skeins at your sale. FYI, I’m petite so will need to shorten the body and sleeves of the pattern. I really appreciate your beautiful website, merchandise, and project posts. Thank you.
Christine
Hello Christine,
Thank you for reaching out! Unfortunately, Cashmere Merino Blooms’s gauge is to small for this sweater. I would reccomend checking out our https://www.purlsoho.com/create/2019/03/01/incline-decline-cardigan/, our Classic Crewneck, or Julie Hoover’s Addison .
I hope this makes sense and happy knitting!
-Marilla
Hello! I’d like to make this using Manos Del Uruguay Maxima, which seems to be of similar weight as the Worsted Twist; should I purchase the same number of skeins in the Maxima as I would the Worsted Twist? Also, how difficult would it be elongate the torso of this pattern?
Hi Alexa,
Thanks for reaching out! Yes Maxima is a worsted weight as well so that should work very nicely for this pattern! I do recommend doing a gauge swatch before beginning to insure that you gauge is consistent with the pattern! Depending on what size you are making here are the yardage requirements:
Coat: 656 (656, 820, 984, 1148, 1148, 1312, 1312, 1476, 1640, 1804) Vest: 492 (492, 656, 656, 820, 820, 984, 984, 1148, 1312)
Maxima is 219 yards per skein, for example for the first 2 sizes you would need 3 skeins!
I also think it would be fairly easy to extend the torso of this pattern!
Please feel free to reach out with any more questions you may have and happy knitting!
Gianna
I’d like to knit this cardigan coat in the smallest size for a child but would prefer not to used a worsted wool (because of wool allergy) but something much softer like a rayon from bamboo. As long as I match the gauge, I’m wondering how you feel it would work in such a yarn. Many thanks
Hi Lisa,
Thanks for reaching out! I think this style would look great in a variety of different fibers! Just be sure to keep in mind that depending on the fiber you choose, for example, a Rayon from bamboo will have a bit more drape and silkiness, so that will change the overall look of the coat a bit, so if you like that look I think it would be absolutely lovely!
I hope this helps, happy knitting!
Gianna