Grow Like a Weed Jacket
Thanks to a great collection of test knitters - Andrea, Danielle, Erin, Jennie, Mai, Svenja - the Grow Like a Weed Jacket pattern I previewed last fall is now ready!
I hope this heavy sweater will last two winters. It will be a little long the first winter, with sleeves cuffed. The next winter, it should fit as a sweater might, with the sleeves left uncuffed. Both the cabled and the twisted 1×1 ribs have incredible stretch to them and will expand to fit a growing child’s arms and belly.
The garment is knit from the bottom up in the round and then steeked open. The sleeves are knit first and then joined to the body. I largely followed Elizabeth Zimmermann’s saddle shoulder construction for the armhole and shoulder shaping. The text is wordy but it should be clear once you begin the decreases. The neck opening is a bit wider than average and the back neck is shaped by short rows, with the cabled and twisted ribs extending up to form a collar. Rolled edges are knitted on to provide a place for the sewn in zipper.
Those unfamiliar with crochet steeks are encouraged to read Eunny Jang’s definitive steeking tutorial before proceeding. Only feltable wools with plenty of grip should be used for steeking purposes. Neither superwash wools nor plant or synthetic fibers will hold. Although it would be easy to modify the pattern to work back and forth without steeking, the instructions are written for construction in the round.
This pattern is available as a Ravelry download for $5.00.
Difficulty: Advanced
Skills used: knitting in the round, increasing/decreasing, reading a chart, cabling, steeking, picking up stitches, stitching down facings, and hand sewing a zipper
Sizes:
1 yr (2-3 yr, 4-5 yr, 6-7 yr)
Finished Measurements:
Gauge:
21 stitches and 26 rows = 4” in cabled (body) pattern when stretched
24 stitches and 26 rows = 4” in 1×1 rib (sleeve) pattern when stretched
16 stitches and 24 rows = 4” in stockinette
Yarn:
Ram Wools Selkirk (100% wool; 272 yd [249 m]; 4 oz), 2(2, 3, 4) skeins
Needles:
US 8 (5.0mm) circular needle, length appropriate for size
US 8 (5.0 mm) double pointed needles
Materials:
Separating zipper, size as needed
Crochet hook, any size between 3.25 – 4.0 mm will do
Small amount of sport or fingering weight, sticky wool for securing the steeked edge.
tapestry needle
needle and thread
Enjoy!
This is such a practical little jacket. I’ll have to knit one some time soon. The blue version looks great on B! With her little britches she looks very tomboyish
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Luuuuuurve it. Intrigued by how well it works as a unisex design as well. I might have to make one for both my kids
What a wonderful and classic pattern. I don’t think it will ever go out of style. Love it!
what a great pattern! congratulations! i might need to make one for myself now
Okay, just bought the pattern because I’d like to make fall jackets for my kids (always good to think ahead…) and I am curious about your gauge note “when stretched.” I know it’s all subjective with ribbing and cables and the like…but do you stretch a lot? A little? Since you say row gauge is so important, I’d like to know.
It looks wonderful. Is there a chance of knitting it flat without having to do the steeking. I know I should learn to do it but I would be worried about stuffing it up.
Very nice pattern! I have to mark this one for future knitting for the coming baby!
I haven’t tried steeking yet, but when I do, it will be with this pattern – I love it!
Congrats on a great pattern – looks adorable!
I’m so glad to see this! Great, great, great.
Now this is a pattern by a mom for moms! I love the growing sweater concept. Definitely a must-knit! (What yarn to use that’s washable and steekable….?) Maybe superwash will be okay with the crochet method.
Woo hoo!!
such a great pattern, elinor! i’m sure it will be widely received
Love this! I’ll definitely have to knit it for Scout. The cables are just yummy.