Beginner's Jacket

Name: Beginner's Jacket
Brand: PetiteKnit
SKU: T0026-en
Price: 14.7 NZD
Availability: InStock

$14.70 - $14.70

$14.70

$14.70 - $14.70

$14.70

Availability:

2+ in stock, ready to be shipped

The Beginner's Jacket byPetiteKnit is the sweetest, squishiest little button-up cardigan designed especially with newer knitters in mind. Worked entirely in cozy garter stitch from the top down, it’s a relaxed, straightforward project that creates a timeless, durable everyday layer for babies and young kids—without any complicated stitch patterns to keep track of.

Please note: This is a knitting pattern only. Yarn, needles, buttons, and extra notions must be purchased separately.

Pattern Overview

Skill Level: 1 out of 5 (Beginner)
Size Range: 0–3 months to 7–8 years
Construction: You’ll knit this jacket back and forth in garter stitch from the top down using a single circular needle. You start by shaping the yoke, then move straight down into the body. Next, you’ll work the sleeves flat back and forth before neatly seaming them along the underside, sewing on your buttons, and weaving in the yarn ends.

Sizing & Fit Guide

This jacket is designed with plenty of comfy room for layering over onesies, tees, and dresses. Before you cast on, measure the child’s chest circumference (or compare against a well-fitting cardigan they already own) to choose the right size from the table below.

Size	Finished Bust Circumference (cm)	Length Mid Front (cm)	Buttons Required
0–3 months	50	22	6
3–6 months	52	25	6
6–9 months	56	26	7
9–12 months	58	29	7
12–18 months	60	29	7
18–24 months	62	32	7
2–3 years	66	32	7
3–4 years	68	34	8
4–5 years	70	37	8
5–6 years	72	37	8
6–7 years	74	41	8
7–8 years	76	44	8

(Note: Length is measured down the centre front.)

Gauge & Suggested Tools

Gauge: 23 sts x 46 rows = 10 x 10 cm in garter stitch on 4 mm needles.
Circular Needles: 4 mm (80 cm length) — used to work the entire jacket back and forth.
Notions: 6 to 8 buttons depending on size (13–15 mm diameter), plus a darning needle for seaming the underarms and weaving in ends.

Yarn & Materials Chart

This cardigan is knitted using a single strand of DK / 8-ply wool (approx. 108 m per 50 g) or a slightly lighter sport / 5-ply wool (approx. 175 m per 50 g), depending on the drape and density you prefer.

Size	DK Weight (g)	DK Estimated Meters	Sport Weight (g)	Sport Estimated Meters
0–3 months	200 g	432 m	150 g	525 m
3–6 months	200 g	432 m	150 g	525 m
6–9 months	200 g	432 m	150 g	525 m
9–12 months	250 g	540 m	200 g	700 m
12–18 months	300 g	648 m	200 g	700 m
18–24 months	300 g	648 m	200–250 g	700–875 m
2–3 years	300 g	648 m	250 g	875 m
3–4 years	350 g	756 m	250 g	875 m
4–5 years	350 g	756 m	300 g	1,050 m
5–6 years	400 g	864 m	300 g	1,050 m
6–7 years	450 g	972 m	300 g	1,050 m
7–8 years	450 g	972 m	350 g	1,225 m

Note: Meter figures are calculated directly from the pattern’s recommended yarn weights (based on 108 m per 50 g for DK weight and 175 m per 50 g for sport weight) and represent designer estimates rather than exact consumption. Always buy full balls and consider grabbing an extra ball if you plan to swatch generously or add extra length for growing room.

Crucial Swatching Tip

Even though this is a beginner-friendly knit, taking a little time to knit, wash, and block a garter stitch swatch before casting on makes all the difference! Hitting that 23-stitch by 46-row gauge ensures the jacket turns out true to size and gives the fabric that lovely, squishy bounce. If your swatch comes out too tight or too loose, simply go up or down a needle size until it matches.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this a good first garment project? Yes! Rated 1 out of 5 in difficulty, it uses simple garter stitch worked flat back and forth on one circular needle—no knitting in the round or complicated shaping required.
Do I need double-pointed needles for the sleeves? Not at all. The sleeves are knitted flat back and forth just like the body, and then neatly sewn together along the underside at the very end.
Can I easily add extra length to the body or sleeves? Definitely! Because it’s worked from the top down, you can easily knit a few extra garter ridges before casting off to give little ones extra growing room—just keep an extra ball of yarn handy if you plan to lengthen it.