Cozy Meets Chic with 6 Free Sweater Coat Knitting Patterns
If you’ve ever dreamed of knitting your own sweater coat, one of these patterns may be just what you’re looking for
“I want a full-length sweater coat. I haven’t knitted one yet, because I haven’t found a pattern for one in a plus size. I mean, a real plus size. Not this ‘size 12 is a 3XL’ nonsense.”
This discontented comment came from a reader named Heidi on Facebook a few years ago, when I asked for folks to let me know what sort of knitting projects were on their “bucket lists.” I wanted to try and help my readers find patterns and procedures that would help them achieve these dreams. 🥰
I particularly enjoyed Heidi’s request because it’s so specific. Not just a sweater coat, but one that includes plus sizes. It gave me helpful parameters as I conducted a Ravelry search.
A Harder Search Than I Thought
My search was a little trickier than I had envisioned, because apparently many knitting designers have a different idea of “coat” or “jacket” than I do. When I think of a coat or a jacket, I think of a warm garment that opens in the front and either zips or buttons. I prefer coats and jackets with hoods.
Although I suppose hoodless coats and jackets keep us knitting hats and scarves. 😆
However, this doesn’t appear to be the industry-standard definition of “coat” or “jacket.” Because when I selected these filters in the Ravelry pattern browser, I got a lot of patterns that were not at all what I imagined!
- Some had short sleeves.
- Some were full of lace.
- Some had no fasteners. Or only a single button. Or worse, only a belt tie!
I even saw one or two patterns that don’t even open in the front! 😱
Sorry. I realize this is my own problem. Onward…
Stylist Sweater Coat Patterns Featuring Plus Sizes
I did eventually find several lovely patterns that fit the bill, and every last one of them also offers plus sizes — most if not all offer sizes up to 2X, and a few also offer 3X.
I don’t think you’ll find any size 12s masquerading as plus sizes here, Heidi!
- What you’ll need to make it: Up to 1650 yards bulky-weight yarn; US Size 10.5 and 11 circular needles and/or DPNs, depending on how you prefer to work in the round; tapestry needle; 6 to 7 1-inch diameter buttons; sewing needle and thread
- Why you’ll want to: This is one of the few patterns you’ll find that’s hoodless. It has a nice high collar, so it’s warmer than your average hoodless jacket. I like how it’s cinched slightly at the waist, and I really love the textured stitch pattern.
Photo: Lion Brand
- What you’ll need to make it: 880 to 1530 yards bulky weight fuzzy novelty yarn; 1500 to 2170 yards DK-weight yarn in a color complementary to the other yarn; US Size 15 and 6 needles; stitch markers; tapestry needle
- Why you’ll want to: Who wouldn’t love a mink coat?? Better yet, a coat that looks mink but is entirely faux. (Don’t you love the French word for “fake?” 😁) That’s exactly what you get when you knit this project using 100% cruelty-free yarn. (The pattern calls for discontinued Lion Brand Fun Fur, but you can use many other types of fuzzy bulky-weight novelty yarn.) Like all Lion Brand patterns, this one requires registration at the website for access, but it’s free.
- What you’ll need to make it: Up to 1430 yards super bulky weight yarn; US Size 10.5 and 11 circular needles; tapestry needle; 6 1-inch buttons; sewing needle and thread
- Why you’ll want to: Tweed always looks so casually elegant to me. I also love the pockets, the buttons, and the shawl collar (not a hood, but still plenty warm).
Photo: Lion Brand
Hand-Knit Danbury Hooded Sweater Jacket
- What you’ll need to make it: 1920 to 2500 yards bulky weight yarn; US Size 9 and 10.5 needles; US Size K crochet hook; stitch markers; tapestry needle; 5 1-inch diameter buttons; sewing needle and thread
- Why you’ll want to: For my money, this coat looks like the warmest of the bunch! It has a full silhouette, chunky cuffs paired with a chunky hem, a nice deep hood, a drawstring, and sturdy buttons. Everything about this design sings warm and cozy and cuddly.
- What you’ll need to make it: Up to 1830 yards sport-weight yarn and 2300 yards laceweight yarn; US Size 7 and 8 circular needles and/or DPNs; 5 to 7 3/4-inch buttons; sewing needle and thread
- Why you’ll want to: The delicate textured striping offers elegant visual interest to this simple hooded jacket.
- What you’ll need to make it: 2145 yards super bulky weight yarn; US Size 15 circular needles; tapestry needle; 6 to 7 1-inch diameter buttons; sewing needle and thread
- Why you’ll want to: This jacket and the Danbury jacket are probably the simplest patterns in the bunch. No fancy textured stitching, just simple garter stitch paired with a large hood and enormous pockets. Perfect!
Heidi, I hope one of these coat patterns have caught your eye. As for me, I think I’m ready to knit a coat myself with one of these free knitting patterns!
