More Faux Fur to Knit!

Last month I wrote about different designers’ fur garments that might translate well into knit and crochet projects. This month, thanks to the generosity of Barry Klein at Trendsetter, I present you with a free pattern for an A-line swing coat.

The yarn originally used in this pattern, Whisper, is no longer available. However, you might consider knitting it in Las Vegas from Baruffa. You’ll have to double the yarn to achieve the gauge, but the lightweight nature of this “furry” yarn is just perfect for this classic design. You could also use a single strand of Las Vegas and a strand of Piano. Or for that matter, you could use two strands of Piano!!! Dig into your yarn stash and find some great mohair and add that to a strand of Las Vegas or Piano. Let your creativity steer your selection but do keep in mind that lightweight yarns will produce a more comfortable garment. You’ll have to experiment with the gauge, but with a swing coat you have some leeway.

The other yarn used in the pattern is Piatina. In its place, I suggest you use something as simple as a double strand of worsted or DK weight wool (depending on your gauge). This yarn simply serves to form a neat edge and a simple collar.

I hope that you enjoy this pattern and it inspires you to create your own interpretation. It truly is a great time to knit, crochet, and weave!

Sue@yarnxpress.com

“A” Line Swing Coat
Designed by: Barry Klein
Copyright 1992 – reprinted with permission from Trendsetter

Sizes: Sm/Med (40”), Lg (44”)

Gauge: 7 sts / 10 rows / 4 inches on 11’s

Original yarn used in the pattern:
Whisper – 28 (30) 50 g. skeins
Piatina – 1 (1) 50 g. skein
Needles: 10 ½ and 11

Stitches Used:
Stock St.:
Row 1: Knit
Row 2: Purl
The KNIT row is the right side row.

Knitting Instructions

Right Side: With 10 ½ needle and yarn B, cast on 106 (112) sts.
Change to 11 needle and yarn A. Continue in stock st. for 5 rows.
Work next row placing markers as follows (starting at front edge): 28 sts, marker, 20 (22) sts, marker, 30 (32) sts, marker, 28 (30) sts ending at center back edge.
Continue in stock st., decreasing before and after each marker and at center back edge every 9th row 8x. Continue until piece measures 27” from the beginning and ready to work a row beginning at the front edge. 48 (56) sts on needle.
Work 21 (25) sts. Join a new skein of yarn. Bind off the next 6 sts. for the armhole and finish the row. Continue and decrease 1 st. each armhole edge every other row 4x. Continue until the armhole is 7”. Bind off 4 sts. at the neck edge every other row, 3x. Continue until the armhole is 10”. Bind off tightly.

Left Side: Work same as right front reversing all shapings by starting first row at center back and ending row at neck edge. Decrease as for the right front at each side of markers and at the center back edge. Please watch all shapings carefully.

Sleeves: With 10 ½ needle and yarn B, cast on 24 sts. Change to 11 needles and yarn A continue in stock st. increasing 1 st. each end every 6th row, 7x. Continue on 38 sts. until the sleeve is 16 ½ “. Bind off 3 sts. at the beginning of next 2 rows. Decrease 1 st. each end, every other row, 5x. Decrease one st. each end, every row, 5x. Bind off 2 sts. at the beginning of the next 4 rows. Bind off remaining sts.

Assembly: Sew the shoulder seams together. Sew center back seam together being careful not to pull the seam or the coat will not “swing” correctly. With 10 ½ needle and yarn B, pick up 32 sts. around the neck edge. Work in stock st. for 2”. Bind off.
Set the sleeves to the body by centering the shoulder seams and working down each side. Sew the remaining underarm and side seams closed.

*Note: If pocket is desired, leave an 8” opening at the side seam. With yarn B and 10 ½ needles, cast on 36 sts. Work in stock st. for 6”. Bind off and set into side opening and sew in place. With a G crochet hook and yarn B, work one row of slip st. along front edge to hold in place. An additional skein of yarn may be required for pockets.