Furry Jacket 18m - 12y

Furry Jacket 18m - 12y by Leanna's Designs

What is Being Made

The Furry Jacket is a top-down knitted cardigan designed for children aged 18 months through 12 years. This garment features a textured, fuzzy appearance created by incorporating eyelash and popcorn yarn throughout the design. The cardigan is sized to fit chest measurements ranging from 53cm (21 inches) for the smallest size up to 76cm (30 inches) for the largest size, with corresponding sleeve and length adjustments for each size. Button closures are included, with five buttons for the smallest sizes and seven buttons for larger sizes.

Knitting Techniques Used

This cardigan is constructed using the top-down knitting method, which allows the knitter to try on the garment as it progresses and easily adjust the final length. The pattern incorporates strategic yarn color and texture changes to create visual interest and break up the density of the fuzzy yarn. The designer notes that using eyelash popcorn yarn exclusively can be overwhelming, so regular yarn stripes are alternated throughout to balance the texture and reduce the overall amount of specialty yarn required, making the project more economical.

Stitches and Construction Details

• Kfb (Knit front and back) – Used for increasing stitches to shape the garment
• PM (Place Marker) – Marks important points in the pattern for tracking increases and shaping
• MM (Move Marker) – Allows markers to be repositioned as the knitting progresses

The pattern uses these fundamental techniques to create shaping at the armholes and throughout the body of the cardigan. The combination of stockinette stitch with the textured yarn creates the distinctive furry appearance.

Materials and Gauge

Yarn: The pattern calls for 8-ply (DK weight) or sport weight yarn for the main body and bands. Quantities range from 100g for the smallest size to 100g for all sizes when using DK yarn. Additionally, eyelash popcorn yarn or regular eyelash yarn is used in 50g balls, with quantities ranging from 4 balls for the smallest sizes to 5 balls for the largest sizes. The designer used Eyelash Popcorn yarn for the original design but notes that regular eyelash yarn stripes can be substituted for economy.

Needles: Size 4.0mm and 5mm needles are required (US sizes 6 and 8, or UK sizes 8 and 6).

Gauge: 20 stitches and 28 rows over 10cm (4 inches) in stockinette stitch.

Notions: Five to seven buttons depending on the size being made.

Sizing Information

The pattern provides six size options with detailed measurements for chest, sleeve length (from underarm to wrist), and length from armhole. Sizes range from 18 months to 2 years through 11 to 12 years, ensuring a proper fit across the full age range.

Difficulty Level

This pattern is rated as beginner level, making it an accessible project for knitters new to garment construction. The straightforward top-down method and use of basic increases make this an ideal introduction to knitting children's cardigans.