Diagonal Jacket

Size US9 (5.5mm) straight needles

Size US5 (3.75 mm) DPN’s

Tapestry needle

Stitch markers if desired

Tape measure

Button

Sizes

My sweater is a child size 2T.  It measures 14 inches wide x 15 inches long with an armhole depth of 5 inches.  Determine the size you desire by measuring the length, width and arm hole depth of a favorite sweater or by using general clothing size dimensions.

Tension/Gauge

20 sts per 4 in/10 cm over garter stitch on the diagonal.

Abbreviations

CO- cast on

k- knit

k2tog- knit two stitches together

sts- stitches

m1- make 1

dc- decrease

BO-bind off

To make I-cord:  CO 3 sts using size 5 DPNs.  K 1 row. Without turning the needle, slide sts to the opposite end of the needle.  K the next row using the working yarn brought from the bottom st.  Repeat until you have reached your desired cord length.   BO by k2tog twice, sliding sts to the opposite end.  K2tog.  Cut yarn and pull through the last st.

Back

Determine your desired measurements for length and width of the back.  This is most easily determined by measuring a well-fitting sweater belonging to the intended wearer.  You want to have a few inches of positive ease as this is an outside layer.

CO 3 sts using long tail cast on.  Turn.

Row 2: K1, m1, k1, m1, k1.

Row 3 and all subsequent rows: K1, m1, k to last st, m1, k1.

Repeat until  your edges measure your desired width (mine measured 14 inches).

If your back will be a square, begin dc 1 st each side as follows: k1, k2tog, k to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1.

If your back will be a rectangle, begin dc 1 st on one edge only as follows until you piece measures your desired length:

k1, k2tog, k to last st, m1, k1

k1, m1, k to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1

When you reach your desired length, begin dc on each edge as written for square. Continue dc pattern until you have 3 sts on your needle.  BO.

Fronts

Make 2  pieces, one should be 1 inch wider than the other for overlap at the front closure (mine measure 7×15 and 6×15 inches).

CO and knit as written for back.

Finishing

Sew shoulder seams and side seams using mattress stitch.  Sew side seams leaving room for armholes (mine measure 5 inches).

Make 4-6 inch long I-cord (mine is 4 inches) over 3 sts using size 5 DPN’s and attach inside the smaller front in desired location for closure (mine is about half way between top and bottom).  Sew button on larger front (mine is sewed 2 inches in from the center edge).

Tack down lapels if desired.

Block and enjoy!  If you find errors, please let me know!