Knitting is a pastime enjoyed by people of all ages and life situations the world over. Knitting allows people to create a beautiful and functional object with minimal supplies; all that is needed are two sticks and a piece of string. Knitted objects are warm and cozy, two features that naturally lend themselves to jackets. More than anything else, making a knitted jacket requires time and patience.
As with other knitting projects, making a jacket requires an eye for style and color. Choose a color that suits the wearer’s complexion or matches a wardrobe. Consider finding a knitting pattern or designing a jacket that flatters the wearer’s body type and emulates the styles of clothing or fashion trends she finds pleasing.
Different yarns create different effects. Warmer, softer winter jackets can be designed using lightweight alpaca. Alpaca is insulating but unencumbering. Lightweight spring or summer jackets can make use of cotton, linen or hemp, all of which wick moisture away from the body while still providing a comfortable outer layer.
Needle size also plays a part in making a knitted jacket. Warmer jackets need to be knit at a tighter gauge, that is, they require more stitches per inch than lightweight jackets. Jackets with more stitches per inch keep out cold air and keep warm air close to the body. Lacy patterns aren’t well-suited to winter jackets because they allow more flow of air than tighter patterns.
If a knitter desires a lacy jacket or one knit at a loose gauge, but would still like more insulation than the pattern would otherwise allow, he or she can line the jacket separately. Lining a jacket involves sewing an interior mimicry of the pattern using fabric, and then stitching the fabric layer to the knit layer. It’s also possible to knit a lining in the same manner, either directly onto the jacket or separately to be seamed on.
A one-of-a-kind jacket can be knit by modifying a pre-written pattern. Substitute different yarns, weights of yarn and knitting needles to produce markedly different effects on the finished knitted jacket. Substitute more or less elaborate stitch patterns for those given in the pattern. Switch out one collar, sleeve or decorative hem style for another using a stitch dictionary or the guidance of a knitting book.
If a knitter has questions or concerns about making a knitted jacket or needs guidance on how to begin, she should seek out a local yarn specialty store or craft store. Employees at these shops can help with the selection of materials suitable to a knitted jacket and can give hints or tips on basic techniques. Local knitting guilds or online knitting websites can also offer guidance on the finer points of making a knitted jacket.