A508 Kids Garter Stitch Raglan Jacket

A508 Kids Garter Stitch Raglan Jacket

Download this guide to make Kids Garter Stitch Raglan Jacket!

How to Knit a Kids Garter Stitch Raglan Jacket

Create a classic handmade knitted jacket featuring a simple garter stitch texture, raglan shaping and a comfortable button-front opening. This timeless children's cardigan-style jacket is worked in separate pieces and joined together for a neat professional finish.

The simple garter stitch makes this an ideal project for knitters looking to practise garment construction while creating a practical everyday layer for children.

Project: Kids Garter Stitch Raglan Jacket

Pattern: A508

Craft type: Knitting

Difficulty: Easy

Sizes: 2, 4, 6 and 8 years

What You Will Need

Materials

  • Lincraft Baby 8ply Merino Yarn
  • Size 2 years: 7 x 50g balls
  • Size 4 years: 8 x 50g balls
  • Size 6 years: 10 x 50g balls
  • Size 8 years: 11 x 50g balls
  • One button

Equipment

  • 4mm knitting needles
  • Wool needle for sewing seams and weaving in ends
  • Scissors

Alternative Yarns

This jacket is designed using Lincraft Baby 8ply Merino. When choosing an alternative yarn, select a similar 8ply yarn with good stitch definition, softness and enough structure to hold the raglan shape.

  • 8ply Merino Yarn – provides softness, warmth and natural elasticity.
  • Wool Blend 8ply Yarn – offers durability while keeping a comfortable feel.
  • Baby Acrylic 8ply Yarn – easy-care and suitable for children's garments.
  • Cotton Blend 8ply Yarn – creates a lighter jacket for warmer seasons.
Helpful hint: Always check your tension before beginning. Differences in yarn thickness can affect the fit of the jacket, especially around the raglan sleeves.

Measurements

Size Fits Chest Garment Width Length Sleeve Length
2 years 55cm 63cm 40cm 23cm
4 years 60cm 69cm 44cm 28cm
6 years 65cm 74cm 48cm 33cm
8 years 70cm 79cm 52cm 38cm

Tension

Using 4mm needles:

  • 21 stitches x 43 rows = 10cm x 10cm over garter stitch

Knitting Abbreviations

  • K: knit
  • P: purl
  • K2tog: knit two stitches together
  • Kfb: knit into front and back of stitch
  • St(s): stitch(es)
  • Beg: beginning
  • Alt: alternate
  • Yfwd: yarn forward
Pattern note: The jacket is worked in garter stitch, meaning every row is knitted. The raglan shaping creates the diagonal sleeve joins and gives the garment a comfortable fit through the shoulders.

Construction Overview

The Kids Garter Stitch Raglan Jacket is created in five stages:

  1. Knit the back piece.
  2. Knit the left and right front pieces.
  3. Knit both sleeves.
  4. Join the raglan, side and sleeve seams.
  5. Add the button and complete finishing.

Knit the Back

  1. Using 4mm needles, cast on:
    • 68 stitches (2 years)
    • 74 stitches (4 years)
    • 80 stitches (6 years)
    • 84 stitches (8 years)
  2. Work in garter stitch until the piece measures:
    • 24cm (2 years)
    • 27cm (4 years)
    • 30cm (6 years)
    • 32cm (8 years)

Shape Raglan Armholes

  1. Cast off 2 stitches at the beginning of the next two rows.
  2. Decrease one stitch at each end of the next row.
  3. Continue decreasing every fourth row until the required stitch count remains.
  4. Continue decreasing every alternate row until:
    • 26 stitches remain (2 years)
    • 28 stitches remain (4 years)
    • 30 stitches remain (6 years)
    • 32 stitches remain (8 years)
  5. Knit one row.
  6. Cast off remaining stitches.

Knit the Front Pieces

Knit the left and right fronts separately, following the raglan shaping and neckline shaping instructions.

  1. Cast on:
    • 34 stitches (2 years)
    • 37 stitches (4 years)
    • 40 stitches (6 years)
    • 42 stitches (8 years)
  2. Work in garter stitch until the front measures the same as the back before raglan shaping.
  3. Shape the raglan armhole with decreases.
  4. Shape the neckline using decreases.
  5. Finish with the shoulder shaping.

Make the Buttonhole

  1. On the right front, knit two stitches.
  2. Yarn forward.
  3. Knit two stitches together.
  4. Continue knitting across the row.

Knit the Sleeves

  1. Cast on:
    • 36 stitches (2 years)
    • 38 stitches (4 and 6 years)
    • 40 stitches (8 years)
  2. Work in garter stitch.
  3. Increase one stitch at each end according to the size instructions.
  4. Continue until the sleeve measures:
    • 23cm
    • 28cm
    • 33cm
    • 38cm

Shape Sleeve Raglan

  1. Cast off 2 stitches at the beginning of the next two rows.
  2. Decrease one stitch at each end following the pattern instructions.
  3. Continue until 8 stitches remain.
  4. Knit one row.
  5. Cast off remaining stitches.

Assembly

  1. Join raglan seams, noting the sleeve tops form part of the neckline.
  2. Join side seams.
  3. Join sleeve seams.
  4. Sew on the button.
  5. Weave in all loose ends.

Customisation Ideas

  • Add contrasting yarn for the button band.
  • Use different coloured buttons for a personalised finish.
  • Add stripes by changing colours between rows.
  • Make matching accessories such as hats or scarves.
  • Add a decorative crochet edge around the opening.

Care

Follow the care instructions for your chosen yarn.

Reshape the jacket while damp and dry flat to maintain the garter stitch texture and garment shape.

Get a copy of the instructions Download guide