Flair

I don't think I've ever been someone who does anything "half way" but I tell you what: If I added even half the increase rounds I originally planned, this coat would have been big enough to double as a patio umbrella.

So, enter Flair. Flair has just a little flare, but packs just enough attitude to give your wardrobe the lift you're looking for.  Not really a copy of the Girlfriend Swing Coat, this updated and grown-up version knits up quickly in worsted weight yarn. The fronts overlap slightly and the three-quarter barely flared sleeves allow for all sorts of layering opportunities.

If you're feeling really vivacious and happen to have a faux fur collar in your closet, attach it for a new look. Or, add a couple extra inches of neck edging and be retro. Shoot, come to think of it, you could widen your button bands, too, slap on some chunky buttons and transform the coat completely.

SIZES
XS (S, M, L, 1X, 2X, 3X)
FINISHED MEASUREMENTS
32 (36, 40, 44, 48, 52, 56)” chest
YARN
Blue Sky Alpacas, Inc. Blue Sky Cotton (100% Cotton; 150 yards / 100 grams): 5 (5, 6, 6, 7, 8, 9) hanks #621, Expresso
NEEDLES
One or two 30-inch or longer circular (circ) needles, size 7 (4.5mm)
One set double point needles, size 7 (4.5 mm) (optional)
Change needle size if necessary to obtain correct gauge
NOTIONS
Stitch markers
Five 1-inch buttons
Four ¾-inch or 1 inch buttons for inside of coat
One ¼-inch button for inside neck loop closure (optional)
Scrap yarn
Tapestry needle
Thread
Fantastic fur collar (optional and only if it is truly fantastic and looks effortless)
GAUGE
18 sts and 22 rows = 4” (10 cm) in Stockinette Stitch (St st)
DIFFICULTY
Beginner pattern—you’ll increase, knit and purl, pick up and knit some stitches, and do a few yarn overs and knit two togethers. That’s pretty much it.

Possible Yarn Substitutes:
Lorna’s Laces Shepherd Worsted, Karabella Aurora 8, Artyarns Supermerino, Noro Cash Iroha, Noro Silk Garden, Malabrigo Merino, Lanas Puras Melosa, Rowan Hand Knit Cotton, Debbie Bliss Aran Tweed

Click on the button below to buy a copy. It will be sent to you in a zipped PDF file via email once payment is complete. Thanks!

$5.50

Comments

[Miss Scarlett]

Ooh Love it!

[Farrah]

Beginner pattern—you’ll increase, knit and purl and do a few yarn overs and knit two togethers. That’s pretty much it.

Does that mean the stitches for the collar aren't picked up?

[Marlena]

I bought this pattern the instant I saw it was available! It has a great retro feel. I can't wait to wear it.

[wendy]

Farrah, you do pick up sts around the collar. I guess I consider that knitting.

[deb]

I love this jacket. I love that the buttons are off to one side, and that the front side overlaps the other side. It really does have a kind of contralateral flair.

:-)

Sorry, I couldn't help myself.

[LeAnne]

So cool. I already have the fur collar, too, that I bought at a vintage store several years ago and have never worn because I didn't have anything to wear it with!

[Sarah]

This looks really fab and you made my day when you said it was beginner level. I wanted it whatever but hopefully now I can get it done all the quicker - off to shop for yarn. Thank you :)

[Suzanne]

I've ordered the pattern, received it and am thrilled. It is sassy yet elegant. I've done scarves, hats, socks, and a baby sweater. I am ready to move to my first sweater. I also have a wonderful knitting guru to help me if needed. I cannot wait to begin. It's lovely....

[Alison]

Where did you find the faux fur collar? I just purchased the pattern and am waiting for my payment to be processed. Beautiful.

[Katherine]

Thanks Wendy--another great pattern! I already have the yarn and I think the right buttons (we'll see). Since I'm home sick I guess I'll start knitting.

[wendy]

The collar came with a coat. I didn't buy it on its own.

[Cathi]

Damn you and your sailor jeans! I need a pair of those.

It was great meeting you at TNNA- if you ever need any help with sample/test knitting, let me know!

[Joan]

Yay! I bought it and I have some hot pink blue sky in the stash. This is why I love having a stash.

It reminds me a lot of everything they're doing at fashion week. I may need a charcoal grey one, too.

[Emily]

I feel wrong even commenting because I'm not a knitter. I visit your page often though, because I love to see what you've made and what you have to say. I'd like to link to you on my page if that's alright. It's just so much easier.

This jacket, by the way, is enough to make me start learning to knit. I can't tell you how much I love it.

[Danielle]

I love this jacket, sooner or later I'm gonna make one! Loooove it!

[Danielle]

Oh yeah Wendy, gotta say now more than ever... You could too be a model! See the good picture verses the bad picture(oatmeal, chicken nugget hat)When you can look that bad and then pull it together to look that good---well then you got it goin' on girl!I just had to come back and comment again on that, no seriously I really do love the swing coat!

[Amy]

That is just so darned cute! Love it!

[The Steph]

Wow! love, love, love, love, love, love, love! I'm taking a trip to a better city than the one in which I live, so I hope to get some blue-sky, which is OF COURSE not available where I live.... WILL have to break my knit-only-from-the-stash rule for this month! This is fabulous. And it looks rather simple? Just GREAT. I love Chuck, too. He should have his own myspace page. I would def. be his friend. :D

[drh]

Gorgeous!!! I'm an "ultra-beginner" knitter, but I'm going to try this. Thank you!

[marcie]

I LOVE this design. It is very classy, versatile, and chic.

[Kristen]

Love it! Wendy, I'm wondering if it still hangs as beautifully if you button just the top button? I'm picturing making mine with one giant button at the top, or maybe a vintage rhinestone pin instead of a button.

[wendy]

It is possible to put just one large button at the top, but I would suggest also placing a hidden button and loop on the opposite, inside neck, too so the overlap doesn't droop.

[Cathy]

FANTASTIC!!!! I love it!! Looks great!!

[Lis]

I love it! I love it! I love it! I love it! Now the only question is what color should I make it in??!!

[ariane]

OMG!!!!!!!!! I LOVE THAT...I NEED ONE:o)

miss you.