Duffle Coats in Hayfield Bonus Aran with Wool - 2423 - Downloadable PDF

Hayfield Bonus Aran with Wool 2423 – Children's Duffle Coats Knitting Pattern (Ages 2–13)

This downloadable PDF knitting pattern from Hayfield presents two classic children's duffle coat designs — a Long Duffle Coat and a Short Duffle Coat — both worked in Hayfield Bonus Aran weight yarn. The pattern covers six sizes ranging from 2–3 years up to 12–13 years, making it a versatile and long-lasting addition to any knitter's collection. Both coats share the same traditional duffle coat silhouette, complete with toggle-and-button fastenings that give them their distinctive, timeless character.

What Is Being Made

The pattern includes instructions for two separate garments:

• Long Duffle Coat – A full-length children's coat with a back neck to hem measurement ranging from 42 cm (16½ in) for age 2–3 up to 66 cm (26 in) for age 12–13.
• Short Duffle Coat – A cropped version of the same design, with a length ranging from 32 cm (12½ in) for the smallest size up to 50 cm (19¾ in) for the largest.

Both coats feature set-in or structured sleeves with an adjustable sleeve length, ranging from 22 cm (8¾ in) to 40 cm (15¾ in) depending on size. The actual chest measurements run with generous ease, from 65 cm (25½ in) to 89 cm (35 in), ensuring comfortable, practical outerwear fit for active children.

Sizes Covered

• Age 2–3 – To fit 56 cm (22 in) chest
• Age 4–5 – To fit 61 cm (24 in) chest
• Age 6–7 – To fit 66 cm (26 in) chest
• Age 8–9 – To fit 71 cm (28 in) chest
• Age 10–11 – To fit 76 cm (30 in) chest
• Age 12–13 – To fit 81 cm (32 in) chest

Techniques Used

Both duffle coat designs are knitted flat in separate pieces and then seamed together, which is the traditional construction method for structured outerwear. Key techniques employed throughout the pattern include:

• Cable knitting – A cable panel of 18 stitches is a central design feature, adding texture and visual interest to the coat fronts or body. A cable needle is required to work these crossing stitches.
• Stitch holder usage – Stitches are placed on holders at various points, such as necklines and armholes, allowing knitters to return to them when shaping or picking up for finishing.
• Shaping – Standard increases and decreases are used to shape the armholes, sleeves, and neckline, giving the coat its structured, tailored appearance.
• Seaming and finishing – Completed pieces are joined using mattress stitch or a preferred seaming method. Buttons and toggles are sewn on as a final step to complete the classic duffle coat look.

Stitches Used

• Cable stitch – The signature 18-stitch cable panel is central to the design's texture and requires a cable needle for crossing stitches over one another.
• Stocking stitch – The main body fabric is likely worked in stocking stitch, the standard knit-on-right-side, purl-on-wrong-side combination that creates a smooth, classic fabric ideal for outerwear.
• Rib stitch – Ribbing is typically used on cuffs, hems, and button bands in Aran-weight coat patterns to provide elasticity and a neat, professional finish.

Yarn and Materials

The pattern is