Glockenjacke - Bell Jacket

Glockenjacke - Bell Jacket by riwollis

Garment Overview

The Glockenjacke, or Bell Jacket, is a knitted cardigan designed by independent designer riwollis. This intermediate-level knitting project creates a fitted garment with a distinctive bell-shaped silhouette, available in an extensive range of sizes from XS (32/34) through 4XL (60/62) to accommodate diverse body measurements. Each size includes separate pattern pages with detailed finished measurements for length, bust, hips, crossback width, upper arm circumference, and neckline specifications.

Knitting Techniques and Construction

The Bell Jacket employs a yoke-based construction method, beginning with neckline shaping and expanding outward through strategic increases positioned at the garment edges. This top-down approach allows for customizable fit and length adjustments. The yoke design features increases made specifically for the neckline, creating the characteristic bell shape that defines this cardigan style.

Stitches Used

• Stockinette Stitch: The primary stitch pattern, created by purling on front rows and knitting on back rows to produce a smooth, classic fabric surface
• Brioche Stitch: An advanced decorative stitch used in pattern repeats, constructed with yarn overs and slip stitches on front rows, followed by purl 2 together decreases on back rows for an elegant textured effect
• Garter Stitch: A foundational stitch created by knitting both front and back rows, often used for edgings and structural elements
• Tuck Stitches: Incorporated throughout the pattern repeats at the beginning and end of rows, with purl stitches positioned between tuck stitches for dimensional texture

Yarn and Materials

The pattern specifies Cabourg Bergère de France yarn, a blend of 70% acrylic and 30% cellulose-hemp, offered in sport weight at 135 meters per 50 grams. This yarn selection provides a soft, draping quality ideal for the bell jacket's flowing silhouette. The pattern maintains a gauge of 23 stitches by 31 rows over a 10x10 centimeter swatch, which is essential for achieving proper fit across all size options.

Alternative yarn options include any 6-ply sock yarn that matches the specified gauge. The designer recommends selecting a soft yarn with good drape characteristics to enhance the bell jacket's elegant falling lines.

Needles and Tools

This knitting project requires 3 mm and 3.5 mm needles, with circular needles recommended for the main body sections and double-pointed needles for smaller circumference areas such as the neckline and cuffs. The use of multiple needle sizes allows for gauge adjustments between different pattern sections.

Difficulty Level and Suitability

Rated as an intermediate knitting project, the Bell Jacket is suitable for knitters with foundational skills who are ready to tackle more complex stitch patterns and garment construction methods. The brioche stitch and yoke shaping require attention to detail and understanding of stitch manipulation techniques, making this an excellent project for developing advanced knitting abilities.