This little coat is a fun knit, with plenty of variety to keep you interested without being too difficult.

It’s made in two pieces. The bodice is worked from the top down, then the bodice stitches are put on hold while the skirt is worked from the bottom up. Then, both pieces are joined using an inside-out 3-needle bindoff, in a contrasting color if desired, which creates a line of piping between the bodice and skirt. There is simple pleat at the back, and optional pockets which are set up while you knit the skirt and finished at the end. The hood is added by picking up stitches from the front slopes and across the back neck, and the front bands are knitted on vertically by picking up stitches from the body.

You will use 2 long circular needles--one to work with, and one to hold the bodice st until you join them to the skirt. The “holding” needle does not have to be the exact same size as the working needle, but should be close. You will also need a set of double-pointed needles for the sleeves and the pleat, several stitch markers, and a couple of stitch holders.

Stitches used are stockinette and seed stitch, and the only special technique needed is a 3-needle bindoff.

While gauge may be obtained with a lighter-weight worsted yarn, using Aran weight with the size 6 needle will give the fabric a denser, more coat-like texture.