Balloon Jacket

The Balloon Jacket is a relaxed, oversized cardigan with dramatic balloon sleeves and a clean, button-free finish. It’s worked bottom up in garter stitch, giving the fabric beautiful texture and natural stretch, with ribbed edges adding structure at the cuffs, hem, front bands, and collar.

The body and sleeves are worked separately and seamed together, before stitches are picked up to create the continuous ribbed front bands and collar. This construction keeps the silhouette strong while allowing the jacket to drape effortlessly when worn.

A key thing to note: this jacket will grow in length with wear, which is exactly what gives it that slouchy, cosy, throw-on feel.

This is a printed pattern.

Fit & Style

• Oversized, relaxed fit

• No buttons or closures

• Designed to sit loosely through the body with exaggerated sleeves

Perfect for layering over lighter knits and dresses.

Sizes

XS (S) M (L) XL

Finished width:
58 (61) 65 (69) 74 cm

Full length:
64 (65) 67 (70) 73 cm

Gauge

13.5 sts × 23 rows = 10 × 10 cm
in garter stitch on 7 mm needles

Swatching is recommended, particularly as garter stitch and fibre choice can significantly affect final length.

Needles

• 7 mm circular needles (main fabric)

• 6 mm circular needles (rib edges)

Yarn Requirements (clear + interchangeable)

The Balloon Jacket is worked holding two yarns together throughout:

Yarn Structure

• Strand 1: A chunky / heavy-worsted wool yarn
  (gives body, warmth, and structure)

• Strand 2: A fine silk-mohair lace yarn
  (adds softness, lightness, and a gentle halo)

This pairing balances weight and drape, preventing the jacket from feeling stiff or overly heavy.

Total Yarn Required (by size)

Chunky / heavy-worsted wool

(approx. 100 m per 50 g)

• XS: ~1,100 m

• S: ~1,200 m

• M: ~1,300 m

• L: ~1,400 m

• XL: ~1,500 m

➡️ This is intentionally generous — garter stitch eats yarn, and the oversized cut needs it.

Silk-mohair lace

(approx. 210 m per 25 g)

• XS–M: ~1,260 m

• L–XL: ~1,470 m

Fabric Notes

• Garter stitch creates a thicker, stretchier fabric than stockinette

• The mohair strand keeps the jacket from feeling dense despite the weight

• Expect the finished jacket to relax and lengthen slightly with wear

Difficulty

★★☆☆☆ (2 out of 5)

A confident beginner project — technically simple stitches, with the main skills being seaming and working neatly picked-up edges.