Olga Jacket

The Olga Jacket is one of those pieces that looks striking but is actually really enjoyable to knit.

It’s worked from the top down with stripes, starting with the back yoke. Short rows shape the shoulders while you work the stripe pattern at the same time, then the shoulders and fronts are built out before everything joins at the underarms.

From there, the body is worked flat, sleeves are picked up and worked down in the round, and it’s finished with neat front bands and a ribbed neckline.

It’s a great project if you want something with a bit of interest, without being overly complicated.

Yarn notes

This design works best in a DK to light worsted wool that holds its shape and shows the stripes clearly.

You’re looking for:

• good stitch definition
• enough structure to support the shape of the jacket
• a yarn that wears well over time

You can also play with contrast here, bold stripes will give a completely different feel to soft tonal combinations.

Quick answer options:

BUDGET? Red Hut, Woolly or Crucci Pure Wool

MID: Crucci Merino 8ply, Heirloo Merino Magic, Aella

LUX: Lana Grossa Big Wool, Touch Yarns Merino

Sizing

Designed with approx. 23 cm of positive ease in smaller sizes, slightly less in larger sizes.

Sizes:
XXS (XS) S (M) L (XL) 2XL (3XL) 4XL (5XL)

To choose your size:

• measure your bust
• add around 23 cm (or slightly less if you prefer a closer fit)
• choose the closest finished measurement

Finished measurements

Bust circumference:
103 (108) 114 (118) 123 (131) 141 (149) 157 (165) cm

Length:
52 (53) 54 (56) 58 (60) 62 (66) 68 (70) cm

Yarn requirements

Main colour (dark)

• XXS: 546 m
• XS: 546 m
• S: 546–637 m
• M: 637 m
• L: 728 m
• XL: 728 m
• 2XL: 728–819 m
• 3XL: 819 m
• 4XL: 819 m
• 5XL: 910 m

Contrast colour (light)

• XXS: 455 m
• XS: 455–546 m
• S: 546 m
• M: 546 m
• L: 637 m
• XL: 637 m
• 2XL: 637 m
• 3XL: 728 m
• 4XL: 728 m
• 5XL: 819 m

Needles & notions

• 4 mm circular needles
• 3.5 mm circular needles (for rib)
• Double-pointed needles or magic loop for sleeves
• 6 buttons (20 mm)

⭐ Difficulty

★★★☆☆ (intermediate)

A great project if you’re comfortable with:

• top-down garment construction
• short rows
• working stripes evenly

A quick tip before you start

Stripes will highlight your tension, so it’s worth taking a bit of care when changing colours to keep everything even.

Also think about your contrast, this pattern really shines when the colour combination is intentional.

If you want help choosing colours or yarn options for this one, just ask or pop into The Wool Shop in Rangiora.