Description

Cropped Jacket – 1980s Knitting Pattern: Instant PDF Download

Size: XS, S, M, L (36″–41¾″ Bust)

This 1980s Cropped Jacket is a masterclass in mixing textures — a reverse-stockinette background sets off panels of cable, bobble, and diamond stitch, all worked side by side down the front and back. Cropped to hit right at the waist, it’s a fitted, richly detailed cardigan that layers beautifully over blouses and dresses alike. With three coordinated stitch panels and a full-fashioned finish, this cable and bobble stitch knitting pattern is a genuinely satisfying project for intermediate-to-advanced knitters who enjoy tracking multiple pattern repeats at once.

Design & Construction Details

Skill Level: Intermediate to Advanced.
Construction: Worked flat in pieces — back, left front, right front, and sleeves — combining a Cable/Bobble panel, a Diamond lace panel, and a Right/Left Knit-and-Purl Cable panel across a reverse stockinette background; full-fashioned armhole and shoulder shaping, with a circular-needle ribbed neckband finished with buttonholes.
Finished Measurements: Bust (buttoned) 36″, 38″, 40″, 41¾″ (93.5, 98, 102, 106 cm); Length 19″–22″; Sleeve width 13″–16″.
Pattern Style: Written in standard US knitting terms, no charts required — all cable and lace placement given row by row.
Stitches: Reverse stockinette stitch, Right Twist (RT), Left Twist (LT), 3-st and 4-st bobbles (MB), cable/bobble panel, diamond lace panel, right/left knit-and-purl cable.

Recommended Materials & Tools

Yarn: Worsted wool (originally Patons/Susan Bates Moorland, 1¾ oz/50 g balls, approx. 152 yds each) — approximately 7–9 balls (1,064–1,368 yds).
Substitute Yarn: Modern worsted weight yarn such as Patons Classic Wool Worsted or Malabrigo Worsted.
Knitting Needles Size: US 5 and US 7 / 3.75 mm and 4.5 mm (or size needed to obtain gauge), plus a US 7 / 4.5 mm circular needle, 24″ long, and a cable needle.
Notions: 3 buttons (⅝″/15 mm), stitch markers.
Gauge: 20 sts and 26 rows = 4″ (10 cm) over reverse stockinette stitch using size 7 (4.5 mm) needles.

This is a digitally restored PDF knitting pattern
Upon purchase, you will receive an instant digital download — a clean, easily readable PDF. The original vintage instructions have been digitally enhanced, reformatted, and checked for clarity, ensuring a smooth crafting experience from start to finish.