The Stonewash Pocket Coatigan Free Pattern – Knit a Cloud-Soft Textured Duster

Wrap yourself in the cozy embrace of the Stonewash Pocket Coatigan, a generously oversized duster with a dreamy, pebbled texture that mimics sun-washed river stones. This knit pattern creates a luxurious, drapey layer with deep, functional pockets and a relaxed, open front. Whether you're curling up with a book or heading out for a crisp morning walk, this cloud-soft coatigan will become your most-loved handmade layer. Best of all, it's worked in one piece from the bottom up, making it surprisingly beginner-friendly despite its stunning, high-end look.

Materials Needed

Before you begin, gather the following supplies. The beauty of this pattern is that it uses readily available worsted weight yarn and simple tools—perfect for a weekend project that feels like a luxury investment.

• Yarn: Worsted weight yarn in a soft, heathered stone blue (approx. 1200–1500 yards for sizes S–2XL). Suggested: Lion Brand Wool-Ease Worsted in 'Denim' or a similar soft, heathered yarn.
• Needles: US 9 (5.5 mm) circular needles, 32-inch or longer, for working back and forth in rows.
• Notions: Stitch markers, tapestry needle for weaving in ends, stitch holders or waste yarn.
• Gauge: 16 stitches and 24 rows = 4 inches in Stonewash Texture pattern (after blocking). Always knit a swatch first to ensure your gauge matches—this ensures the perfect fit.

Step-by-Step Instructions

This pattern is worked in one piece from the bottom up, with sleeves picked up and knit in the round. The Stonewash Texture pattern is a simple 4-row repeat that creates a beautiful, nubby fabric. Follow along carefully, and you'll have a stunning coatigan in no time.

Abbreviations

• CO: Cast on
• K: Knit
• P: Purl
• K2tog: Knit two together (right-leaning decrease)
• SSK: Slip, slip, knit (left-leaning decrease)
• M1: Make one (increase)
• St(s): Stitch(es)
• RS: Right side
• WS: Wrong side
• PM: Place marker
• SM: Slip marker

Stonewash Texture Pattern (multiple of 2 + 1)

This simple 4-row repeat creates the gorgeous, pebbled fabric that gives the coatigan its name. It's easy to memorize and works up quickly.

• Row 1 (RS): K1, *P1, K1; repeat from * to end.
• Row 2 (WS): Purl all stitches.
• Row 3 (RS): K1, *K1, P1; repeat from * to end.
• Row 4 (WS): Purl all stitches.

Repeat these 4 rows for the entire garment.

Body (Worked in One Piece to Armholes)

This is where the magic happens—no seams at the sides! You'll cast on all stitches for the front and back at once, then divide for the armholes.

1. Cast on: CO 161 (173, 185, 197, 209) sts.
2. Work in pattern: Work in Stonewash Texture pattern until piece measures 18 (19, 20, 21, 22) inches from cast-on edge, ending with a WS row.
3. Divide for armholes: Next row (RS): Work 40 (43, 46, 49, 52) sts (right front), bind off 10 sts (armhole), work 61 (67, 73, 79, 85) sts (back), bind off 10 sts (armhole), work 40 (43, 46, 49, 52) sts (left front).
4. Place sts: Place back and front sts on holders or separate needles. You'll work each section separately now.

Right Front

You'll shape the armhole and neckline on this side. Take your time—the decreases are simple but crucial for a clean fit.

1. Continue in pattern: Work on 40 (43, 46, 49, 52) sts.
2. Armhole decreases: At armhole edge, decrease 1 st every RS row 4 times: SSK at beginning of RS rows. (36, 39, 42, 45, 48 sts remain)
3. Work even: Continue in pattern until armhole measures 8 (9, 10, 11, 12) inches, ending with a WS row.
4. Neck shaping: At neck edge (front edge), bind off 8 (9, 10, 11, 12) sts once, then bind off 2 sts at neck edge every RS row twice. (24, 26, 28, 30, 32 sts remain)
5. Work even: Continue until armhole measures 10 (11, 12, 13, 14) inches. Place sts on holder.

Left Front

Mirror the right front exactly, but reverse the decreases. This ensures your coatigan is symmetrical and drapes beautifully.

1. Continue in pattern: Work on 40 (43, 46, 49, 52) sts.
2. Armhole decreases: At armhole edge, decrease 1 st every RS row 4 times: K2tog at beginning of RS rows. (36, 39, 42, 45, 48 sts remain)
3. Work even: Continue in pattern until armhole measures 8 (9, 10, 11, 12) inches, ending with a WS row.
4. Neck shaping: At neck edge (front edge), bind off 8 (9, 10, 11, 12) sts once, then bind off 2 sts at neck edge every RS row twice. (24, 26, 28, 30, 32 sts remain)
5. Work even: Continue until armhole measures 10 (11, 12, 13, 14) inches. Place sts on holder.

Back

The back is worked straight with simple decreases at both armhole edges. It's the easiest section—perfect for relaxing with your knitting.

1. Continue in pattern: Work on 61 (67, 73, 79, 85) sts.
2. Armhole decreases: Decrease 1 st at each armhole edge every RS row 4 times: SSK at beginning, K2tog at end. (53, 59, 65, 71, 77 sts remain)
3. Work even: Continue in pattern until armhole measures same as fronts (10, 11, 12, 13, 14 inches). Place sts on holder.

Sleeves (Make 2)

These sleeves are knit flat and seamed, with increases that create a gentle flare at the cuff. They're designed to be long and slightly oversized for that cozy, duster feel.

1. Cast on: CO 40 (42, 44, 46, 48) sts.
2. Work in pattern: Work in Stonewash Texture pattern for 4 inches.
3. Increase: Increase 1 st each edge every 6 rows until you have 60 (64, 68, 72, 76) sts. Tip: Use M1 increases for a clean, invisible edge.
4. Work even: Continue in pattern until sleeve measures 18 (19, 20, 21, 22) inches from cast-on.
5. Bind off: Bind off all sts loosely. Tip: Use a larger needle to bind off to keep the edge stretchy.

Finishing

Now for the fun part—assembling your coatigan and adding those gorgeous pockets! Take your time with the seaming for a professional finish.

1. Sew shoulder seams: Use mattress stitch or a whip stitch to join the shoulders.
2. Set in sleeves: Sew sleeves into armholes, easing to fit. The slight flare at the cuff will give your coatigan that relaxed, duster silhouette.
3. Sew side and sleeve seams: Use mattress stitch for an invisible seam.
4. Pockets (make 2): CO 24 sts. Work in Stonewash Texture pattern for 6 inches. Bind off. Sew pockets to fronts, 2 inches from side seams and 4 inches from bottom edge, leaving top open. Tip: Try on the coatigan first to position the pockets perfectly for your body.
5. Edging: With RS facing, pick up and knit sts evenly along entire front opening and neckline. Work in garter stitch (knit every row) for 4 rows. Bind off loosely. This creates a clean, finished edge that won't curl.
6. Weave in all ends: Use your tapestry needle to hide all yarn tails.
7. Block to measurements: Wet block or steam block your coatigan to the specified measurements. This is crucial for the texture to bloom and the fabric to drape beautifully.

And there you have it—your very own Stonewash Pocket Coatigan! This cloud-soft, textured duster will keep you cozy for years to come. The simple pattern repeat makes it a relaxing knit, while the finished result looks like a high-end boutique piece. Whether you're a seasoned knitter or a confident beginner, this pattern is sure to become a favorite in your handmade wardrobe.

Happy knitting! Share your finished coatigan with us—we'd love to see your color choices and how you style it.