Turtleback Jacket

 A Turtleback Jacket is a version of a shrug that is longer and bulkier. I made this turtleback for my daughter using Loops&Threads Charisma in True Red.  The inspiration is the book Easy Turtleback Jackets by Sue Childress and Frances Hughes.  In their book they explain how a turtleback is just a folded rectangle, and that the key to a good fitting turtleback is a rib pattern and a soft yarn. Charisma is an excellent choice for this pattern.

Instead of following one of the patterns in the book I used a 3-2 rib. By that I mean on the right side you knit 3 purl 2 across the row, and on the wrong side you purl 3 knit 2 across.  Most of the patterns in the book have a four row repeat, but I wanted something I didn't have to think about while watching wrestling matches.

This is actually the second Turtleback I've made, the first one I used Charisma in Lakeside, which has blue, gray and brown that works up in a striped pattern. I gave that to my Mom.  This red  jacket is really too wide for my daughter, but it gives her more room to cuddle into it, and hangs down to her hips when she is standing. When deciding how much to cast on make sure you have a multiple of 5 plus 3 extra stitches in order to get the sides the same. 123 is what I used for both the jackets I made, but keep the wearer in mind. For the length you want to measure from the back of the neck to about hip level, then add 4 or 5 inches for the cowl.

When you are done working it up, fold it in half, right sides together, so the rib is vertical, and sew up each side leaving room for arm holes.  This makes a great wrap for chilly early mornigs. Enjoy!