The Cloudveil Faux Fur Gilet: A Free Knitting Pattern for a Plush Teddy Jacket

Wrap yourself in a cloud of softness with this oversized, cropped gilet knitted in plush faux fur yarn. The Cloudveil Faux Fur Gilet is the ultimate cozy layering piece for chilly days, combining a relaxed, boxy fit with clean ribbed edges for a modern silhouette. Whether you're curling up by the fire or heading out for a crisp autumn walk, this teddy jacket-style vest adds instant warmth and luxury to any outfit.

This free pattern is perfect for intermediate knitters looking for a quick, satisfying project using super bulky yarns. The double-strand technique creates a dense, cloud-like fabric with a beautiful halo that obscures stitch definition, giving your gilet that coveted high-end teddy bear texture. Best of all, the oversized fit means gauge is flexible—so you can relax and enjoy the process!

Materials Needed

Before you begin, gather the following supplies:

Yarn

• 2 strands of super bulky weight yarn held together throughout:
• 1 strand of faux fur yarn (e.g., Lion Brand Go For Faux) in cream/ivory
• 1 strand of smooth super bulky yarn (e.g., Lion Brand Hometown USA) in a matching cream/ivory tone
• Approximately 500–600g total yarn (250–300g of each strand)

Needles & Notions

• US 15 (10 mm) circular knitting needles, 32-inch cable (for flat panels)
• US 15 (10 mm) double-pointed needles for ribbing (or use circular for magic loop)
• Stitch markers
• Tapestry needle for weaving in ends
• Scissors

Gauge

8 stitches and 10 rows = 4 inches in stockinette stitch with double strand on US 15 needles. Note: Exact gauge is flexible due to the oversized, relaxed fit—don't stress about perfection!

Step-by-Step Instructions

This gilet is knitted flat in two panels (front and back), then seamed at the shoulders and sides, leaving armholes open. The ribbed trim is picked up and knitted in the round for a clean, professional finish.

Sizes & Measurements

• Sizes: S/M (M/L)
• Finished chest: 40 (46) inches
• Length: 22 (24) inches

Abbreviations

• CO = cast on
• K = knit
• P = purl
• K2tog = knit two together
• P2tog = purl two together
• St(s) = stitch(es)
• RS = right side
• WS = wrong side
• PM = place marker
• SM = slip marker

Back Panel

Cast On & Ribbing:
CO 80 (92) sts with double strand.
Row 1 (RS): K2, P2 across, end with K2.
Row 2 (WS): P2, K2 across, end with P2.
Repeat these 2 rows for 2 inches of ribbing, ending with a WS row.

Body:
Switch to stockinette stitch (K on RS, P on WS) and work even until piece measures 14 (15) inches from cast-on edge, ending with a WS row.

Shape Armholes:
Next row (RS): Bind off 6 (8) sts at beginning of next 2 rows.
Then decrease 1 st at each edge every other row 3 times as follows:
Decrease row (RS): K1, K2tog, knit to last 3 sts, K2tog, K1.
(62 (70) sts remain).

Work even in stockinette until armhole measures 8 (9) inches from bind-off, ending with a WS row.

Shape Shoulders:
Bind off 8 (9) sts at beginning of next 4 rows.
Bind off remaining 30 (34) sts for back neck.

Front Panel

Cast On & Ribbing:
CO 80 (92) sts and work ribbing same as back for 2 inches, ending with a WS row.

Body:
Switch to stockinette and work even until piece measures 14 (15) inches from cast-on, ending with a WS row.

Shape Armholes:
Bind off 6 (8) sts at beginning of next 2 rows.
Decrease 1 st at each armhole edge every other row 3 times as on back: K1, K2tog, knit to last 3 sts, K2tog, K1.
(62 (70) sts remain).
Work 2 rows even in stockinette.

Divide for Neck:
Next row (RS): K28 (32) sts, join second ball of yarn, bind off center 6 (6) sts, K28 (32) sts.
Work both sides separately with separate balls of yarn.

Left Front (as worn):
Neck decreases: Decrease 1 st at neck edge (end of RS rows) every other row 10 (11) times:
Decrease row (RS): Work to last 3 sts, K2tog, K1.
(18 (21) sts remain).

Work even in stockinette until armhole measures same as back to shoulder, ending at armhole edge (WS row).

Shape Shoulder:
Bind off 8 (9) sts at beginning of next RS row, then bind off remaining 10 (12) sts on next RS row.

Right Front:
Mirror left front: decrease at neck edge (beginning of RS rows) with K1, K2tog. Bind off shoulders accordingly.

Finishing

Seaming:
Sew shoulder seams using mattress stitch or whip stitch. Sew side seams from armhole down to ribbing, leaving ribbing open for side slits if desired (or sew all the way down for a closed side).

Armband Ribbing

With RS facing, pick up and knit 44 (48) sts evenly around armhole. Join in the round (place marker at beginning).
Work K2, P2 ribbing for 2 inches.
Bind off loosely in pattern.

Neckband

With RS facing, pick up and knit 60 (68) sts around neckline (including front neck edges and back neck). Join in the round.
Work K2, P2 ribbing for 1.5 inches.
Bind off loosely in pattern.

Bottom Ribbing (Optional)

If you want a longer ribbed band at the bottom, pick up and knit 80 (92) sts from cast-on edge and work K2, P2 ribbing for 2 inches. Bind off loosely.

Final Touches

Weave in all ends with a tapestry needle. Block gently—do not press faux fur, as heat will flatten the plush texture. Simply lay flat to dry and fluff with your fingers if needed.

Your Cloudveil Faux Fur Gilet is complete! Slip it on over a turtleneck or long-sleeve tee and enjoy the cloud-like warmth of your new handmade teddy jacket. This pattern works up quickly with bulky yarn, making it a perfect weekend project. Happy knitting!