Elizabeth Zimmermann’s Surprise Jacket

Curious about where to start? Here are details about the various instructions available for Elizabeth’s classic design:

Eager to get going? Choose the Surprise Jacket Pattern - digital (includes Elizabeth's original instructions, row by row version, basic sizing formulas for baby to adult, variations such as collar and hood, and technical instruction).

Interested in all types of surprise garments? Jump in with The Complete Surprise, a book written by Elizabeth's grandson Cully Swansen, for whom the original baby jacket was designed in 1968 (covers everything in the pattern in even more depth, with detailed sizing formulas for baby to adult jackets and contains directions for a simple scarf, bolero/shrug, dress, baby snuggle suit, and stranded surprise color-pattern jacket in stocking stitch).

Wish for knitting directions just for you? The EZ Knitting Calculator for Surprise Jackets is a truly magical online option that will produce custom row-by-row instructions in pdf format for any size Surprise Jacket (enter a few measurements, use as many times as you like). Pattern or book recommended with this product, though it is possible to follow the row by row directions from the calculator alone.