The puffer pattern had been addressed before in a Pt 2 comment: https://badmachinery.com/comic/a-creature/#comment-6280

Realottie: horizontal stitch
Noncharlotte: diamond stitch

But I still like the idea! DemetriosX pointed out the cover scene might refer to page title “ploop”. Since there’s an “I’ll be you” earlier, who knows which one will be wearing which jacket … when?