Pattern Directions for Converted Sweater Project

Toddler's Pullover Sweater

(converted directions based on cardigan pattern)

Sizes:

-6 mos. (12 mos.)*

Shown in size 12 mos. When only one number is given, it applies to both sizes. Note: For ease in working, circle all numbers pertaining to your size.

Finished measurements:

-Chest= 22 (25)"*

Yarn:

Sensations Rainbow Classic (Art. 09122458); 100% acrylic; 11 oz. (312 g.); 615 yds. (562 m.); bulky weight.

-1 skein # 42588 Green/Grey Rainbow Classic*

Needles & extras:

-Size 10 (6 mm) needles or size needed to obtain gauge.

-Tapestry (blunt-end yarn) needle

Gauge:

-11 sts. and 20 rows= 4" (10 cm) over

-Garter stitch (stockingnette, or knit every row)

TAKE TIME TO CHECK YOUR GAUGE.

Note: Use long-tail cast-on throughout.

Back:

-Cast on 30 (34) sts. Work Garter st until piece measures 11 (12)". Bind off.*

Front:

-Cast on 30 (34) sts. Work Garter st until piece measure 11 (12) ". Bind off.*

Sleeve: (make 2)

-Cast on 26 (28) sts. Work Garter st until piece measures 5 (7)". Bind off.*

Ribbing:

-Sleeve ribbing

-Cast on 10 (15) sts. Knit 2 rows, purl 2 rows. Work alternating stitches until pieces each measure 7 (9)". Bind off.*

-Bottom edge ribbing

-Cast on 17 (19) sts. Knit 2 rows, purl 2 rows. Work alternating stitches until piece measures 8 (10)". Bind off.*

-Neck ribbing

-Cast on 5 (7) sts. Knit 2 rows, purl 2 rows. Work alternating stitches until piece measures 5 (5 1/2)". Bind off.*

Finishing:

-Sew shoulder seams, leaving a 5 (5 1/2)" neck opening. Sew sleeves onto body of pullover. Fold pullover at shoulders; sew sides and underarm seams. Weave in ends.

Attach ribbing: As you sew on bottom edge and sleeve ribbing pieces, you will notice a gather or "pucker"," which should only be slight; if you notice an extreme gather, detach and start again. Gathering should be uniform for a clean appearance and ensure that sleeves can stay in place if pushed up and that the body of the finished sweater doesn't ride up or cause discomfort for the wearer. Weave in ends.

*You may have noticed an asterisk noted throughout the pattern directions I've listed here. My son is almost three years old but being a novice in the world of knitting, my stitches, depending on the fiber base I'm working with, can be looser or tighter in conjunction with the pattern directions; therefore, I put in all caps that it is important to check your gauge.

I wanted to create a sweater for my child but felt I lacked the confidence to move forward into the world of increase/decrease stitching; remember my swiss cheese reference in my previous post discussing the finished product and the importance of including (after making notes for revisions) a pattern for others to follow. When I found the original cardigan pattern, consisting of blocks (rectangles, if you will), I began to see how it could be converted into a pullover; the ribbed pieces were a "brain baby" during the formation of each piece that would become the body of the sweater. I wanted a sweater that my child could wear outside, when the chill is still hanging in the air in the mornings when we garden, something consisting of a fiber base that could be easily cleaned and cared for (therefore, the choice of acrylic), and assist with my learning process of working with different fibers for functional use. Am I happy with the end result? Yes, I am. I will have to expand the neck ribbing as he grows until he can no longer wear the sweater but I'm willing to work with that as part of my learning process on the knitting playground. Happy creating! ~Mom

Resource:

-Better Homes & Gardens 1-2-3 Knit: Project-packed Beginner's Guide.

*distributed exclusively by Leisure Arts.