Alfred's sweater (baby)

Alfred’s Sweater is a sweet, practical children’s sweater with a textured pattern and a clever elasticated neckline.

It’s worked seamlessly from the top down on circular needles. The top of the yoke begins in 2 x 2 ribbing and is folded over to create a casing for a thin elastic band. This helps the neckline stretch comfortably over little heads while still sitting neatly once the sweater is on.

The rest of the yoke is shaped with raglan increases before the body and sleeves are worked in the round.

Yarn notes

This pattern is designed for a light 5 ply or sport-weight yarn.

Look for a yarn with approximately:

• 170–180 metres per 50 g

• Good elasticity and stitch definition

• A smooth finish that shows the textured pattern clearly

• A soft feel suitable for babies and children

A fine merino wool, baby wool or smooth wool blend would work well.

The most important thing is achieving the pattern gauge of 32 stitches over 10 cm in the textured pattern on 3 mm needles.

Yarn weights can vary between brands, so check the metreage as well as the ply listed on the label. A very fine 5 ply is likely to be a better match than a standard 4 ply.

Sizing

Sizes:
3–6 months (6–9 months) 9–12 months (1–2 years) 2–3 years (3–4 years) 4–5 years (5–6 years) 6–7 years (7–8 years)

Finished measurements

Chest circumference

3–6 months: 50 cm
6–9 months: 52 cm
9–12 months: 54 cm
1–2 years: 58 cm
2–3 years: 62 cm
3–4 years: 65 cm
4–5 years: 66 cm
5–6 years: 69 cm
6–7 years: 71 cm
7–8 years: 74 cm

Finished length

Measured at the centre front:

3–6 months: 28 cm
6–9 months: 30 cm
9–12 months: 32 cm
1–2 years: 36 cm
2–3 years: 38 cm
3–4 years: 39 cm
4–5 years: 42 cm
5–6 years: 44 cm
6–7 years: 45 cm
7–8 years: 48 cm

Yarn requirements

Use a fine 4 ply yarn with approximately 175 metres per 50 g.

Approximate total metreage:

• 3–6 months: 525 m

• 6–9 months: 525 m

• 9–12 months: 525 m

• 1–2 years: 700 m

• 2–3 years: 700 m

• 3–4 years: 700 m

• 4–5 years: 875 m

• 5–6 years: 875 m

• 6–7 years: 875 m

• 7–8 years: 1,050 m

Always check the metreage on the yarn you’re buying rather than relying only on the number of balls.

Consider purchasing one extra ball if you plan to lengthen the body or sleeves, or would like additional yarn for swatching.

Gauge

32 stitches × 36 rows = 10 × 10 cm in the textured pattern on 3 mm needles.

The gauge is measured in the textured pattern rather than plain stocking stitch, so make sure your swatch uses the pattern stitch given in the instructions.

Needles and notions

• 3 mm circular needles in approximately 40 cm and 60 cm lengths

• 3 mm double-pointed needles, or a longer circular needle for Magic Loop

• Stitch markers

• Waste yarn or spare cables for holding sleeve stitches

• Thin knitting-in elastic for the folded neckline

• Tapestry needle

Difficulty

★★★☆☆

Intermediate

A quick tip before you start

The elasticated neckline is designed to make the sweater easier to pull over a child’s head.

Make sure the elastic is comfortable and stretchy rather than tight. It should help the neckband return to shape without restricting the opening or making the neckline uncomfortable.