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This pattern is also available as a Lion Brand knit kit. The kit comes with a free copy of the PDF pattern as well as all the yarn required in your chosen colourways!

Shop my first book, Modern Crochet Sweaters, here or wherever you buy your books!

Shop my second book, Summer Crochet, here or wherever you buy your books!

ABOUT

Look no further for a charming, slouchy drop-shoulder sweater with a relaxed fit and an eye-catching striping pattern. Seemingly endless color combinations will make each version uniquely your own, while the striking colorwork is a lot of fun to knit. Each section of colour blends beautifully into the next for a fool-proof, cohesive palette, no matter your choices. Designed using breathable and durable natural fibers with an expansive size range for all the kiddos in your life.

PS - you can read more about the meaning behind this sweater in this post here.

For more information and additional photos, visit knitsnknots.ca/back-to-school-sweater.

MATERIALS

Yarn Used: DK—Lion Brand Cottino in 4 colorways: The larger sample shown uses “Limestone,” “Azul,” “Sedona,” and “Mineral.” The smaller sample shown uses ”Cider,” “Ranger,” “Teddy,” and “Goose Down.”

• 55% Cotton, 45% Merino Wool
• 296 yds (271 m) per 3.5 oz (100 g) skein
• Find this yarn on lionbrand.com or visit yarnsub.com to find comparable substitutes available in your region.

Yardage Required:
12 sizes, written in the following format:
(6-12mo, 12-18mo, 2T, 3T) (4T, 5, 6, 8) (10, 12, 14, 16)
(1, 1, 1, 1) (1, 1, 1, 1) (1, 1, 2, 2) skein(s) of each colorway
(100, 145, 155, 160) (170, 175, 185, 230) (270, 285, 290, 325) yds each
(91, 133, 142, 146) (155, 160, 169, 210) (247, 260, 265, 297) m each

Yarn Substitution: Substitute Cottino with any similar category 3, DK weight yarn that matches gauge. For a similar look and feel, choose a cotton blend. Natural, non-synthetic fibers will produce the most breathable garment and prevent the child from overheating. Always swatch before beginning to ensure you are happy with the resulting fabric.

Notions: Tapestry needle, scissors, 2 removable/locking stitch markers, 1 distinct fixed stitch marker to mark BOR, scrap yarn or stitch wire/holders for placing stitches on hold

NEEDLES

Main Gauge Needle: Size U.S. 6 (4 mm) or size needed to obtain gauge

Ribbing Needle: Size U.S. 4 (3.5 mm) or size that is approximately 0.5 mm smaller than main gauge needle

Suggested cord lengths:

• 12-16” (30-40 cm) cord for parts of the front panel and neckband
• 32-40” (80-100 cm) cord for yoke and body, or cord long enough to accommodate all body sts for your size
• 8-9” (20-23 cm) circulars, DPNs, or your preferred method of smaller circumference knitting (in your smaller ribbing needle size) for completing the sleeves. You can also use the magic loop using a longer cord length, if preferred.

GAUGE

4 x 4” (10 x 10 cm) = approximately 24 sts and 34 rows in stockinette stitch using main gauge (larger) needle

HELPFUL LINKS

M1L/M1R
Long Tail Cast-On
Backwards Loop Cast-On
Italian Bind-Off: Video Tutorial

PATTERN NOTES

Skill Level: Intermediate

Sizing: This sweater is written in twelve sizes as follows: (6-12mo, 12-18mo, 2T, 3T) (4T, 5, 6, 8) (10, 12, 14, 16). Make sure to follow the numbers for your size only. View full sizing chart on next page.

Stitch Counts: Stitch counts are listed after each row/round in italics. If no stitch count is given, there has been no change since the previous row/round. If only one number is provided, it applies to all sizes.

Construction: This sweater is worked from the top down, beginning with the back panel knit flat while increasing at the edges to shape the shoulders. The front shoulders are then picked up directly from the back panel, shaped at the neckline, and joined after casting on stitches for the front neck. The body is then joined in the round while casting on stitches for the underarms, and the sleeves are knit directly onto the armhole openings on the body. A simple 1x1 ribbing is worked at the bottom hem, neckline, and sleeve cuffs. The neckline is folded down for a clean look.

Managing Multiple Yarns: When knitting your stripes, carry your yarn up the side of your work until you are done working the 6-stripe sequence, then cut it, leaving a tail long enough to weave in.

Changing Colors: Each stripe is comprised of 2 rounds. I knit the first round of the stripe normally. When beginning the second round, I lifted the right leg of the stitch below onto the lefthand needle and knit it together with the first stitch on the lefthand needle. With 2-row stripes, it does not produce a totally seamless color change, but produces what looks like a faux seam.

You can also try slipping the first stitch of the second row, and knitting the rest of the stitches as usual. This creates almost seamless rounds, except the columns of stitches that you slip will have 1 taller stitch per colored stripe instead of two normal stitches stacked on top of one another. Any method of color change that you prefer can be used here, so long as you are consistent throughout your sweater.

TERMS + ABBREVIATIONS

BOR: beginning of round
Circ: circumference
K: knit
K2tog: knit 2 stitches together (right-slanting decrease)
- Insert your right needle into the next 2 stitches knitwise, treating them as 1, and knit them together.
M1L: make 1 left
- Lift the strand between stitches from front to back and knit through the back loop.
M1Lp: make 1 left on the purl side
- Lift the strand between stitches from front to back and purl through the back loop.
M1R: make 1 right
- Lift the strand between stitches from back to front and knit through the front loop.
M1Rp: make 1 right on the purl side
- Lift the strand between stitches from back to front and purl through the front loop.
mo: months old
P: purl
rep: repeat
rnd(s): round(s)
RS: right side
SSK: slip slip knit
stockinette: knit all RS rows, purl all WS rows
st(s): stitch(es)
WS: wrong side

Shop my first book, Modern Crochet Sweaters, here or wherever you buy your books!

Shop my second book, Summer Crochet, here or wherever you buy your books!