I love designing simple, easy-to-knit patterns that might look complicated to beginners but are actually very straightforward. And for experienced knitters? I like to create simple designs as a refresher in between more complicated projects – the kind of knitting where you can relax, switch off and simply enjoy the stitches.

This is the child’s version of my Gartan Jumper. Knitted in chunky yarn, it’s a super-quick knit for experienced knitters and one of those perfect first garments for beginners.

The oversized fit gives children plenty of freedom to run, play and simply enjoy being a child, while keeping them cosy through winter or on those chilly spring evenings. I’ve also included two buttons at the collar to make it easy to slip on over little heads – another small detail to help keep life simple and fun.

CONSTRUCTION
The back, front and two sleeves are knitted flat from the bottom up in separate pieces and joined together. The sleeves are drop. There is a button on the collar.

TECHNIQUES USED
Cast on, knit, purl, decreasing at neck shaping, increasing. Joining seams. Optional but recommended to create the feeling of joy when joining your pieces: three needle cast off and mattress stitch.

YARN
2(3:3:4:4) 100g hanks of Studio Donegal Soft Chunky.
100% Merino wool, 125m/136yds per 100g

SUGGESTED KNITTING NEEDLES
5mm and 6mm.

NOTIONS
Two buttons.

GAUGE (tension)
14 stitches and 20 rows to 10cm/4ins square over stocking stitch. I obtained this gauge with 6mm needles.
It is important to obtain the correct gauge so do work a swatch before you start the pattern and change your needle size to achieve the correct gauge if you need to.

FINISHED MEASUREMENTS

To Fit (suggested)
1-2, (3-4, 5-6, 7-8, 9-10)years

Actual Measurements
54, (60, 65, 71, 77)cm
21¼, (23½, 25½, 27¾, 30¼)ins

Length (from shoulder)
30, (34, 38, 42, 48)cm
11¾, (13¼, 14¾, 16½, 18¾)ins

Sleeve Length
18, (24, 28, 34, 40)cm
7, (9½, 11, 13¼, 15¾)ins

NEED HELP?
I am here for you! Pop into the Skipton studio, send an email, or check out the Purl &Jane YouTube channel for tips, inspiration and guidance including handy resources like gauge (tension) guides and how to tutorials.