If you know a little one who makes engine noises at the breakfast table, this one is for them.

Racing Stripes Cars is a cosy jumper (sweater) with three little cars zooming across the front on colourful stripes, each with real button wheels. There is a matching hat too, with its own car racing round the stripe, so they can be dressed from top to toe.

This is the new version of my Racing Stripes pattern. Some of you told me you didn’t like the narrow sleeves on the original, they were very trendy at the time. So I have redesigned it with a modern shape in keeping with my other garments, taken out the neck opening it didn’t need, and added a matching hat. If you bought the original, the new version replaces it in your library.

The pieces are knitted flat and sewn together, and the cars and windows are knitted separately and sewn on. The instructions are clear and easy to follow, and it knits up quickly in DK.

Two of the photos show my original version in different colours. They are there for colour inspiration only, the pattern is for the new shape.

Designed by Jane Burns. I’ve been creating knitting and crochet patterns for babies and children for 18 years, so you can trust this one is as straightforward to follow as it looks.

Sizes

Jumper: 1-2 (2-3: 4-5: 6-7: 8-9: 10-11) years

• To fit chest: 53 (56: 61: 67: 71: 76) cm / 21 (22: 24: 26.5: 28: 30) in
• Actual chest: 61 (65.5: 69: 76: 80: 85.5) cm / 24 (25.75: 27: 30: 31.5: 33.75) in
• Finished length: 36 (38: 42: 48: 52: 56) cm / 14 (15: 16.5: 19: 20.5: 22) in
• Sleeve length: 30 (31.5: 33.5: 37: 41: 45) cm / 11.75 (12.5: 13.25: 14.5: 16: 17.75) in

Hat: Newborn (3-6m: 6-12m: toddler: child)

• Circumference: 31.5 (36.5: 41: 42.5: 44.5) cm / 12.5 (14.25: 16.25: 16.75: 17.5) in
• Depth with brim folded: 12 (15: 17.5: 19: 20) cm / 4.75 (6: 7: 7.5: 8) in

Yarn

Stylecraft Special DK, 100% acrylic, 295m / 322 yds per 100g. Any DK weight yarn will work, Paintbox Yarns Simply DK is a good substitute.

Jumper

• Yarn A (1063) Graphite: 1 ball all sizes
• Yarn B (1805) Warm Grey: 2 (3: 3: 3: 4: 4) balls
• Yarn C (2180) Mistletoe, Yarn D (1709) Gold and Yarn E (1029) Copper: 1 ball each

Hat: 1 extra ball of Yarn B, plus Yarn A and Yarn D left over from the jumper.

Needles and notions

• 3.25mm (US 3) and 4mm (US 6) straight needles
• 3.25mm (US 3) circular needle, not essential but easier for the neckband
• Darning needle, stitch markers, stitch holder
• 6 x 2cm / ¾in black buttons for the jumper and 2 for the hat

For children under 3, embroider the wheels in Yarn A instead of using buttons.

Gauge

22 sts and 30 rows to 10cm / 4in over stocking stitch on 4mm (US 6) needles.

What you’ll receive

An 11-page PDF with written instructions for the jumper in six sizes and the hat in five, sizing and yarn tables for both, and instructions for the cars, windows and making up.

Skill level: Confident beginner

Stay in touch

New patterns, free downloads, and the occasional knitting rabbit hole, straight to your inbox. Join the list here.