The Bébé Sweater is a simple, striped kids’ sweater that echoes the design and qualities of the Maman Sweater. Born out of my love for matching knitwear, I wanted to create a mummy and baby sweater set that was easy to knit and would keep you warm on breezy summer days (of which we get a lot in Scotland). The embroidery on the side is a perfect chance to personalise your hand-crafted piece. Details on sizing and materials are listed below!
Construction. The round yoke sweater is knitted top down with lifted increases and German short rows to add some shape. To start off, the neckband and part of the yoke are worked flat to create a larger opening for the head. Then a button band is worked in double knitting along the left shoulder, before being joined with the rest of the yoke. From this point the sweater is worked in the round. The body features a split hem that is folded at the end for a clean finish. The embroidery is added after blocking.
Sizing. The sweater is graded into sizes 3-6 months up to 10-12 years with 9cm [3½ inches] positive ease around the chest. As children’s growth is very personal, I always recommend measuring the chest size of the child you are knitting for and then selecting the size. Sleeve and body length should also be adjusted individually.
Tutorials. There are video tutorials available for extra help on the following techniques: folded neckband, KLL increases, German short rows, jogless stripes, picking up and joining the button band, split hems, simultaneously binding off and sewing on hems and all about knitwear embroidery.
The sweater pictured (size 18-24mo, child’s chest 49cm [19½ inches]).
The Bébé Sweater is designed to have 9cm [3½ inches] of positive ease at the chest, creating an oversized look. Below are the key measurements for the finished sweater. Choose a size that is approx. 9cm [3½ inches] larger at the chest than the chest circumference of the child you are knitting for to get the designed fit. If they are in between sizes, I recommend choosing a larger size. Arm length and body length can also be adjusted to fit the individual child. The chart below gives all the key measurements of the finished sweater. Please note that the yardage will change if you plan on making any aspect of your sweater longer than the given measurements.
Gauge
Body & Sleeves: Stockinette stitch, 4mm [US6] needles: 22 sts x 30 rounds in 10x10cm [4x4 inches]
Neckband: Stockinette stitch, 2mm [US0] needles: 25 sts x 40 rounds in 10x10cm [4x4 inches]
Needles
4mm [US6] circulars: 40cm, 60cm, 80cm, 100cm [16, 24, 32, 40 inches], a single DPN (for the button band) and, if not using the Magic Loop method for the sleeves, a set of DPNs.
2mm [US0] circular: 40cm [16 inches]
Yarn
Meterage and yardage are listed in the table below.
Skein specification refers to Drops Lima (DK weight, 65% wool and 35% alpaca, 50g [1.76oz] = 100m [109yds]). This yarn was used in the pictured sample: main colour White (1101) and contrast colour Blue Indigo (4305).
Notions
For the sweater: 2 x 11mm [7⁄16 inches] buttons (up to 6-12mo) or 3 x 11mm [7⁄16 inches] buttons (all other sizes), 2x stitch markers (different colours), crochet hook (between 2mm-3mm [US0 or 3]), embroidery needle, waste yarn or stitch holders for the sleeve stitches, scissors and a stitch counter.
For the embroidery: Pen, embroidery thread, water-soluble embroidery transfer paper (such as DMC Magic Paper), embroidery needle, scissors, embroidery hoop (optional).
Techniques
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Folded neckband
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KLL increases
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Jogless stripes
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Picking up stitches
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Double knitting
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Tubular bind off
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Split hems
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Folding and sewing on hems simultaneously
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Knitwear embroidery