Knit a Rainbow Jumper

We are just back from a frantic yet fabulous weekend at the Edinburgh Knitting and Stitching Show which we’ll tell you more about later but whilst we were there we were inundated with requests for the ever so simple Sam Sweater pattern which we have knitted up in the self striping super soft rainbow yarn from Adriafil called knitcol. This is true DK weight yarn so the pattern should replicate reasonably well in other yarns but we just adore the softness and vibrancy of this 100% merino yarn.  Another benefit of this rainbow delight is that it washes on a 40 degree cycle and still preserves its shape and colour which makes us love it all the more. So for all you knitters that fell in love with this little gem here is the basic pattern for you to work with.  The general shape is very simple so that those that may be new to hand knitting or may not have picked up their needles for a while can build their confidence whilst creating a delightful addition to a small person’s wardrobe. Measurements and Sizes

Age (months)	3-6 months	9-12 months	18-24 months
To fit chest (cm)	47-49	51-53	55-57
Actual chest (cm)	56	62	67
Full length (cm)	28	31	36
Sleeve length (cm)	13	16	19

This should be relatively easy to adjust as the shaping is minimal.  You can upscale it initially be adding stitches in multiples of 8 when you initially cast on but you will need to check you tension carefully and of course ensure that you have enough yarn to complete your project. Materials For best results knit in Adriafil Knitcol but any DK weight yarn would suffice. One shade (3 balls, 4 balls, 4 balls) and a pair of 4mm Needles   Tension 22 Stitches over 28 rows for a 10cm x 10cm tension swatch   Back Using 4mm needles, cast on 60 (68, 76) stitches and work six rows in garter stitch.  Change to St St and continue until the work measures 21 (24, 27) cm, ending with a WS row.  Work 8 rows more.   Shape Right Back Neck Next row: K20 (22, 24), turn and leave remaining 40 (46, 52) sts on a stitch holder. Working on these 20 (22, 24) sts only continue as follows: Work four rows decreasing one st at the neck edge on every row. 16 (18, 20) sts. Work one more row without shaping.   Shoulder edging Work 8 rows in garter stitch and then Cast Off.   Shape Left Back Neck With RS facing, re-join yarn to the remaining 40 (46, 52) sts, cast off 20 (24, 28) sts, knit to end 20 (22, 24) sts. Work 4 rows decreasing one stitch at the neck edge on every row 16 (18, 20) sts. Work one more row without shaping.               Shoulder edging Work 8 rows in garter stitch and then Cast Off.   Front Using 4mm needles cast on 60 (68, 76) sts. Work six rows in garter stitch and then change to Stocking Stitch. Continue until the work measures 21 (24, 27) cms ending with a WS row.   Shape the Left Front Neck Next row: K23 (25, 27), turn and leave the remaining 37 (43, 49) sts on a stitch holder. Working on these 23 (25, 27) sts only work as follows: Next row: cast off three sts, purl to the end, 20 (22, 24) sts. Next row: Knit Work 4 rows dec one st at neck edge on every row 16 (18, 20) sts. Work 7 more rows without shaping.   Shoulder Edging Work 4 rows in garter stitch. Next row: k3, k2tog, yfwd, k5 (6,7), yfwd, k2tog, k4 (5,6) Work 3 more rows in garter stitch. Cast off.   Shape Right Front Neck With RS facing, re-join the yarn to the remaining 37 (43, 49) sts, cast off 14 (18,22) sts, k to end 23 (25, 27) sts. Next row: Purl. Next row: cast off three sts, k to end 20 (22, 24) sts. Work 4 rows dec one st at neck edge in every row 16 (18, 20) sts. Work 7 more rows without shaping.   Shoulder Edging Work 4 rows in garter stitch. Next row: k4 (5, 6), k2tog, yfwd, k5 (6, 7), yfwd, k2tog, k3. Work 3 more rows in garter stitch. Cast off.   Sleeves Using 4mm needles cast on 32 (36, 40) sts. Work six rows in garter stitch. Increase one stitch at each end of the 3^rd and every following alternate row until there are 44 (46, 48) sts Then increase one stitch at each end of every foll 4^th row until there are 54 (58, 66) sts. Cont without shaping until work measures 16 (19, 22) cms, ending with a WS row. Cast off.   Back Neckband With the RS facing pick up and knit 5 sts evenly along the shoulder edging , 22 (28, 34) sts evenly all round neck edge to shoulder edging and 5 sts evenly along the shoulder edging 32 (38, 44) sts. Beginning with a purl row, work 6 rows in St St. Cast off.   Front Neckband With the RS facing pick up and knit 5 sts evenly along the shoulder edging, 28 (34, 40) sts evenly all round the neck edge to shoulder edging and 5 sts evenly along the shoulder edging 38 (44, 50) sts. Beginning with a purl row work 2 rows in St St. Next row: p2, p2tog, yarn around needle, p to last 4 sts, yarn around needle, p2tog, p2. Work 3 more rows in St St. Cast off.   To make up Placing front shoulder edging over back shoulder edging, sew together at the side edge. Fold sleeves in half lengthways then, placing folds to should seams, sew in position. Join the side seam and sleeve seams. Sew on buttons. Pin garment to measurement given, place under damp cloths and leave to dry. Whilst every effort has been made to ensure that the pattern is correct if you find any errors or need assistance with this design then please do not hesitate to contact us.  Happy Knitting! ♥