Beginner Baby Sweaters
As I mentioned in my last post, I am going to be teaching a beginner knitting class starting in just a few weeks (yikes!) and so I have been spending quite a lot of time designing a baby sweater to use as the main project for the six week course. Here are versions 1 and 3.
What about version 2? Well, it was frogged. It was going to be a stockinette version of #1 but after finishing the back and one front I decided I didn't like it nearly as much as the garter stitch.
As you can see, #1 is a crossover pullover. It was worked in worsted weight, Patons Decor. In the photo above it is just folded in half. I left it unseamed so that I would be able to demonstrate its construction better. This is how it looks unfolded.
The colour changes were made to better show the different sections of the sweater, changing each time there is a change in the shaping. The cardigan uses colour changes in a similar way, but since I had five colours of the King Cole DK Merino Blend I used them all. Note to self: point out to students that using different colours on the front and back of the sleeve was not the best idea. It made it much more difficult to sew up neatly. Duh.
I think I will do another pullover version in the DK, and see if I can't use short rows to shape the sleeves instead of casting on or binding off at the begining of every row. That would make for neater sleeve edges that would be easier to sew together. And no, I don't think short rows are too complicated for beginners. Or a 3-needle bindoff, either ;-) .
I've knit a similar, adult sized sweater. The pattern called for it to be done in two pieces (front & sleeves and back & sleeves) requiring it to be seamed at the shoulder/outer arms, but otherwise it was done as you have done. I altered the pattern so that I knit it in one piece, in the round. It made for some mightly long rows but would be more doable in a baby size.
I love the look of the two you have made. Will you be offering a pattern?
I love them! :)
Very cute sweaters! I especially like the ones in different colours. Good luck with your course!
Very cool looking sweaters, and I like the idea of using the different colours for the different portions of the pattern!