Novice Sweater Junior
Original price
$14.70
-
Original price
$14.70
Original price
$14.70
$14.70
-
$14.70
Current price
$14.70
Availability:
2+ in stock, ready to be shipped
The Novice Sweater Junior by PetiteKnit is a cosy, chunky pullover for kids that knits up super quickly on 6 mm needles—making it a dream project for newer knitters or anyone craving an instant-gratification knit. Featuring a classic round yoke, smooth stockinette body, and snug ribbed trims, it’s a timeless, ultra-comfortable everyday layer that’s easy to dress up or down.
Please note: This is a knitting pattern only. Yarn, needles, and extra notions must be purchased separately.
Pattern Overview
- Skill Level: 1 out of 5 (Beginner)
- Size Range: 1–2 years to 12–14 years
- Construction: You’ll work this sweater seamlessly from the top down in stockinette stitch. Starting right at the ribbed neckband, you shape the round yoke using four evenly spaced increase rounds before separating the sleeves and knitting the body straight down to the ribbed hem. Finally, you work the sleeves in the round down to the ribbed cuffs—leaving zero seaming and only yarn ends to weave in at the finish.
Sizing & Fit Guide
This sweater is designed with comfortable, easy-wearing room for active kids to layer over tees and shirts. Before you cast on, measure the child’s chest circumference—or compare the finished garment measurements below against a well-fitting sweater they already own—to choose the best size.
| Size | Finished Bust Circumference (cm) | Total Length (cm) |
|---|---|---|
| 1–2 years | 60 | 34 |
| 2–3 years | 62 | 36 |
| 3–4 years | 64 | 38 |
| 4–5 years | 66 | 40 |
| 5–6 years | 68 | 42 |
| 6–7 years | 72 | 44 |
| 7–8 years | 74 | 46 |
| 8–9 years | 76 | 48 |
| 9–10 years | 80 | 50 |
| 10–12 years | 82 | 52 |
| 12–14 years | 85 | 54 |
Gauge & Suggested Tools
- Gauge: 16 sts x 21 rows = 10 x 10 cm in stockinette stitch on 6 mm needles.
- Circular Needles: 6 mm (40 cm, and 60 or 80 cm) & 5.5 mm (40 cm, and 60 or 80 cm).
- Double-Pointed Needles: 5.5 mm DPNs (only needed if you prefer not to use the Magic Loop method for the sleeve cuffs).
Yarn & Materials Chart
This sweater gives you two flexible yarn routes depending on the texture and drape you love:
Option 1: Single Strand (Chunky / Bulky Weight)
Knitted using one strand of blown alpaca-wool blend (~150 m per 50 g) or brushed alpaca (~110 m per 50 g).
| Size | Blown Alpaca Blend (~150 m/50 g) | Brushed Alpaca (~110 m/50 g) |
|---|---|---|
| 1–2 years | 100–150 g (~300–450 m) | 150 g (~330 m) |
| 2–3 years | 150 g (~450 m) | 150 g (~330 m) |
| 3–4 years | 150 g (~450 m) | 150 g (~330 m) |
| 4–5 years | 150 g (~450 m) | 150 g (~330 m) |
| 5–6 years | 150 g (~450 m) | 200 g (~440 m) |
| 6–7 years | 200 g (~600 m) | 200 g (~440 m) |
| 7–8 years | 200 g (~600 m) | 200 g (~440 m) |
| 8–9 years | 200 g (~600 m) | 200 g (~440 m) |
| 9–10 years | 200 g (~600 m) | 200–250 g (~440–550 m) |
| 10–12 years | 250 g (~750 m) | 250 g (~550 m) |
| 12–14 years | 250 g (~750 m) | 250 g (~550 m) |
Option 2: Three Strands Held Together
Knitted by holding three strands together throughout: one strand of 4-ply fingering wool (~210 m per 50 g), one strand of single-ply fingering merino (~366 m per 100 g), and one strand of lace-weight silk mohair (~210 m per 25 g).
| Size | 4-Ply Wool (~210 m/50 g) | Single-Ply Merino (~366 m/100 g) | Silk Mohair (~210 m/25 g) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1–2 years | 100 g (~420 m) | 100 g (~366 m) | 50 g (~420 m) |
| 2–3 years | 100 g (~420 m) | 100 g (~366 m) | 50 g (~420 m) |
| 3–4 years | 100 g (~420 m) | 100 g (~366 m) | 50 g (~420 m) |
| 4–5 years | 100 g (~420 m) | 100 g (~366 m) | 50 g (~420 m) |
| 5–6 years | 100 g (~420 m) | 200 g (~732 m) | 50 g (~420 m) |
| 6–7 years | 150 g (~630 m) | 200 g (~732 m) | 50–75 g (~420–630 m) |
| 7–8 years | 150 g (~630 m) | 200 g (~732 m) | 75 g (~630 m) |
| 8–9 years | 150 g (~630 m) | 200 g (~732 m) | 75 g (~630 m) |
| 9–10 years | 150 g (~630 m) | 200 g (~732 m) | 75 g (~630 m) |
| 10–12 years | 150 g (~630 m) | 200 g (~732 m) | 75 g (~630 m) |
| 12–14 years | 150–200 g (~630–840 m) | 200 g (~732 m) | 75 g (~630 m) |
Note: Meter figures are calculated directly from the pattern’s recommended yarn weights and represent designer estimates rather than exact consumption. Always buy full balls/skeins and consider grabbing an extra ball if you plan to swatch generously or add length for growing room.
Crucial Swatching Tip
Take a little time to knit, wash, and block a stockinette swatch (using your chosen single strand or all three strands held together) before casting on! Hitting that 16-stitch by 21-row gauge ensures your finished sweater matches the measurements in the table above and gives the fabric a soft, squishy drape. Adjust your main needle size up or down if your stitch count is slightly off.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is this really suitable for an absolute beginner? Yes! Rated 1 out of 5 in difficulty, it’s specifically designed as a gentle first-sweater project—using chunky 6 mm needles, simple knit and purl stitches, and straightforward round-yoke increases.
- Do I have to use double-pointed needles for the sleeves? Not at all! You can easily knit the sleeves and ribbed cuffs in the round using the Magic Loop technique on a long circular needle instead of 5.5 mm DPNs.
- Are there any seams to sew at the end? Zero seaming required. The neckband, yoke, body, and sleeves are all worked seamlessly from the top down—leaving just weaving in your yarn ends at the finish.