Free Knitting Pattern for a Boy’s High Neck Sweater.
This “Ask Sweater” pattern is a free knitting pattern for a children’s/youth sweater with a round yoke, featuring a simple geometric colorwork pattern. The design is classic and versatile, suitable for a range of ages. The sweater is worked in the round from the bottom up, using Sandnes Garn Alpakka Ull, a blend of alpaca and wool.
The body of the sweater begins with a ribbed section (k1, p1 ribbing) worked on smaller needles (4.5mm). After the ribbing, the pattern switches to larger needles (5mm) and stocking stitch (knit every round). The body is worked straight until the armholes, where stitches are cast off to create the openings. Markers are used to indicate the sides of the sweater.
The sleeves are worked separately, also starting with ribbing on smaller needles and then transitioning to stocking stitch on larger needles. Increases are worked along the sleeves to create a wider shape towards the upper arm. Stitches are cast off at the underarm to match the armhole shaping on the body.
The round yoke is created by joining the body and sleeve stitches onto a single circular needle. A few rounds of plain stocking stitch are worked, with some decreases evenly spaced around to adjust the stitch count. The colorwork pattern, presented in a chart, is then worked. The chart uses three colors (beige melange, putty, and grey melange) and features a simple, repeating geometric motif. Decreases are incorporated into the colorwork chart to shape the yoke and reduce the stitch count towards the neckline.
Finally, a ribbed neckband is worked on smaller needles, creating a snug and comfortable finish. The pattern specifies casting off loosely rib-wise to maintain elasticity.
- Measurements:
- Sizes: (2) 4 (6) 8 (10) 12 years
- Chest width: (63) 67 (72) 76 (80) 86 cm / approximately (24.8) 26.4 (28.3) 29.9 (31.5) 33.9 inches
- Length: (34) 38 (42) 46 (48) 50 cm / approximately (13.4) 15 (16.5) 18.1 (18.9) 19.7 inches
- Sleeve length: (23) 26 (29) 32 (35) 38 cm / approximately (9.1) 10.2 (11.4) 12.6 (13.8) 15 inches (or suitable length)
- The measurements provided are for the finished garment, and thus include some wearing ease.
- Skill Level: The pattern doesn’t explicitly state a skill level, but given the colorwork yoke, working in the round, and shaping, it’s best suited for Intermediate knitters. A confident beginner familiar with these techniques could likely manage it.
- Materials Needed:
- Yarn: Sandnes Garn Alpakka Ull (65% alpaca, 35% wool, 50g = 100m)
- Beige melange #2650: (4) 4 (5) 6 (7) 8 balls
- Putty #1015: 1 ball (all sizes)
- Grey melange #1042: 1 ball (all sizes)
- Needles:
- Circular and double-pointed needles: 4.5mm and 5mm (US 7 and US 8 are close equivalents, but check gauge)
- Notions:
- Stitch markers
- Tapestry needle (for weaving in ends)
- Waste Yarn
- Yarn: Sandnes Garn Alpakka Ull (65% alpaca, 35% wool, 50g = 100m)
- Gauge: 19 sts St-st with 5 mm ndls = 10 cm. The needles sizes are listed as suggestions, and it is noted one may need to go up or down depending on their personal tension.
