Busy Bee Sweater Jumper Knitting Pattern

Busy Bee Sweater in Rowan Summerlite DK

What is Being Made

The Busy Bee Sweater is a knitted baby sweater designed by Martin Storey, available in two versions: a plain version and a motif version featuring a bee design. This intermediate-level knitting project is sized to fit babies from newborn through 12 months, with actual chest measurements ranging from 51.5 cm to 58.5 cm (20¼ to 23 inches). The sweater features raglan armhole shaping and a button front closure, making it a practical garment for infants.

Techniques Used

The Busy Bee Sweater employs several key knitting techniques to achieve its finished design. The plain version relies on straightforward stockinette stitch construction throughout. The motif version incorporates both intarsia and fairisle techniques to integrate the bee design into the fabric. The intarsia method allows for the introduction of the motif using separate yarn colors worked into the knit structure, while fairisle stranding techniques add textural interest. Raglan armhole shaping is used to create the sleeve cap, requiring decreases worked at regular intervals to achieve the characteristic diagonal seam line from underarm to neckline. The pattern also includes button band construction for the front closure.

Stitches Used

This project is constructed primarily using stockinette stitch (knit on right-side rows, purl on wrong-side rows), which provides a smooth, classic fabric base. The motif chart is worked entirely in stockinette stitch as well, ensuring consistent fabric texture across both plain and patterned versions. Decreasing techniques include knit two together (K2tog) and slip one, knit one, pass slipped stitch over (sl 1, K1, psso), which are used symmetrically for raglan shaping. Purl two together (P2tog) decreases are worked on wrong-side rows to maintain shaping continuity. The pattern also involves casting off stitches at the armhole and neckline to establish garment edges.

Materials: Yarn and Needles

The Busy Bee Sweater offers flexibility in yarn choice depending on the version selected. The motif version is worked in Rowan Summerlite DK, a lightweight yarn available in 50-gram balls. Three colors are required: Silvery Blue (color 468) for the main yarn, Pickles (color 475) for accent color, and Mushroom (color 454) for additional contrast, with yardage requirements varying by size from 2 to 3 balls per color. The plain version is photographed in Baby Cashsoft Merino, also in 50-gram balls and shown in Baby Blue (color 107), requiring 2 to 3 balls depending on size.

Two needle sizes are required for this project: 3¼mm (US 3) needles for ribbed sections and 3½mm (US 4) needles for main fabric work. The pattern specifies a tension (gauge) measurement to ensure proper fit. Finishing details include 3 bronze 1.4 cm buttons for the motif version or 3 embossed coconut 1.4 cm buttons for the plain version, providing both functional and decorative closure options.

Pattern Features by Size

• 0-3 months: Chest measurement 51.5 cm (20¼ inches)
• 3-6 months: Chest measurement 53 cm (20¾ inches)
• 6-9 months: Chest measurement 56.5 cm (22¼ inches)
• 9-12 months: Chest measurement 58.5 cm (23 inches)

Construction Details

The sweater is constructed using a back-and-front method with set-in raglan sleeves. The back piece is worked first, followed by the front, which incorporates the motif placement on the motif version. The motif chart spans 19 stitches and is positioned centrally on the front, with plain stockinette stitch worked on either side. Raglan armhole shaping begins after the main body sections are complete, with decreases worked on both knit and purl rows to create the characteristic sloped armhole edge. The front includes shaping for a button band, with stitches held on a holder for later finishing. This intermediate-level pattern provides an excellent project for knitters looking to develop skills in colorwork techniques and fitted garment construction.