Hide Sweater Jumper Knitting Pattern

Hide Sweater in Rowan Summerlite DK

What is Being Made

The Hide Sweater is a children's pullover knit garment designed by Martin Storey. This intermediate-level knitting project is sized to fit children from 3 to 12 years old, with actual chest measurements ranging from 66.5 cm to 88 cm (26¼ to 34¾ inches). The sweater features a classic pullover construction with shaped shoulders, a fitted neckline, and structured front and back panels.

Techniques Used

This pattern employs several key knitting techniques appropriate for an intermediate skill level. Shoulder shaping is achieved through strategic cast-offs at the beginning of rows to create a fitted armhole and shoulder line. Neckline shaping involves decreasing stitches at the neck edge over multiple rows to create a comfortable, contoured neckline opening. The pattern includes separate side shaping for both the front and back pieces, with the front neck shaped differently than the back to accommodate the pullover opening. Stitch tension management is critical, as the pattern requires maintaining consistent gauge across different stitch patterns used throughout the garment.

Stitches Used

The Hide Sweater utilizes two primary stitch patterns. Stockinette stitch (st st) forms the main fabric of the garment and is measured at a tension of 22 stitches and 30 rows to 10 cm. Garter stitch (g st) is incorporated into the design, measured at a tension of 21 stitches and 40 rows to 10 cm. The pattern also includes ribbing, indicated by the repeat of K2, P2 (knit 2, purl 2) sequences, which typically appears at cuffs, hem, and neckband areas to provide elasticity and structure. A neckband is constructed using held stitches, creating a finished edge at the neck opening.

Materials: Yarn and Needles

The Hide Sweater is designed to be knitted using Rowan Summerlite DK, a lightweight double-knitting weight yarn available in two colorways featured in this pattern. Color A is Black (shade 464), with yardage requirements ranging from 4 balls for the smallest size to 6 balls for the largest size. Color B is Seashell (shade 466), requiring 2 to 3 balls depending on size selection. The pattern is worked on two sizes of needles: 3¼mm (US 3) needles for ribbed sections and 3¾mm (US 5) needles for the main fabric in both stockinette and garter stitches. The specified needle sizes are essential for achieving the required tension and ensuring proper garment fit across all size ranges.