Koigu Carousel Jumper Knitting Pattern

Koigu Carousel Kids Sweater

What Is Being Made

The Koigu Carousel is a children's knitted sweater designed by Maie Landra, part of the Koigu Pencil Box Collection. This garment is constructed using a unique modular approach, where small right-angle triangles are knitted individually and then joined together to create larger squares that form the body of the sweater. Two size options are available: a 2–6 years size with a finished chest measurement of 30 inches and length of 15 inches, and an 8–12 years size with a finished chest measurement of 40 inches and length of 17.5–20 inches.

Techniques Used

The Carousel sweater employs a modular knitting technique, where the garment is constructed from geometric units rather than being worked in traditional rows from bottom to top. The pattern uses a French Cast On, also known as a Knitted Cast On, which creates a foundation that makes it easier to pick up stitches along the sides of completed triangles—a critical advantage when joining modular pieces together. The sweater is worked flat on straight needles rather than in the round, and individual triangles are knitted to completion before being joined with stitches picked up along their straight edges. Multiple colors from the Koigu Pencil Box Carousel collection are incorporated throughout the construction, with each triangle worked in a different color to create a visually dynamic finished piece. Yarn ends are woven into the wrong side of triangles as they are completed, and the modular squares are formed by joining four right-angle triangles together after blocking.

Stitches Used

The pattern focuses on fundamental knitting stitches executed with precision and intentional shaping. Knit stitch forms the primary fabric structure throughout each triangle. Purl stitch is used strategically, typically worked at the edges of rows to create definition and assist with joining. Slip stitch (Sl 1) is employed at the beginning of rows to create a neat selvage edge that facilitates picking up stitches for the modular joins. Knit two together (k2tog) and slip, knit two together, pass slipped stitch over (Sl 1, k2tog, psso) are used as decreases to shape the right-angle triangles, reducing stitches progressively until only three stitches remain, which are then bound off. The decreases are positioned strategically to create the geometric triangle shape essential to the modular construction method.

Materials

The Carousel sweater is knitted using Koigu KPPPM Pencil Box Carousel yarn, a 100% Merino wool fiber available in demi skeins of 25 grams (87 yards or 80 meters each). The pattern calls for 1 pack (10 demi skeins) for the 2–6 years size and 2 packs for the 8–12 years size, plus 1 additional skein in color P113. Needles required include a 3mm (US 3) set of 5 double-pointed needles (or the size needed to obtain gauge) for the main knitting, and a 2.5mm (US C) crochet hook for finishing. A long circular needle and stitch markers are also needed, along with a tapestry needle for weaving in ends and assembling the modular pieces. The gauge is measured as 4 by 11-stitch right-angle triangles making a 2.5-inch square after blocking, or 4 by 13-stitch right-angle triangles making a 3-inch square after blocking.