Mini Clara Sweater Jumper Knitting Pattern

Mini Clara Sweater in MODE at Rowan Cotton DK

What is Being Made

The Mini Clara is a children's knitted sweater designed by Quail Studio, available in five size options ranging from 3–4 years through 11–12 years. The garment features an intricate textured design combining oval and diamond cable panels, making it a visually striking piece suitable for everyday wear. The sweater is photographed in Denim 014, a classic blue shade from the MODE at Rowan Cotton DK yarn range.

Techniques Used

This pattern employs several intermediate knitting techniques that add visual interest and texture to the finished garment. Cable work is central to the design, with multiple cable crosses incorporated throughout the piece. The pattern uses C4B (cable 4 back) and C8B (cable 8 back) abbreviations, requiring stitches to be slipped onto cable needles and held at the back of work before completing the cable twist. Twisted stitches are also featured, including Cr3L (cross 3 left) and Cr3R (cross 3 right) techniques, which create diagonal crossing effects by slipping stitches onto cable needles and holding them at the front or back of work as appropriate.

The construction method involves working distinct pattern panels across the width of the garment. Oval panels are worked over 8 stitches and measure 3 centimeters wide, while diamond panels are worked over 18 stitches and measure 7 centimeters wide. These panels are separated by reverse stockinette stitch sections, creating a balanced and structured appearance. The neckband is worked using the circular needle technique, allowing for seamless finishing at the neck opening.

Stitches Used

The primary stitch throughout the garment is reverse stockinette stitch, which serves as the foundation and background for the decorative cable and panel work. The tension is established at 22 stitches and 30 rows per 10 centimeters when measured over reverse stockinette stitch using the larger needles. The cable panels incorporate knit stitches worked in specific sequences to create the three-dimensional twisted effects characteristic of cable knitting. Purl stitches are used strategically to define edges and separate pattern sections, contributing to the overall textural contrast of the design.

Materials

The Mini Clara Sweater is knitted using Cotton DK yarn from the MODE at Rowan Cotton DK collection. Yarn requirements vary by size: the 3–4 years size requires 6 balls of 50-gram yarn, increasing to 10 balls for the largest 11–12 years size. The pattern specifies two needle sizes: 3.25mm (UK size 10, US size 3) needles for the ribbed cast-on and initial rows, and 3.75mm (UK size 9, US size 5) needles for the main body where the tension is measured. Additionally, a 3.25mm (UK size 10, US size 3) circular needle measuring 60 centimeters long is required for working the neckband in the round, ensuring a neat and professional finish at the neck edge.