Paintbox Yarns Moon & Sun Sweater Knitting Pattern

Paintbox Yarns Moon & Sun Sweater

What is Being Made

The Moon & Sun Sweater is a colorwork knitting project designed as a pullover sweater suitable for multiple sizes. This pattern is available in five size options to fit chest measurements ranging from 30-32 inches (76-81 cm) up to 44-46 inches (112-117 cm). The finished sweater features a chest width of 23¼ to 30¾ inches (59 to 78 cm) with a length to shoulder measurement between 22 and 12½ inches (56 to 60 cm) depending on the chosen size. The underarm seam length ranges from 18½ to 19¼ inches (47 to 49 cm).

Techniques Used

This intermediate-level sweater is constructed using a bottom-up approach, meaning knitting begins at the lower edge and progresses upward toward the shoulders. The garment is worked flat on straight needles rather than in the round, and pieces are subsequently seamed together to create the finished sweater. This construction method allows for easier colorwork management and provides clear shaping opportunities throughout the knitting process.

Stitches and Stitch Techniques

The Moon & Sun Sweater primarily uses stockinette stitch (also called stocking stitch in UK terminology) as the foundation fabric. This classic stitch creates a smooth, flat surface ideal for displaying colorwork patterns. The pattern incorporates several essential shaping and decreasing techniques:

• Knit 2 together (k2tog) - a right-leaning decrease used for shaping
• Purl 2 together (p2tog) - a left-leaning decrease worked on wrong-side rows
• Purl 2 together through the back loop (p2togtbl) - an alternative decrease variation
• Slip, slip, knit (ssk) - a left-leaning decrease created by slipping two stitches knitwise individually, then knitting them together
• Make 1 stitch (m1) - an increase technique for adding stitches during shaping

Basic knit and purl stitches form the foundation, with pattern instructions using standard abbreviations and repeat notations in square brackets to indicate sections worked multiple times.

Materials: Yarn and Needles

The Moon & Sun Sweater is designed to be worked with Paintbox Yarns Simply DK, a yarn weight classification that produces a medium-weight fabric suitable for sweater construction. The pattern requires 3 to 4 balls of 3½ oz/100g depending on the selected size, utilizing two colorways: Paper White (A) and Pure Black (B). This two-color palette creates the moon and sun design elements central to the sweater's aesthetic.

Needle requirements include US 4 (3.5mm) circular knitting needles for ribbed edgings and US 6 (4mm) knitting needles for the main stockinette stitch fabric. The pattern specifies a gauge of 22 stitches and 30 rows to a 4-inch/10-centimeter square when worked in stockinette stitch on the US 6 (4mm) needles, making accurate gauge measurement essential for proper fit. Additional supplies include two stitch holders for managing stitches during construction, scissors, and a large-eyed needle for seaming the finished pieces together.

Pattern Notes

Instructions are provided in US knitting terminology with UK terminology included in italics within parentheses. The pattern is written for the smallest size with modifications for larger sizes noted in parentheses. Yarn quantities are approximate and based on average requirements. Paintbox Yarns recommends using only the specified yarn to ensure the finished garment meets design specifications.