Paintbox Yarns Zig Zag Fairisle Sweater Knitting Pattern

Paintbox Yarns Zig Zag Fairisle Sweater

What Is Being Made

This is a child's pullover sweater featuring a zig zag fairisle pattern. The sweater is designed to fit children aged 2-3, 4-5, 6-7, and 8-9 years, with chest measurements ranging from 56cm to 71cm (22 to 28 inches). The finished length to shoulder varies from 34cm to 47cm (13½ to 18½ inches) depending on size, with sleeve lengths ranging from 23cm to 35cm (9 to 13¾ inches).

Knitting Techniques

This intermediate-level sweater employs several key knitting techniques to create its distinctive appearance and structure:

• Stranded colorwork (fairisle): The zig zag pattern is created using the stranded colorwork technique, where two colors of yarn are carried across the back of the work. This method produces a reversible fabric with floats on the wrong side.
• Bottom-up construction: The sweater is knitted from the bottom edge upward, allowing for easy fitting adjustments during the knitting process.
• Seamed assembly: Pieces are worked flat and then seamed together, rather than being knitted in the round.
• Worked flat: The body and sleeves are knitted on straight needles in rows, creating separate pieces that are later joined.
• Striped elements: The pattern incorporates stripes in addition to the fairisle colorwork for visual interest.

Stitches Used

The pattern utilizes fundamental knitting stitches appropriate for colorwork:

• Knit stitch (K): The primary stitch used on the right side of the work.
• Purl stitch (P): Used on the wrong side to create stocking stitch fabric.
• Stocking stitch (st st): The base fabric structure, created by knitting on right-side rows and purling on wrong-side rows, providing a smooth, flat surface ideal for displaying the fairisle pattern.

Materials and Tools

Yarn: The sweater is knitted using Paintbox Yarns Wool Mix Aran yarn in two colors. Yarn quantities vary by size: 2 to 4 balls of Mustard Yellow (M) and 2 to 4 balls of Champagne White (C), depending on which size is being made. The Wool Mix Aran is a medium-weight yarn suitable for children's garments.

Needles: Two sizes of 4mm needles are required for this project. The pattern calls for 4mm (UK 8 – US 6) knitting needles and 4.5mm (UK 7 – US 7) knitting needles. The larger needles are used for the main fabric to achieve the correct tension (gauge) of 20 stitches and 22 rows to 10cm (4 inches) measured over the colorwork pattern.

Pattern Construction Details

The pattern provides instructions for the smallest size with modifications given in square brackets for larger sizes. When carrying yarn not in use during stranded colorwork, the yarn should be held loosely across the back of the work. Importantly, when working the fairisle pattern, yarn C (Champagne White) should be held below yarn M (Mustard Yellow) to ensure the pattern appears regular and consistent on the right side of the finished sweater. Achieving the correct tension before beginning is essential, as incorrect gauge will affect the final fit and appearance of the garment.