Plunk Sweater Jumper Knitting Pattern

Plunk Sweater in Rowan Summerlite DK

What is Being Made

The Plunk Sweater is a baby sweater designed by Martin Storey for Rowan. This is a knitted garment suitable for infants, available in four size options to fit ages 0-3 months, 3-6 months, 6-9 months, and 9-12 months. The actual chest measurements of the finished garment range from 52 cm to 59 cm (20½ to 23¼ inches). The sweater features a front opening with button closure, utilizing two embossed coconut buttons measuring 1.3 cm.

Techniques Used

This intermediate-level knitting project employs several key construction techniques. The garment begins with ribbed edging on the back panel, which provides elasticity and a finished appearance. The main body is worked in garter stitch, a fundamental knitting technique that creates a textured, reversible fabric with horizontal ridges. The sweater incorporates shaping through strategic decreases at the armholes and neckline to create a fitted silhouette appropriate for a baby garment. The front is divided to create an opening, with separate construction of left and right front panels to accommodate the button closure. Shoulder shaping is achieved through cast-off decreases worked over multiple rows, and the neckband is created by holding stitches on a holder for later pickup and finishing.

Stitches Used

The pattern utilizes fundamental knitting stitches suitable for an intermediate maker. Knit stitch (K) and purl stitch (P) form the foundation of the design. Ribbing, created by alternating knit and purl stitches in a 2x2 pattern (K2, P2), appears on the lower edge of the back. Garter stitch, produced by knitting every row, comprises the majority of the sweater body and creates the characteristic textured appearance. Decreases are worked using knit two together (K2tog) to shape the armholes, neckline, and shoulders. The pattern also involves casting off stitches to complete shoulder seams and edges.

Materials

The Plunk Sweater is knitted using Rowan Summerlite DK yarn, a lightweight double knitting weight yarn supplied in 50-gram balls. The yarn quantities required depend on the size selected, ranging from 3 balls for the smallest sizes (0-3, 3-6, and 6-9 months) to 4 balls for the largest size (9-12 months). The photographed version shown in the pattern is worked in the colorway Mushroom. Two needle sizes are required: 3¼mm (US 3) needles for the ribbed edging and 3½mm (US 4) needles for the main body. The pattern specifies tension measurements of 23 stitches and 30 rows to 10 cm over stockinette stitch, and 22 stitches and 40 rows to 10 cm over garter stitch, both measured using the 3½mm needles. Finishing requires two embossed coconut buttons measuring 1.3 cm.