Plymouth Yarn P -Color Baby Sweaters Knitting Pattern

Plymouth Yarn P462 Encore Worsted 3-Color Baby Sweaters

What Is Being Made

This collection features three coordinated baby garments in sizes 0-3, 6-9, and 12-18 months: a three-color striped cardigan, a matching pullover sweater, and a coordinating hat. All pieces are designed using Plymouth Yarn's Encore Worsted yarn in a three-color palette of Green (A), Purple (B), and Peach (C). The finished chest measurements range from 18 inches for newborns to 22 inches for 12-18 month olds, with corresponding length and sleeve adjustments for each size.

Techniques Used

These garments are constructed using a combination of classic knitting techniques suited to baby wear. The sweaters are worked flat on straight needles in separate pieces, then seamed together for a finished appearance. The hat utilizes worked in the round construction on double-pointed needles for a seamless crown. All pieces feature a bottom-up construction method, beginning with ribbed cuffs and working upward to create sleeves and body sections. The designs incorporate stripes throughout, creating visual interest and allowing for color blocking across the garments.

Stitches Used

The foundational stitch throughout these designs is stockinette stitch (st st), which creates a smooth, classic fabric ideal for baby garments. All ribbed edges—including sleeve cuffs, body ribbing, and neckbands—are worked in 1x1 ribbing, alternating knit and purl stitches to create elastic, fitted edges that prevent curling and provide stretch for easy dressing.

Stripe Pattern

The signature stripe pattern is worked continuously in stockinette stitch and repeats as follows: 4 rows in color B, 2 rows in color A, 10 rows in color C, and 2 rows in color A. This sequence repeats throughout the body and sleeves, creating a balanced, multi-colored striped effect that coordinates across all three garments.

Materials and Specifications

• Yarn: Plymouth Yarn Encore Worsted, 100g balls. Sweaters require 2 balls of color A and 1 ball each of colors B and C (for 0-3 and 6-9 month sizes); 2 balls each of all three colors for the 12-18 month size. Hats require 1 ball each of colors A, B, and C.
• Needles: For sweaters, US Size 5 and US Size 7 straight needles. For hats, US Size 5 and US Size 7 double-pointed needles.
• Additional Notions: Cardigan version requires 5 buttons by Dill Buttons. Hat construction requires 1 stitch marker and stitch holders.
• Gauge: 20 stitches equals 4 inches in stockinette stitch using US Size 7 needles, or the size necessary to obtain gauge.

Construction Details

The cardigan back begins with 45 (51, 55) stitches cast on with smaller needles and color A, worked in 1x1 ribbing for 8 rows. Stitches are increased evenly across the final ribbing row, then the piece transitions to larger needles and the stripe pattern in stockinette stitch. The back is worked even until it reaches the specified length for each size. Sleeves are constructed separately, beginning with 31 (33, 35) stitches in color A ribbing, with strategic increases worked every fourth row to shape the sleeve cap. The right sleeve uses color B for the body, while the left sleeve uses color C, creating asymmetrical color blocking. Finishing involves seaming shoulders, setting in sleeves, and closing side and sleeve seams. A neckband is picked up around the neck opening using smaller needles and color A, worked from the right side.