String Puddle Jumper Baby Set Hat Knitting Pattern

String Puddle Jumper Baby Set

Overview

The String Puddle Jumper Baby Set is a coordinated knitting project consisting of a baby hat and pullover sweater. This set combines classic construction techniques with modern colorwork, featuring a striped chevron pattern on the lower body of the pullover and complementary stripes on the hat. The set is designed for babies from newborn through three years old, with multiple size options for both garments.

Hat

The hat is available in two sizes: Baby and Toddler. The Baby size measures 14 inches wide and 7 inches in length, while the Toddler size is 16 inches wide and 8 inches in length. The hat is constructed using a top-down, worked-in-the-round technique, beginning with a ribbed cuff.

Construction begins by casting on 70 stitches (Baby) or 80 stitches (Toddler) using smaller double-pointed needles. The ribbed cuff is worked in a k1, p1 rib pattern for one inch, which provides stretch and a finished edge. After the ribbing is complete, the knitter switches to larger needles and continues in stockinette stitch for an additional inch before the colorwork section begins. The hat features striping with three colors from the STRING BREEZE yarn line: the main color lavender, and two contrast colors in silver and midnight.

Pullover

The pullover is offered in four sizes: 0-6 months, 6-12 months, 1-2 years, and 2-3 years, with chest measurements ranging from 18 to 24 inches. This garment showcases multiple advanced knitting techniques, combining top-down and bottom-up construction elements with seamless shaping and worked-in-the-round sections.

The pullover begins with a top-down construction from the neckline. After casting on stitches at the neck opening, the knitter works flat initially, then joins to work in the round. The sweater features strategic increases using right lifted increases (RLinc) and left lifted increases (LLinc), which are decorative increase methods that create a subtle texture. These increases are worked at marked positions to shape the front, back, and sleeves evenly.

A distinctive feature of this pullover is the chevron pattern worked on the lower body using a k2tog, k2, RLinc, k2, LLinc, k2 repeat in the contrast color. This creates a dynamic zigzag or V-shaped stripe pattern that adds visual interest to the garment. The colorwork uses the same three STRING BREEZE colors as the hat, creating a coordinated set. The chevron section is worked in the round after the initial flat shaping at the neckline.

The pullover construction includes a V-neck shaping at the front, with one stitch cast on for the bottom of the V-neck on certain sizes. The garment is shaped with increases in each section (front, back, and two sleeves) to create proper fit and ease across the chest.

Materials and Yarn

Both garments are designed to be knitted with STRING BREEZE yarn, a luxury blend consisting of 60% cotton, 20% cashmere, and 20% silk. This fiber combination provides breathability suitable for babies while adding softness and drape from the cashmere and silk content. Each ball contains 136 yards (125 meters) and weighs 1.75 ounces (50 grams).

The hat requires one ball each of the three colors: lavender (color 201044), silver (color 200072), and midnight (color 200731). The pullover requires multiple balls depending on size—ranging from 1 ball for the smallest size to 4 balls of the main color lavender, plus one ball each of the two contrast colors.

Needles and Tools

The pattern calls for US size 7 (4.50mm) needles in both 16-inch circular and double-pointed styles for the main fabric. A US size 5 (3.75mm) double-pointed needle is used for the ribbed sections on both the hat and pullover, creating a tighter gauge that provides structure and prevents stretching at the cuffs and neckline. A yarn needle is required for weaving in ends and any finishing work.

Gauge and Techniques

The pattern specifies a gauge of 20 stitches and 28 rows over 4 inches (10 centimeters) in