Swans Island Fin Sweater & Hat Set Knitting Pattern

Swans Island Fin Sweater & Hat Set

Project Overview

The Fin pattern (PAT NO. 162) is an intermediate-level knitting project designed by Julia Farwell-Clayte that creates a coordinated sweater and hat set. This downloadable PDF pattern provides instructions for both garments worked in a seamless, bottom-up construction method using organic merino wool yarn.

Sweater Details

The sweater is designed for children in sizes 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10, with finished chest circumferences ranging from 20 to 27 inches and lengths from 13¾ to 18¾ inches. The sweater is worked seamlessly in the round using a combination of stockinette stitch and intarsia colorwork techniques.

Hat Details

The matching hat is available in child's sizes Small, Medium, Large, and Extra Large, with finished circumferences from 16 to 20 inches and depths from 7¾ to 9¾ inches. The hat is also constructed seamlessly and worked in the round.

Techniques Used

• Bottom-up construction: Both the sweater and hat are knitted from the bottom upward, allowing for easy adjustments to length
• Seamless, worked-in-the-round: The garments are constructed circularly to eliminate seaming
• Intarsia colorwork: The Shark Chart features intarsia techniques for creating pictorial designs with multiple colors
• Stripes: Two stripe sequences (Stripe Sequence A and Stripe Sequence B) alternate between colors in 10-round repeats
• Wrap and turn: Short-row shaping technique is incorporated for garment shaping

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

• Stockinette stitch: The primary stitch used throughout, knit all stitches every round when working in the round, or knit on right side and purl on wrong side when working flat
• Stripe Sequence A: 4 rounds with Color C followed by 6 rounds with Color A, repeated throughout
• Stripe Sequence B: 4 rounds with Color C followed by 6 rounds with Color B, repeated throughout
• Shark Chart: An intarsia colorwork chart featuring Color D on a background of Color A, knit on right side and purl on wrong side
• Decreases: Pattern uses ssk (slip, slip, knit) and k2tog (knit two together) for shaping
• Increases: M1 (make one) increases are used for garment construction

Materials Required

The pattern calls for Swans Island Washable Collection yarn, which is 100% organic merino wool in dkweight (50 grams, 140 yards per skein). Four colors are used throughout the set:

• Color A: EWS211 Wedgwood — 3 to 4 skeins for the sweater (depending on size) and 1 skein for the hat
• Color B: EWS212 Midnight — 1 skein for each garment
• Color C: EWS201 Snowy Owl — 1 skein for each garment
• Color D: EWS204 Graphite — 1 skein for both the sweater and hat combined

Needles and Notions

The pattern requires US sizes 4 and 5 (3.5 and 3.75 mm) double-pointed needles and a 16-inch circular needle, or sizes needed to obtain the specified gauge. Additional supplies include stitch markers, stitch holders or waste yarn, and a tapestry needle for finishing.

Gauge Information

Achieving the correct gauge is essential for proper fit. The hat should measure 6 stitches and 8 rounds per inch in stockinette stitch on the larger size needle. The sweater should measure 5½ stitches and 8 rows per inch in stockinette stitch on the larger size needle. Knitters are advised to check their gauge carefully before beginning the project.

Pattern Structure