Valley Yarns More Fun Knitting Pattern

Valley Yarns More Fun Child's Pullover Sweater

What Is Being Made

The More Fun is a child's pullover sweater designed by Julie Turjoman, featuring a cheerful border of monkeys around the lower body. This intermediate-level knitting project is available in five sizes ranging from 1-2 years through 8-10 years, with finished chest measurements from 20 inches to 28 inches. The sweater is designed to fit with 2 to 4 inches of positive ease, accommodating active, growing children. The pattern includes an updated split front ribbed collar detail that makes the sweater easier to put on and remove, while the design emphasizes minimal finishing for a faster completion time.

Techniques Used

This intermediate knitting project employs several key techniques to create a polished, wearable garment. The construction method involves working in the round for the body sections, which creates seamless fabric and is particularly practical for children's wear. The sweater features stranded colorwork in the monkey border motif, a traditional technique where two colors are carried across rows to create the decorative pattern. The neckline is finished with a knit-bound technique, providing a clean, professional edge. The garment is seamed at select points for structure and durability. A single hem is incorporated into the construction. The pullover body is worked in the round to the armholes, then divided to work in rows to the shoulders, combining circular and flat knitting methods for optimal shaping.

Stitches Used

The primary stitch throughout the More Fun is stockinette stitch, which creates the smooth, classic fabric base for this sweater. The ribbed collar sections utilize ribbing, a combination of knit and purl stitches that creates elasticity and helps the neckline maintain its shape and fit. The stranded colorwork border featuring the monkey design requires careful color management and stitch tension to ensure the pattern reads clearly and the floats remain even.

Materials and Yarn

Valley Yarns More Fun is designed to be worked in Valley Yarns Valley Superwash, a 100% Extra Fine Superwash Merino yarn. This fiber choice is ideal for children's garments, as it is long-wearing, easy to care for, and can withstand years of active play. The yarn is available in 50-gram balls, each containing 97 yards. The pattern requires two colors: Color A (the main color) uses 3 to 7 balls depending on size, and Color B (the accent color) uses 2 to 4 balls. The sample shown features Crimson (968) and Classic Navy (571), though the colors can be reversed based on preference. Note that the monkey motif colors remain consistent regardless of which color is chosen as the main or accent color.

Needles and Notions

This pattern requires two sizes of needles to achieve proper gauge and structure. US 7 (4.5mm) needles are used as the larger needles for the main body fabric, while US 6 (4.0mm) needles serve as the smaller needles for ribbed sections. Both needle sizes are needed in 16 to 24-inch circular configurations, depending on the child's size, along with double-pointed needles or preferred small-circumference knitting needles for working the round sections. The pattern calls for a gauge of 20 stitches and 28 rows over 4 inches in stockinette stitch, blocked, using the larger needle. Additional materials include locking stitch markers to track pattern repeats and shaping, stitch holders or waste yarn for holding stitches during construction, and a tapestry needle for weaving in ends and seaming.