Valley Yarns Daphne Knitting Pattern

Valley Yarns Daphne Children's Sweater

What Is Being Made

The Valley Yarns Daphne is an intermediate-level pullover sweater designed for children ages 1–10 years old. This playful garment features charming stranded colorwork sheep motifs worked across the chest, making it both functional and whimsical for active children. The sweater is available in five sizes ranging from 1–2 years through 8–10 years, with finished chest measurements from 23¾ inches to 31 inches. The design accommodates growing children with 2–4 inches of positive ease built into the fit.

Techniques Used

The Daphne sweater employs multiple knitting techniques to create its finished structure. The pullover body is worked in the round using circular needles from the hem up to the armholes, then worked flat in rows from the armholes to the shoulders. This construction method combines the efficiency of circular knitting with the shaping control of flat knitting.

Stranded colorwork is the primary decorative technique, with sheep motifs knitted into the chest area using two colors of yarn held simultaneously. This traditional Fair Isle-style technique creates the playful design while maintaining the sweater's structural integrity. Long sleeves are worked in the round down from the armholes in stockinette stitch, with striped ribbed cuffs providing both stretch and visual interest. The ribbed open collar is worked from stitches picked up around the neckline, and striped ribbed hems accent the body and sleeve openings.

Stitches Used

• Stockinette stitch: Forms the primary fabric of the body and sleeves in single-color sections
• Ribbed stitch: Used for the cuffs, hem edges, and collar ribbing to provide elasticity and a finished appearance
• Stranded colorwork stitches: Stockinette stitch worked with two colors to create the sheep design across the chest

The gauge for this sweater is 22 stitches and 30 rows per 4 inches in stockinette stitch when blocked using the middle-size needle for single-color sections. A slightly larger needle may be necessary when working the stranded colorwork to maintain consistent gauge, as the two-color technique can create tighter fabric.

Materials and Yarn

The Daphne is knit in Valley Yarns Valley Superwash DK, a yarn composed of 100% Extra Fine Superwash Merino wool. This fiber choice ensures the sweater is soft and squishy while remaining durable and machine-washable—practical qualities for children's garments that require frequent cleaning. The yarn is worked at DK weight (137 yards per 50-gram ball).

Yarn requirements vary by size. The main color (Yarn A, Forest) requires 4–6 balls depending on the child's size, while the contrast color (Yarn B, Natural) for the sheep motifs requires 1–2 balls. The pattern specifies US 6 (4.0 mm) circular needles in 16–24 inch lengths and matching double-pointed needles for small circumference knitting in the round as the primary needles. US 7 (4.5 mm) circular needles are available for colorwork sections if needed to maintain gauge. US 5 (3.75 mm) needles are used for the ribbed edgings. Additional materials include stitch markers, stitch holders or waste yarn for holding stitches, and a tapestry needle for weaving in ends and seaming.

Design Features

The Daphne incorporates several design elements that make it suitable for active children. Modified drop shoulders provide comfortable movement and ease of fit. Striped ribbed hems and cuffs add visual interest while maintaining elasticity. The open collar design allows for easy dressing and comfortable wear. The positive ease of 2–4 inches ensures the sweater accommodates a child's growth and allows room for layering during active play.