Ultimate Labor of Love: 7 Delightful Knitting Projects for Kids’ Sweaters
You’ll enjoy creating these darling knitting projects for kids’ sweaters almost as much as they’ll enjoy wearing them
Knitting a sweater for a child is a unique labor of love. In the creation of any sweater goes a great deal of time, consideration, and care. But I think this is even truer of knitting projects for kids’ sweaters.
After all, sweaters aren’t any good unless they fit!
That’s what can make knitting a sweater for a child such a challenge. Have you ever known a knitter who was knitting a sweater for a child that outgrew it before it was finished?
Maybe you WERE that knitter! Ugh… such a depressing turn of events.
Still, a sweater for a child can be a most beloved gift. Especially if it’s soft, warm, and playful.
And if you knit it for charity, you can rest assured that the recipient will never forget it.
(And if you ever do find that the child you’ve knitted a sweater has already outgrown it? You can always give it to charity, where a child will undoubtedly love it!)
Practically Perfect Pullovers
- What you’ll need to make it: 1900 to 2100 yards fingering weight yarn (held double) in multiple colors; US Size 6 circular needles and/or DPNs (depending on how you prefer to knit in the round); stitch marker; stitch holders (or spare DPNs or scrap yarn)
- Why you’ll want to: Because it’s so freaking cute! This adorable striped pullover features little Viking ships at the bottom, in stranded colorwork.
Photo: DROPS Design
- What you’ll need to make it: 820 to 1150 yards worsted weight yarn (in different colors); US Size 6 and 8 circular needles and/or DPNs (depending on how you prefer to knit in the round); US Size H crochet hook (for granny square pocket, optional)
- Why you’ll want to: While DROPS Design calls this a girl’s pullover, it is perfectly suitable for boys too. The crocheted granny square pocket is completely optional, and the pattern comes in a nice array of sizes — from 5 to 14.
- What you’ll need to make it: 500 yards worsted weight yarn; US Size 3 circular needles and/or DPNs (depending on how you prefer to knit in the round); US Size 4 straight or circular needles; 4 locking ring stitch markers or safety pins; yarn needle; 1 yard of 1/2 inch ribbon (optional)
- Why you’ll want to: Can I be honest? I’m posting this primarily because of Franklin Habit, who wrote the accompanying article and designed the sweater. And he is always a delight to read!
Having said that, this is a seriously sweet pullover featuring a fascinating woven ribbon top and bottom. As a bonus, it fits children far younger than the other sweaters in this collection, which means it will take far less time to knit!
Looking for more knitting patterns for babies and children? Check these out!
Cozy Cardigans
Photo: Yarnspirations
- What you’ll need to make it: 170 to 340 yards self-striping worsted weight yarn (for the striping effect of the cardigan in the photo); US Size 5 and 7 circular needles and/or DPNs (depending on how you prefer to knit in the round); 2 stitch holders (or spare DPNs or scrap yarn); yarn needle; 4 to 5 5/8″ buttons
- Why you’ll want to: I love the texture at the edges! This super-sweet cardigan will fit a child 2 to 8. As a bonus, the designer includes a matching hat pattern.
Photo: Limehappycat on Ravelry
Note: the name of this pattern has recently changed to Top Down Kids Cardigan. It’s still the same pattern!
- What you’ll need to make it: 765 yards DK weight yarn; US Size 4 circular needles and/or DPNs (depending on how you prefer to knit in the round); 8 stitch markers; yarn needle; stitch holder (or spare DPN or scrap yarn); snap fasteners (as many as desired); needle and thread for sewing snap fasteners
- Why you’ll want to: I love the single button at the top, as well as the texture along the opposite edge. This is a beautiful cardigan that both boys and girls will be happy to wear.
Photo: DROPS Design
- What you’ll need to make it: 545 to 765 yards DK weight yarn and 615 to 920 yards worsted weight yarn (to be held together); US Size 10 and 10.5 circular needles and/or DPNs (depending on how you prefer to knit in the round); US Size G crochet hook (for crocheting the edge); 6 buttons; needle and thread for sewing buttons
- Why you’ll want to: DROPS Design calls this a girls’ cardigan, but there’s no reason this stylish design can’t also be for boys. I really appreciate that this pattern has such a tremendous range in ages. It runs from size 5 to size 13.
Photo: DROPS Design
- What you’ll need to make it: 1105 to 2055 yards DK weight yarn (for child sized cardigan); US Size 1 and 4 circular needles and DPNs; 4 or 5 buttons; needle and thread for sewing buttons
- Why you’ll want to: It’s called “family cardigan” for a great reason! This V-neck cardigan pattern features both adult and children’s sizes. And the children’s sizes offer a wide range: from 2 to 14! It’s a great choice for someone who wants a simple cardigan pattern that they can use for nearly anyone.
(Scroll down to the second half of the page for the child’s version.)
I think you’ll enjoy knitting any or all of these darling children’s sweaters! Which is your favorite?
