Need a good basic sweater pattern for children

General Knitting
1

I’m new to this board and fairly new to knitting. I have two kids, age 2 and age 6, and I’d like to attempt my first sweater soon. I have a ton of knitting books, with lots of adorable patterns (Zoe Mellor & Lucinda Guy’s books are my favorites). I’ve had no problem finding sweaters I’d like to knit for my two-year-old. Unfortunately, I haven’t found much of anything for older children (age 6 and up). What I’d love is a good basic pattern that can be knit in a range of sizes and versions of it in different yarn gauges (so I could use whatever yarn I want). I could then change the colors and some minor details myself. I found a book called “Style Your Own Kids Knits” that I thought would be perfect (wonderful concept), but I didn’t understand parts of the patterns and I’m not sure I like the shape of the sweaters (very loose fitting around the shoulders).

Any suggestions? I’d love to find that perfect pattern I can use again and again as my kids grow. Alternatively, if someone could explain to me in simple terms how I could enlarge a pattern I know I love to fit my older child. For example, I love the pattern on page 56 of Lucinda Guys Handknits for Kids book (if anyone has that book - I know it’s popular). It only goes up to age 4-5. How would I make it work for 6-7, 7-8, etc. Thanks!!

2

Pullover or cardigan? Knitting Pure and Simple has some great patterns!

I think I have 9730 and it was very easy and comes in a range of sizes with one pattern.

3

:?? I could have sworn I answered this.

www.knittingfool.com has a free pattern generator that you might want to look at.

I made a top down raglan for myself and it worked out perfectly.

It lets you put in the chest size, gauge and desired fit and gives you the numbers you need.

4

If you want a pullover I love the Wonderful Wallaby pattern. It is not free but it goes from size 2 in childrens all the way up to XXL in adults. The pattern is very easy and there is no seaming except for under the armpits.

5

I’ve had my eye on

The Yarn Girls’ Guide to Knits for Older Kids: Quick-to-Knit Patterns for Four- to Ten-Year-Olds

for a while but I haven’t had a chance to get it yet. I might see if I can get it through the library first or else sock some $$$ away (I know you can get it cheaper at buy.com, but amazon has better details).

6

Thanks for all your replies and any more I get (keep them coming!). This all sounds very helpful.

I do have one question that I would feel silly asking if not for the anonymity of the internet. It’s about chest measurements. I measured my older child’s chest (6 years old) all the way around with the tape measure under her armpits. Is this what a “chest measurement” is supposed to be? The result was just 22.5 inches, but patterns I see lead me to believe that she should measure 30" or more based on her age (she’s a very average size).

7

Here’s another option for a custom-fit raglan sweater. This one has some standard measurements included and for a 6 year old it says 25.5".