Soft Structure for Children by Jennifer L Parroccini

Soft Structure for Children

Knitting
August 2021
Worsted (9 wpi) ?
19 stitches and 28 rows = 4 inches
in Stockinette stitch in the round
US 6 - 4.0 mm
US 4 - 3.5 mm
235 - 305 yards (215 - 279 m)
3, 6, 9, 12, 18 months, 2, 4, 6, 8 10 years
English
This pattern is available for $6.00 USD
buy it now or visit pattern website

Soft Structure is a cozy, washable sweater that’s fun to knit. Engaging, comfortable, and just right for against-the-skin three-season wear.

Soft Structure is worked seamlessly from the top down. Simple cables on the body and sleeves showcase wedges of texture. The neckline is a modest v, with a gently shaped with a curled edge.

“Lovely intuitive knit with just the right amount of interest to keep me knitting.” -Brigitte

This sweater has also been written in adult sizes, you can find it here.

SIZES

3 mos (6 mos, 9 mos, 12 mos, 18 mos) (2 yrs, 4 yrs, 6 yrs, 8 yrs, 10 yrs)

Finished chest: 19.25 (20.25, 20.25, 21, 22) (24.5, 26, 28.75, 30.25, 32) inches / 49 (51.5, 51.5, 53.5, 56) (62, 66, 73, 77, 81.5) cm

Upper sleeve: 7.5 (8, 8.5, 8.75, 9.25) (9.75, 10, 11, 11.25, 12.25) inches / 19 (20.5, 21.5, 22, 23.5) (25, 25.5, 28, 28.5, 31) cm

Choose a size with approximately 3 (3, 3, 3, 3) (3.25, 3.25, 3.75, 3.75, 3.75) inches / 7.5 (7.5, 7.5, 7.5, 7.5) (8.5, 8.5, 9.5, 9.5, 9.5) cm of positive ease at the chest, and 2 - 2.75 inches / 5 - 7 cm of positive ease in the upper arm.

To download the complete schematic and read more about the pattern, visit the pattern’s page on my website here.

Sweater is shown on Mia in a size 4, which is her standard clothing size.

YARN

Worsted weight yarn. Shown in Malabrigo Rios, which is a very soft 4-ply 100% superwash merino.

235 (265, 275, 305, 335) (390, 485, 580, 690, 820) yd / 215 (240, 250, 280, 305) (355, 445, 530, 630, 750) m; 2 (2, 2, 2, 2) (2, 3, 3, 4, 4) skeins

Sample shown in colorway Denim.

GAUGE

19 sts and 28 rows / rnds over 4 inches / 10 cm in stockinette stitch in the round using size A needle, after wet blocking and allowing to dry completely.

NEEDLES

Size A: US 6 / 4 mm circular needle, or size needed to obtain gauge

Size B: US 4 / 3.5 mm circular needle, or two sizes smaller than size A

The yoke and body are worked in the round on circular needles using size A needles. Generally, a needle length that’s approximately 75% of finished chest circumference will be comfortable.

The collar, cuffs and hem are worked in the round using size B needles. Choose your preferred needles for small circumference knitting in the round.

NOTIONS

  • 5 Stitch markers
  • Smooth, slender yarn in contrasting color for holding sleeve stitches while working the body
  • Cable needle or a similar-sized double-pointed needle
  • Tapestry needle

TECHNIQUES

  • Knitting in the round
  • Reading your knitting (recognizing a knit and a purl on the needle)
  • Working directional increases and decreases
  • Working cables
  • Picking up and working stitches

CREDITS

Models: Rachael and Mia Van Klompenberg
Photography: Anna-Lisa Miller
Technical Edit: Heather Storta
Please visit the pattern page for tester credits.