Knit top down (so much better this way!) Instructions as follows:

CO 56 sts in the round. work k2,p2 for 1”
do rows 1-4 of short rows then switch to size 9 needles
next round increase 4 sts evenly - 60 sts.
k1 round
k1,m1 whole round - 120 sts (I used EZ’s m1 for this)
k1 round
work owl chart rows 1 -19 UPSIDE DOWN. Because this is being done upside down you will need to change the cable rows to P2,C4F,C4B. The rest of the rows do not need any adjustments.

divide for arms:

After a lot of trial and error this was the only way I could come up with to divide for the sleeves with the short rows centered in the back. I added an additional 12 sts to the body because I just prefer roomier sweaters on my little guy.

knit two extra rows after finishing owl chart before dividing for sleeves. On the 2nd extra row knit until 4 sts before marker, place the next four sts onto a piece of scrap yarn. remove marker, place the next 16 sts onto scrap yarn (20 sts on scrap yarn total). cast on 3 sts, replace marker here, cast on another 3 sts (6 cast on total) and then knit 40 sts. place next 20 sts onto scrap yarn. cast on 6 sts and knit another 40 sts. total body sts - 92.

Knit body to desired length (including the ribbing) and cast off.

Place the left sleeve stitches onto double pointed needles. Pick up 8 stitches under arm - 28 stitches total. You can do decreases if you like on the way down the sleeve but I just kept mine at 28. knit to desired length.

repeat with the right sleeve.

I think that’s it! After knitting this once bottom up and then top down I have to say I really prefer the ease of top down and also the way the neckline turned out. I think it looks much better with the top down method.

Forgot to add: I knit the kids size 3-4 to compensate for using worsted weight yarn.