Boathouse Mini

Boathouse Mini by Alicia Plum

What is Being Made

The Boathouse Mini is a seamless, top-down raglan sweater designed for children. This lightweight pullover features a refreshingly open boat neck and is constructed to mimic the relaxed fit of a casual sweatshirt. Available in five child sizes ranging from 2 to 10, with chest circumferences from 21 to 28 inches, this project is ideal for quick back-to-school knitting projects.

Construction Method and Techniques

This garment is worked seamlessly from the top down, eliminating the need for seaming at the end. The construction begins with a cast-on at the neckline and progresses downward using the raglan shaping method, which creates diagonal lines of increases that form the sleeve and body sections. The top-down approach allows knitters to try on the garment as they work and easily adjust length to fit. The boat neck opening is left open and unbound, contributing to the garment's lightweight, sweatshirt-like appearance.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The primary stitch pattern used is stockinette stitch, which creates a smooth, classic knit fabric. The neckline begins with k1p1 ribbing (alternating knit and purl stitches), which provides elasticity and helps the boat neck maintain its shape. The ribbing section measures between 0.5 and 1 inch depending on the size being worked. Raglan increases are incorporated throughout the body to shape the sweater's silhouette.

Yarn and Materials

The Boathouse Mini is designed for worsted weight yarn, though the pattern notes that the sample shown was knit using DK weight yarn (Malabrigo Rios in Lettuce colorway). Yardage requirements vary by size: 300 yards for size 2, 330 yards for size 4, 440 yards for size 6, 550 yards for size 8, and 650 yards for size 10. Knitters will also need a few yards of scrap yarn for optional embroidery details.

Needles and Notions

• US size 7 (4.5mm) circular needle, 24 inches or smaller depending on size
• US size 7 (4.5mm) double-pointed needles (DPNs)
• Tapestry needle for weaving in ends
• Stitch markers for tracking raglan shaping points

Gauge and Sizing

The pattern is worked at a gauge of 5 stitches and 6 rows per 1 inch when using worsted weight yarn on US size 7 needles in stockinette stitch. The initial cast-on ranges from 82 stitches for size 2 to 118 stitches for size 10, with the setup raglan round establishing marker placements for shaping.

Difficulty Level

Rated as an intermediate project, the Boathouse Mini requires familiarity with circular needle knitting, raglan shaping techniques, and seamless construction methods. Knitters should be comfortable with reading pattern instructions, managing stitch markers, and executing increases for garment shaping.