Pinstripe Sweater in MODE at Rowan Alpaca Wool - Downloadable PDF

Mini Pinstripe Sweater Knitting Pattern by Quail Studio – Mode at Rowan Alpaca Wool

This Mini Pinstripe pattern, designed by Quail Studio and published as a downloadable PDF, is a children's raglan sweater worked in a classic pinstripe rib. The design is rated as beginner level, making it an excellent project for knitters who are new to working with multiple yarn colours or constructing a simple shaped garment. The finished sweater features a neat, stretchy ribbed fabric with a subtle striped effect created by alternating yarn colours, giving it a timeless, smart-casual look suitable for everyday wear.

Garment Overview

The Mini Pinstripe sweater is a children's pullover available in five sizes, covering ages 3–4, 5–6, 7–8, 9–10, and 11–12 years. The actual chest measurements of the finished garment range from 61.5 cm (24¼ in) up to 84.5 cm (33¼ in), providing a comfortable, relaxed fit across the size range. The model shown in the pattern photography is wearing the 9–10 years size.

Construction and Techniques

The sweater is constructed with the back and front worked alike, meaning both pieces share the same stitch counts and shaping instructions — a beginner-friendly feature that simplifies the knitting process. The garment features raglan armhole shaping, a classic construction method where the sleeves and body are shaped simultaneously with paired decreases, creating diagonal seam lines that run from the underarm up to the neckline. Raglan construction is well loved for its clean lines and comfortable fit, as it distributes ease evenly across the shoulder and upper arm.

Stitches are cast on and the fabric is worked entirely in rib stitch, specifically a 1×1 rib (knit 1, purl 1 alternating across every row). This creates a naturally elastic, textured fabric that sits close to the body without pulling uncomfortably. The pinstripe effect is achieved through a stripe sequence worked across the ribbed fabric using the three yarn colours, producing fine vertical-style colour lines that are characteristic of classic pinstripe designs.

The neckband is worked using 3.75 mm circular needles measuring 40 cm, allowing the stitches to be picked up and worked in the round for a smooth, seamless finish at the collar. Stitches are held on stitch holders during raglan shaping and later returned for neckband construction, a standard technique in raglan sweater making.

Stitches Used

• 1×1 Rib – the primary stitch pattern used throughout the entire garment body, front, back, and sleeves
• Raglan decreases – used to shape the armholes on both the body pieces and the sleeves
• Cast on – standard cast on used at the beginning of each piece

Stripe and Colour Sequence

Three colours of Mode at Rowan Alpaca Wool are used to create the pinstripe effect:

• Yarn A – Walnut 016: the main colour, requiring 3 to 4 balls depending on size (50 g balls)
• Yarn B – Olive 018: the first contrast colour, requiring 1 to 2 balls depending on size
• Yarn C – French 013: the second contrast colour, requiring 1 ball across all sizes

The stripe sequence is worked consistently across the back, front, and sleeves, ensuring the pinstripe pattern aligns visually across the finished garment. Working a repeating stripe sequence in rib is a straightforward technique — yarn is simply changed at the beginning of designated rows — making this very manageable for a beginner knitter.

Materials and Yarn

The pattern calls for Mode at Rowan Alpaca Wool, a DK weight yarn sold in 50 g balls. This yarn's alpaca and wool blend gives the finished sweater a soft, lightweight handle with a gentle warmth, making it ideal for a child's garment that needs to be both