Slipover in Schachenmayr Egypto Cotton - 5397 - Downloadable PDF

Slipover in Schachenmayr Egypto Cotton – Pattern 5397

This downloadable PDF knitting pattern provides instructions for a classic baby and toddler slipover — a sleeveless pullover vest — worked in Schachenmayr Egypto Cotton yarn. The pattern is available as a free download and covers three sizes, making it a versatile choice for knitters looking to create a neat, comfortable garment for young children.

Garment Overview

The design is a traditional V-neck slipover, knitted in the round or flat pieces and seamed at the shoulders and sides. It is a sleeveless garment, ideal as a lightweight layering piece for babies and toddlers. The clean lines and simple construction make it well suited to both beginner and intermediate knitters who are comfortable with basic shaping techniques.

Sizes Covered

• Size 62/68 – the first set of figures given throughout the pattern
• Size 74/80 – figures given between the slash marks
• Size 86/92 – figures given after the second slash mark

Where only a single figure appears in the instructions, that measurement or stitch count applies to all three sizes.

Construction and Shaping

The slipover is constructed in two main pieces — a back and a front — which are later seamed together at the shoulders and sides. This classic flat-knitting construction is straightforward and well suited to knitters who prefer working back and forth in rows.

The back piece is worked to a total height of 26 / 30.5 / 34 cm, with armhole shaping beginning at 12 / 14 / 16 cm (corresponding to 48 / 56 / 64 rows) of armhole depth. At the armhole height, all remaining stitches are cast off.

The front piece is worked identically to the back up to a height of 14 / 16.5 / 18 cm, at which point the V-neck shaping begins simultaneously with the armhole shaping. The centre stitch is cast off to divide the work, and each half is then completed separately.

V-Neck Shaping Technique

The V-neck is formed by decreasing stitches on both sides of the centre opening over a series of rows. Specifically, 11 / 12 / 13 decreases are worked on each side, one decrease every 4th row. The method used differs slightly for each side to create neat, mirrored decreases:

• Left half (left neck edge): Knit 2 stitches, slip 1 stitch knitwise, knit 1 stitch, then pass the slipped stitch over — this creates a left-leaning decrease (ssk-style).
• Right half (right neck edge): Work to 4 stitches before the neck edge, then knit 2 stitches together — this creates a right-leaning decrease (k2tog-style).

These paired decrease methods ensure the neckline shaping lies smoothly and symmetrically on both sides of the V, a hallmark of well-finished knitwear. At the total height of 26 / 30.5 / 34 cm, the remaining 14 / 17 / 22 shoulder stitches on each side are cast off.

Stitches and Techniques Used

• Knit stitch – the primary stitch used throughout the fabric
• Cast on and cast off – for starting, finishing, and armhole shaping
• Slip 1, knit 1, pass slipped stitch over (sl1, k1, psso) – left-leaning decrease for the left neck edge
• Knit 2 together (k2tog) – right-leaning decrease for the right neck edge
• Row-based shaping – decreases worked every 4th row for gradual V-neck formation
• Seaming – shoulder seams and side seams are sewn after blocking