Tommy Sweater in Ella Rae Phoenix DK - ER19-01 - Downloadable PDF

Tommy Sweater in Ella Rae Phoenix DK (ER19-01) – Children's Striped Knitting Pattern

The Tommy Sweater is a classic children's pullover knitting pattern designed to be worked in Ella Rae Phoenix DK yarn. Available as a downloadable PDF, this pattern produces a neat, wearable everyday sweater sized for children aged 1–2, 3–4, 5–6, 7–8, and 9–10 years, with finished chest measurements ranging from 56 cm / 22 inches up to 76 cm / 30 inches. The design is offered in two colour versions, each using a two-shade combination to create a striped or contrast effect, making it a versatile and eye-catching wardrobe staple for young children.

Design Versions

The pattern includes two distinct colourway options, both using Ella Rae Phoenix DK and each requiring two shades designated as Shade A and Shade B:

• Version 1 uses Shade #1025 (A) and Shade #1028 (B)
• Version 2 uses Shade #1032 (A) and Shade #1027 (B)

The two-colour construction allows knitters to create a sweater with visual contrast and interest, whether through stripes, colour blocking, or accent details as directed within the pattern instructions. Both versions follow the same construction method, differing only in the specific shades selected.

Materials Required

• Yarn: Ella Rae Phoenix DK, in two shades as specified per version. Shade A quantities range from 100 g for the smallest size up to 300 g for the largest, while Shade B ranges from 100 g to 200 g depending on size.
• Needles: One pair of 3.75 mm / US 5 knitting needles and one pair of 4 mm / US 6 knitting needles. The smaller needles are typically used for ribbing and edging, while the larger needles are used for the main body fabric.

Tension / Gauge

Achieving the correct tension is essential for this pattern. The specified gauge is 23 stitches and 33 rows over 10 cm / 4 inches of pattern, measured using 4 mm needles. Knitters are strongly advised to work a tension swatch before beginning and to adjust needle size as needed to match this gauge, as an incorrect tension will affect the finished chest measurement and overall fit of the garment.

Stitches and Techniques Used

The Tommy Sweater makes use of several fundamental knitting stitches and techniques, making it suitable for knitters with some basic experience:

• Stockinette Stitch (St st): The primary fabric stitch of the sweater, formed by knitting on right-side rows and purling on wrong-side rows. This creates the smooth, classic jersey surface typical of children's knitwear.
• Moss Stitch Pattern: Used as a textural detail on sections of the garment, moss stitch is worked by alternating knit and purl stitches across the row, then offsetting them on subsequent rows. The pattern specifies a moss stitch repeat beginning with k1, p1 across the row to the last stitch. This adds a subtle, tactile surface contrast to the otherwise smooth stockinette fabric.
• k2tog (Knit Two Together): A standard right-leaning decrease used for shaping throughout the garment.
• p2tog (Purl Two Together): A purl-side decrease used on wrong-side rows for shaping.
• yf (Yarn Forward): Used to create a simple decorative or functional eyelet effect at specific points in the pattern.
• Increases and Decreases: Standard shaping techniques are used to form the armholes, neckline, and sleeve caps, giving the sweater a well-fitted, structured silhouette appropriate for children's sizing.

Construction Method