Belltrix Sweater – P188

Belltrix Sweater – P188 by OGE Knitwear Designs

What Is Being Made

The Belltrix Sweater is a children's knitted pullover sweater designed by OGE Knitwear Designs. This downloadable knitting pattern is available in seven sizes, ranging from 1 year through 11-12 years, making it suitable for infants and children throughout early childhood. The sweater features a classic construction with set-in sleeves and a crew neckline.

Sizes and Finished Measurements

The Belltrix Sweater pattern includes the following size options:

• Size [A] (1 year): Chest 53 cm (21 in), upper arm 18 cm (7¼ in), sleeve length 18 cm (7 in)
• Size [B] (2 years): Chest 56 cm (22½ in), upper arm 21 cm (8½ in), sleeve length 21.5 cm (8½ in)
• Size [C] (3-4 years): Chest 60 cm (24 in), upper arm 21 cm (8½ in), sleeve length 26.5 cm (10½ in)
• Size [D] (5-6 years): Chest 65 cm (26 in), upper arm 22.5 cm (9 in), sleeve length 32 cm (12½ in)
• Size [E] (7-8 years): Upper arm 23.5 cm (9½ in), sleeve length 34.5 cm (13½ in)
• Size [F] (9-10 years): Sleeve length 37 cm (14½ in)
• Size [G] (11-12 years): Sleeve length 39.5 cm (15½ in)

Knitting Techniques and Construction

The Belltrix Sweater is constructed using knitting in the round, which is indicated by the use of BOR (beginning of round) abbreviations in the pattern. This technique creates a seamless fabric and is worked on circular needles or double-pointed needles. The sweater is worked primarily in stocking stitch, the fundamental knit stitch pattern that creates a smooth, classic fabric with a recognizable V-pattern texture.

The pattern incorporates contrast colour work, as evidenced by the abbreviation CC1 (Contrast Colour 1) in the pattern notes. This suggests the design includes color blocking or colorwork elements that add visual interest to the finished garment.

Stitches Used

The primary stitch used throughout the Belltrix Sweater is stocking stitch (also called stockinette stitch), which is worked by alternating knit and purl rows when working flat, or by knitting every round when working in the round. This stitch creates the smooth, professional appearance typical of classic children's knitwear.

Yarn and Needles

The Belltrix Sweater is designed to be worked with DK weight yarn, a medium-weight yarn that provides good stitch definition and drape suitable for children's garments. The pattern specifies 4 mm (US 6 / UK 8) needles for achieving the correct tension.

The recommended tension is 22 stitches by 28 rounds over 10 cm (4 inches) when worked in stocking stitch on 4 mm needles. Achieving the correct tension is essential for the sweater to fit properly across all seven size options.

Additional Materials and Notions

Beyond yarn and needles, the Belltrix Sweater pattern requires the following materials:

• Five stitch markers to track pattern repeats and construction points, with one marker in a contrast colour to clearly mark the beginning of round
• Darning needle for weaving in yarn ends and seaming any necessary seams during finishing

Difficulty Level

The Belltrix Sweater is classified as an intermediate knitting project. This difficulty level is appropriate for knitters with foundational skills who are comfortable working in the round, managing multiple stitch markers, and executing basic shaping techniques such as increases and decreases for sleeve and neckline shaping.