“I ♥ My Nanna” jumper

I ♥ My Nanna Children's Raglan Sweater

What Is Being Made

The I ♥ My Nanna is a children's raglan sleeve sweater designed by Jennifer Lee. This knitted jumper features a round neckline, 1x1 rib bands, and three buttons positioned at the back neck for easy dressing. The front of the garment showcases a personalized message—"I ♥ MY NANNA"—which can be incorporated directly into the knitting or applied afterward through embroidery. Available in four children's sizes (1, 2, 3, and 4 years), the sweater is designed to fit chest measurements ranging from 50cm to 60cm (19¾ to 23½ inches), with garment measurements between 58cm and 69cm (23 to 27¼ inches).

Techniques Used

This intermediate-level knitting project employs several fundamental sweater construction techniques. The raglan sleeve design creates a seamless visual line from the neckline to the cuff, allowing for comfortable arm movement in children's wear. The 1x1 rib bands provide elasticity and structure at the edges, ensuring the sweater maintains its shape through wear and washing. Knitters have the option to work the "I ♥ MY NANNA" message directly into the front using intarsia or stranded colorwork techniques, or to embroider the design after the main knitting is complete, offering flexibility based on skill level and preference. The three-button back neck closure adds both functional and decorative elements to the design.

Stitches Used

• Stocking Stitch (Stockinette Stitch): The primary stitch used throughout the body and sleeves, creating a smooth, classic fabric with a flat appearance on the right side and bumpy texture on the wrong side.
• 1x1 Rib: Used for the neckband, cuffs, and waistband to create elasticity and a fitted finish that hugs the body.
• Intarsia or Stranded Colorwork (optional): If choosing to knit the heart and text directly into the front, knitters will use either intarsia (carrying yarn on bobbins for large color blocks) or stranded colorwork (carrying yarn across the back of the work) to create the design.

Materials and Tools

The pattern calls for Lincraft DK 8ply yarn in a worsted weight classification, with each 100-gram ball yielding approximately 320 meters of yardage. Knitters will need 2 to 3 balls of main color yarn (depending on the chosen size) and a small quantity of contrast color yarn for the heart and lettering. A pair of 4.00mm knitting needles (UK size 8, US size 6) is required to achieve the correct gauge of 22 stitches and 30 rows over 10 centimeters (4 inches) in stocking stitch. Additional supplies include five stitch holders for managing stitches during raglan construction, three buttons for the back neck closure, and a wool needle for seaming the finished pieces together. The pattern is provided as a downloadable PDF format, making it accessible for digital reference while knitting.