Istid (child version)

Istid Child Sweater by HelstrupDesign

What is Being Made

Istid is a warm children's sweater designed by HelstrupDesign, with the name derived from the Danish word for "Ice age." This knitted garment features a classic raglan yoke and sleeve construction, making it an ideal layering piece for cold weather. The pattern includes six child sizes ranging from 4 to 14 years old, with finished chest widths from 68 to 95 centimeters and lengths from 42 to 59 centimeters.

Knitting Techniques and Construction

The Istid sweater employs raglan yoke construction, a popular technique in modern knitwear design where sleeve increases are distributed evenly across the yoke section. This method creates a flattering fit and allows for customizable length adjustments. The sweater is worked using circular needles, which enables seamless construction and reduces finishing work.

The pattern utilizes ribbed edgings combined with textured stitch patterns throughout the body and sleeves. The construction method involves working the body and yoke in the round using circular needles, with sleeve stitches worked either on a smaller circular needle or double-pointed needles depending on the knitter's preference.

Stitches Used

The Istid pattern incorporates two primary stitch gauges:

• Ribbed sections: Worked at 20 stitches and 17 rows per 10 centimeters, creating elastic, fitted edges at the cuffs, hem, and neckline
• Pattern stitch: Worked at 12 stitches and 24 rows per 10 centimeters, forming the main textured fabric of the body and sleeves

Materials and Yarn Requirements

The Istid pattern calls for super chunky weight yarn with a yardage of approximately 100 meters per 100 grams. Total yarn requirements range from 500 to 800 grams depending on the child's size, making this a relatively quick knit.

Recommended yarn options include:

• Lana Grossa Feltro
• Naturuld from Hjertegarn (the yarn used in the pictured sweater)
• Drops Eskimo
• Sandnes Easy
• Naturgarn from Viking of Norway

All recommended yarns are natural wool blends suitable for warm, durable children's knitwear.

Needles and Notions

The pattern requires 6 millimeter circular needles in two sizes: one 60 or 80 centimeter needle for working the body and yoke, and one 40 centimeter needle for working the sleeves. Alternatively, 6 millimeter double-pointed needles may be substituted for sleeve work. Additional notions include stitch markers for tracking raglan increases and a yarn needle for weaving in ends.

Difficulty Level

The Istid pattern is rated as intermediate difficulty, making it suitable for knitters with some experience in circular needle techniques and basic increase methods. The raglan yoke construction and seamless in-the-round method require comfort with working on circular needles, but the straightforward shaping makes it an accessible project for advancing knitters.

Proper gauge is essential for achieving the correct finished measurements, as each knitter's tension varies. The pattern recommends selecting needle size based on personal gauge rather than relying solely on the stated 6 millimeter recommendation.