"Everyday School Jumpers" - Jumper Knitting Pattern in Paintbox Yarns Simply DK

Everyday School Jumpers – Knitting Pattern by Paintbox Yarns (Simply DK)

The Everyday School Jumpers pattern by Paintbox Yarns is a practical, versatile collection of classic children's knitwear designed to be worn every day, including to school. The downloadable PDF includes four separate garment designs: a Round Neck Sweater, a V Neck Sweater, a Round Neck Slipover, and a V Neck Slipover. Each design is available in five children's sizes, fitting ages 2–3, 4–5, 6–7, 8–9, and 10–11 years, with corresponding chest measurements ranging from 56 cm to 76 cm (22–30 in). The finished chest measurements run from 63 cm to 85 cm (24¾–33½ in), providing a comfortable, relaxed fit. This pattern is rated easy/intermediate, making it an excellent project for knitters who have moved beyond the basics and are ready to tackle simple shaping, neckline finishing, and seaming techniques.

About the Four Designs

Round Neck Sweater

The Round Neck Sweater is a timeless, full-sleeved children's jumper with a classic crew neckline — the quintessential school pullover. The finished length to back neck ranges from 34 cm to 50 cm (13½–19½ in) depending on size, and the sleeve length ranges from 23 cm to 39 cm (9–15½ in). This design is knitted in Paintbox Yarns Simply DK in the colourway Racing Green, as shown on the pattern cover. It requires 3 [3: 3: 4: 4] x 100g balls of Simply DK yarn. The round neck creates a neat, school-appropriate finish that sits comfortably and is easy to pull on and off — ideal for young children.

V Neck Sweater

The V Neck Sweater shares the same construction and sizing as the Round Neck Sweater but features a classic V-shaped neckline, giving it a slightly more traditional, smart appearance. This version is shown in Pure Black and also requires 3 [3: 3: 4: 4] x 100g balls of Paintbox Yarns Simply DK. The V neck shaping involves careful decreasing on either side of the centre front, a satisfying technique for intermediate knitters to practise. The result is a neat, tailored-looking neckline that suits both casual and smarter school environments.

Round Neck Slipover

The Round Neck Slipover is a sleeveless version of the classic school jumper, perfect for layering over shirts and school blouses without the bulk of full sleeves. Because there are no sleeves to knit, this is a slightly quicker make and uses less yarn — 2 [3: 3: 3: 4] x 100g balls of Paintbox Yarns Simply DK in Royal Blue. The armhole edges are neatly finished with a ribbed border, giving the garment a polished, professional look. Slipovers are a traditional staple of school uniform knitting and remain a popular choice for parents and grandparents who want to knit something both practical and enduring.

V Neck Slipover

The V Neck Slipover combines the sleeveless silhouette of the slipover with a V-shaped neckline, creating the most traditional school-uniform style of the four designs. Shown in Pillar Red, this version also requires 2 [3: 3: 3: 4] x 100g balls of Paintbox Yarns Simply DK. Like the Round Neck Slipover, the armholes are trimmed with a neat ribbed edging, and the V neck is shaped with symmetrical decreases. This is arguably the most iconic school jumper silhouette and a wonderful project for an intermediate knitter wanting to practise neckline shaping without the added complexity of sleeves.

Techniques Used

All four garments in this pattern are constructed using the same core set of knitting techniques, making the collection cohesive and