Border Collie dog sweater

Border Collie Dog Sweater by Linda Moorhouse

What Is Being Made

This is a child's round neck raglan sweater featuring a Border Collie dog motif. The design is available in five sizes ranging from 24 to 32 inches chest measurement, making it suitable for children at various stages of growth. The sweater combines a classic raglan sleeve construction with a charted intarsia or jacquard motif depicting a Border Collie, offering both functional warmth and decorative appeal.

Knitting Techniques Used

The sweater employs several intermediate-level knitting techniques. Raglan shaping is used for the sleeve cap, which involves decreasing stitches at regular intervals to create the characteristic diagonal seam lines from armhole to neckline. Motif integration is accomplished using a chart that measures 8 inches long by 8½ inches high (44 stitches by 64 rows), requiring the knitter to work from a pattern chart while maintaining the main fabric. Neck shaping involves simultaneous decreases at both the armhole edge and neck edge to create a fitted round neckline. The pattern uses stocking stitch as the primary fabric, which provides a smooth, classic finish ideal for displaying the Border Collie design.

Stitches and Construction Details

The sweater is worked primarily in stocking stitch (knit on right-side rows, purl on wrong-side rows), which creates the traditional smooth fabric surface. Knit two together decreases are used throughout for shaping at the armholes, raglan lines, and neckline. The pattern is written with full abbreviations expanded, making it accessible for intermediate knitters. Decreases are strategically placed on alternate rows during raglan shaping and on every row during neck shaping to achieve proper garment fit and silhouette.

Materials and Yarn Specifications

• Yarn: Stylecraft Life double knitting (DK weight) in a main colour, with oddments reserved for the Border Collie motif
• Yardage by size: 600 yards (24-inch chest), 900 yards (26-inch, 28-inch, and 30-inch chests), and 1200 yards (32-inch chest)
• Weight by size: 200g (24-inch), 300g (26-inch, 28-inch, and 30-inch), and 400g (32-inch)
• Needles: Metric 3.25mm and 4mm needles (for ribbing and main fabric respectively)
• Tension: 22 stitches and 30 rows measured over 4 inches using 4mm needles in stocking stitch

Design Features

The Border Collie motif is the focal point of this sweater, sized at 8 inches long by 8½ inches high to create visual impact without overwhelming the child's garment. The round neckline provides a classic, comfortable finish, while the raglan sleeves offer ease of movement and a contemporary silhouette. The five-size range accommodates chest measurements from 24 to 32 inches, allowing for growth or layering options.