Pumpkin Sweater in Plymouth Encore Worsted - F466

Pumpkin Sweater in Plymouth Yarn Encore Worsted (Pattern F466)

The Plymouth Yarn Design Studio F466 Pumpkin Sweater is a charming children's pullover knitting pattern available as a free downloadable PDF with yarn purchase. Designed in Plymouth Yarn Encore Worsted, this playful sweater features a bold pumpkin face motif on the front, making it an ideal seasonal knit for kids. The pattern is sized to fit children in sizes 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10, with finished chest measurements of 24.5, 27, 30, 32, and 34 inches respectively.

What Is Being Made

This pattern produces a children's pullover sweater worked in multiple colors, featuring a decorative pumpkin face design. The sweater includes a structured ribbed hem and cuff detail, a neckband, set-in or drop sleeves, and colorwork accents that bring the pumpkin character to life. It is a fun, wearable project suited to the autumn season and makes an excellent gift or wardrobe staple for young knitters' recipients.

Materials Required

• Plymouth Yarn Encore Worsted — the primary yarn used throughout the pattern, in 100g balls
• Main Color (MC): Shade 217 – Black — 3 balls for sizes 2, 4, and 6; 4 balls for sizes 8 and 10
• CC1: Shade 1383 – Orange — 1 ball for all sizes, used for the pumpkin face and hem/cuff stripe details
• CC2: Shade 1008 – Marle — 1 ball for all sizes, used for the sleeves
• CC3: Shade 054 – Green — small amount for all sizes, used as an accent color on the pumpkin design
• Needles: US size 5 (smaller) and US size 7 (larger) straight or circular needles, plus a 16-inch US size 5 circular needle for the neckband
• Stitch holders for holding live stitches during construction

Gauge

The pattern requires a gauge of 20 stitches and 25 rows over 4 inches in Stockinette Stitch using the larger US size 7 needles. Achieving correct gauge is essential to ensure the finished sweater matches the intended size measurements.

Techniques Used

• Flat knitting — the back and front pieces are worked flat in rows
• Colorwork — multiple contrast colors are introduced at specific points to create the pumpkin face motif and decorative striping
• Stitch holder usage — live stitches are placed on holders to be joined or worked later, a common technique in seamless shoulder or neckline construction
• Seaming — separate pieces (back, front, sleeves) are assembled after knitting
• Neckband finishing — worked in the round on a 16-inch circular needle for a neat, professional finish

Stitches Used

• Garter Stitch — used at the cast-on edges and as stripe dividers between color sections, creating a neat textural border; worked by knitting every row
• K2, P2 Rib — a classic two-by-two ribbing used in the hem and cuff sections, providing stretch and a tidy, fitted edge
• Stockinette Stitch (St st) — the primary body fabric, worked by alternating knit rows on the right side and purl rows on the wrong side, creating a smooth, flat surface ideal for displaying the colorwork pumpkin motif

About Plymouth Yarn Encore Worsted

Plymouth Yarn Encore Worsted is a widely trusted worsted-weight yarn known for its durability, ease of care, and broad color range. Its blend of acrylic and wool makes it particularly well-suited for children's garments, offering softness against the skin while remaining machine-washable and resilient to everyday wear. The