Child's Kitty Cat Pullover #506

Child's Kitty Cat Pullover #506 by Sue McCain

What is Being Made

This is a child's pullover sweater featuring a cat design, available in five sizes ranging from size 2 through size 10. The finished chest measurements span from 25½ inches for the smallest size to 33½ inches for the largest size. The pullover showcases a geometric cat motif inspired by a simple black and white sketch, making it an engaging garment for young wearers who love feline-themed clothing.

Design and Intarsia Technique

The cat design is created using the intarsia method, a color-work technique that involves knitting with multiple yarn colors to create distinct blocks of color within the fabric. This approach allows the cat design to be worked directly into the body of the sweater rather than added as surface decoration. The designer offers creative flexibility, suggesting that knitters can work the cat to match their own favorite feline or experiment with eyelash yarn for a textured, furry appearance that adds dimensional interest to the finished piece.

Knitting Stitches and Construction

The sweater is primarily constructed in stockinette stitch (St st), the fundamental knit stitch pattern that creates the smooth, classic appearance typical of traditional pullover sweaters. This stitch provides an ideal canvas for the intarsia cat design to stand out clearly against the background.

Materials and Yarn Requirements

The pattern calls for worsted weight wool yarn in two colors:

• Main Color (MC): 450 yards for size 2, increasing to 900 yards for size 10
• Color A (for the cat): 100 yards for size 2, increasing to 175 yards for size 10

The model shown in size 2 was knit using Lamb's Pride Superwash by Brown Sheep Company, a 100% washable wool yarn. This fiber choice ensures the finished sweater can be easily cared for, an important consideration for children's garments that require frequent washing.

Needles, Hooks, and Notions

Construction requires size 6 (4 mm) knitting needles, or the size needed to obtain proper gauge. A size F-5 (4 mm) crochet hook is also included in the materials list, likely for finishing details such as edging or button bands. Additional notions include stitch markers for tracking pattern repeats, one 1¾-inch button, and embroidery thread or scrap yarn in green for eyes and pink for the nose, allowing for personalized facial features on the cat design.

Gauge and Sizing Information

The pattern specifies a gauge of 23 stitches and 30 rows over 4 inches (10 cm) in stockinette stitch. Achieving the correct gauge is essential for obtaining the intended finished measurements and proper fit across all five child's sizes. The pattern emphasizes checking gauge before beginning, a critical step that ensures the sweater will fit as designed.

Skill Level

This pattern is rated as intermediate difficulty, reflecting the complexity introduced by the intarsia color-work technique. While stockinette stitch itself is a fundamental skill, managing multiple yarn colors and following an intarsia chart requires more experience than basic knitting projects. The pattern is well-suited for knitters who have completed several simple projects and are ready to expand their technical skills.