Juniper Collection Sweater and Hat

Juniper Collection Sweater and Hat by Hush I'm Counting Patterns

Juniper Sweater

What is Being Made: The Juniper Sweater is a cozy knitted sweater designed as part of the Juniper Collection. This garment is specifically engineered for babies and young children, with size options ranging from 6-12 months through 5-6 years. The sweater features a charted colour work design that adds visual interest and texture to the finished piece.

Construction Method: This sweater is knit top-down in the round, which means knitting begins at the neckline and progresses downward toward the hem. This construction technique eliminates the need for seaming, resulting in a seamless garment with a polished finish. The top-down approach also allows for easy adjustments to length and fit as you work.

Stitches and Techniques: The primary stitch used throughout the sweater is stockinette stitch, which creates a smooth, classic fabric. The design incorporates charted colour work, a technique where different yarn colours are worked into the fabric following a visual chart pattern. This method creates intricate designs and patterns across the sweater body. The garment is worked using knitting in the round, which requires circular needles or double-pointed needles and maintains a tubular fabric structure without side seams.

Materials and Tools Required: The pattern calls for 3.5mm (US4) needles suitable for knitting in the round, with options including double-pointed needles (DPNs), 40cm circular needles, 60cm circular needles, or flexible needles to accommodate different knitting preferences. Additional supplies include a stitch marker for tracking rounds, waste yarn or a circular stitch holder for managing stitches, and a yarn needle for weaving in ends.

Yarn Specifications: The recommended yarn is Drops Lima, a DK weight yarn supplied in 50g balls with 100 metres (109 yards) per ball. The colour palette consists of three coordinating shades:

• Beige Mix (0619) – 2 (2, 3, 3) balls depending on size (Colour 1)
• Grey Mix (0519) – 2 (2, 3, 3) balls depending on size (Colour 2)
• Off White (0100) – 1 (1, 1, 1) ball across all sizes (Colour 3)

Gauge and Sizing: The pattern specifies a gauge of 24 stitches and 32 rows over 10cm x 10cm (4" x 4") in stockinette stitch. Achieving the correct gauge is essential for proper fit, particularly in children's garments. The sweater is available in four sizes: 6-12 months, 1-2 years, 3-4 years, and 5-6 years, with finished measurements and detailed notes provided within the pattern.

Juniper Hat

What is Being Made: The Juniper Hat is a coordinating hat design that pairs with the Juniper Sweater, allowing crafters to create a matching set. This hat is part of the same Juniper Collection and features complementary design elements.

Collection Context: Both the Juniper Sweater and Juniper Hat are part of a cohesive collection designed by Hush I'm Counting Patterns, enabling knitters to create coordinated pieces for babies and young children. The matching set allows for creative colour coordination and a unified aesthetic.

Difficulty Level: Both pieces in the Juniper Collection are classified as intermediate difficulty, making them suitable for knitters with some experience beyond basic techniques. The charted colour work and top-down construction require familiarity with these methods, though detailed pattern instructions support crafters through the process.

Format: The Juniper Collection is available as a downloadable PDF pattern, providing immediate access to complete instructions for both the sweater and hat designs.