Silky Merino Jersey

Silky Merino Jersey by My4Sons

What is Being Made

The Silky Merino Jersey is a children's knitted sweater designed by independent designer My4Sons. This garment is specifically engineered for young children, with three size options available to fit children aged 1 to 4 years old. The pattern produces a pullover-style jersey with long sleeves and a back button opening for easy dressing of small children. The chest measurements range from 51 cm to 61 cm depending on size, with corresponding back lengths from 33 cm to 40 cm and sleeve underarm lengths from 20.5 cm to 28 cm.

Techniques Used

This intermediate-level knitting pattern employs several fundamental knitting techniques suitable for creating a well-fitted children's garment. The pattern utilizes both circular needles and single-point needles, allowing knitters to choose their preferred working method. Stocking stitch forms the primary fabric structure throughout the garment. The pattern incorporates increases using the make one (M1) technique, worked by yarn forward or yarn back depending on whether knitting or purling. Decreases are achieved through knit two together (K2tog) methods, including standard decreases and decreases through the back loop (K2tog tbl). The construction includes a back opening with button closure, which is a practical feature for dressing young children.

Stitches Used

• Stocking Stitch (Stst): The primary stitch pattern forming the main fabric of the sweater
• Make One (M1): An increase stitch created by yarn forward or yarn back and over needle, used for shaping
• Knit Two Together (K2tog): A standard decrease stitch
• Knit Two Together Through Back Loop (K2tog tbl): A decrease variation that creates a different slant

Materials and Specifications

The Silky Merino Jersey is designed specifically for Malabrigo Silky Merino yarn in DK weight. Yarn quantities vary by size: the smallest size requires 3 x 50gm balls, the medium size requires 3 x 50gm balls, and the largest size requires 4 x 50gm balls. The pattern calls for 4.5mm needles for the main fabric and 3.75mm needles for ribbed sections. Both circular and single-point needle options are provided, accommodating different knitting preferences. Knitters may use either one 4.5mm circular needle or two 4.5mm single-point needles for the body, and either one set of 3.75mm circular needles or two and four 3.75mm single-point needles for the ribbing. One button is required for the back opening closure.

Gauge and Tension

The pattern specifies a tension of 22 stitches and 30 rows over a 10 x 10 cm swatch when worked on 4.5mm needles in stocking stitch. Achieving correct tension is essential for proper fit, and knitters are advised to adjust needle size if necessary to match this gauge before beginning the garment.