Sleeping Cat Children's Jumper

Sleeping Cat Children's Jumper Knitting Pattern

What is Being Made

The Sleeping Cat Jumper is a children's knitted sweater designed by Helen Auld, available in three sizes to fit chest measurements of 21 inches (53 cm), 23 inches (58.5 cm), and 25 inches (63.5 cm), corresponding to ages 2-3 years, 4-5 years, and 6-7 years respectively. This intermediate-level knitting project features a charming sleeping cat motif and is constructed using the DK yarn weight for a lightweight, comfortable garment suitable for young children.

Construction and Techniques

The Sleeping Cat Jumper is worked in separate pieces that are subsequently seamed together, with the neckband knitted on after assembly. This modular construction approach is a common technique in garment knitting that allows for easier shaping and finishing. The pattern requires working with multiple yarn colors to create the sleeping cat design, necessitating color-work techniques during the knitting process.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The primary stitch pattern used throughout this jumper is stocking stitch (also known as stockinette stitch), which involves knitting all right-side rows and purling all wrong-side rows to create a smooth, classic fabric. The pattern incorporates standard knitting abbreviations including knit (K), purl (P), decrease (Dec), and increase (Inc) stitches. Decreases are worked by knitting or purling two stitches together, while increases are created by knitting or purling in both the front and back of the next stitch.

Yarn and Materials

This pattern is designed for DK weight yarn, a medium-weight yarn that produces a fabric with appropriate drape and warmth for children's garments. The specific yarn recommendations include:

• Yarn A (Main Color): Stylecraft Special DK in Duck Egg shade 1820 – 2 balls required for all three sizes
• Yarn B (Contrast Color): Stylecraft Special DK in Graphite shade 1063 – 1 ball required for all three sizes
• Yarn C (Contrast Color): King Cole Pricewise DK in Taupe shade 037 – 1 ball required for all three sizes
• Yarn D (Detail Color): Any DK weight yarn in black – small oddments sufficient for all three sizes

Tools and Notions

The pattern requires size 3¾ mm (US 5) knitting needles and size 4 mm (US 6) knitting needles for different sections of the garment, allowing for gauge adjustment and proper fabric construction. Additional notions include a yarn needle for seaming the pieces together and scissors for finishing yarn ends.

Tension and Gauge

The recommended tension for this pattern is 22 stitches and 28 rows over 10 cm x 10 cm (4 inches x 4 inches) in stocking stitch. Achieving the correct gauge is essential for ensuring the finished jumper fits properly across all three available sizes, making it advisable to knit and measure a tension swatch before beginning the main garment.

Finished Measurements

The completed jumper provides the following finished measurements across the three sizes:

• Size 2-3 years: Actual chest 24 inches (61 cm), length 14½ inches (37 cm), sleeve length 12 inches (30 cm)
• Size 4-5 years: Actual chest 26½ inches (68 cm), length 16 inches (40.5 cm), sleeve length 13 inches (33 cm)
• Size 6-7 years: Actual chest 29 inches (74 cm), length 17.5 inches (44 cm), sleeve length 13¾ inches (35 cm)

Skill Level

This pattern is rated as intermediate difficulty, making it suitable for knitters with foundational skills who are ready to tackle color-work techniques and garment construction. The combination of multiple yarn colors, seaming, and neckband finishing provides valuable experience in intermediate knitting techniques.