Sweater with Owl in Schachenmayr Baby Wool - S8645

Schachenmayr Baby Wool Owl Sweater – Knitting Pattern S8645 (Free Downloadable PDF)

This free downloadable knitting pattern from Schachenmayr, reference S8645, guides you through creating an adorable children's pullover sweater featuring an owl motif. Worked in the brand's Baby Smiles Merino Wool, the design is sized for babies and toddlers across five sizes — 62, 68, 74, 80, and 86 — making it a versatile project for little ones from newborn through early toddler stages. The sweater combines a cheerful pink main body with charming colourwork details in white, grey, pink, and violet to bring the owl design to life.

Garment Overview

The pattern produces a classic fitted pullover with set-in sleeves, a shaped neckline, and a practical back placket opening with button or snap fastening. A distinctive roll collar worked in white adds a sweet finishing touch, and the ribbed cuffs and hem are attached after the main body pieces are complete, using a clever picked-up technique that ensures a neat, professional finish. The owl motif is the centrepiece of the design, worked in colourwork using the contrast shades.

Sizes and Fit

• Sizes covered: 62, 68, 74, 80, and 86 (European baby sizing)
• All instructions are given in sequence separated by hyphens, from the smallest to the largest size
• Where only one figure is given, it applies to all sizes
• The back piece begins with 73–79–83–89–95 stitches, tapering through armhole and shoulder shaping

Materials Required

• Yarn: Schachenmayr Baby Smiles Merino Wool — a 4-ply weight yarn ideal for delicate baby knitwear
• Pink (Fb 01036): 150–175–175–200–200 g (main colour)
• White (Fb 01001): 25 g
• Grey (Fb 01090): 25 g
• Rosa/Light Pink (Fb 01035): 25 g
• Violet (Fb 01049): 25 g
• Knitting needles: Milward needles in sizes 2½–3 mm (for ribbing and cuffs) and 3–3½ mm (for the main fabric)
• Notions: 2 white buttons approximately 14 mm in diameter, plus press/snap fasteners for the back placket

Tension / Gauge

Achieving the correct tension is essential for accurate sizing in baby garments. Using 3–3½ mm needles, the pattern calls for a gauge of 28 stitches and 36 rows to 10 cm × 10 cm in stocking stitch. Always work a tension swatch before beginning, as even small variations can significantly affect the finished measurements across the five sizes.

Techniques Used

• Provisional cast-on using a smooth waste yarn, allowing the ribbed hem and cuffs to be picked up and worked downward after the main pieces are complete — a technique that produces a seamless, tidy join
• Stocking stitch (glatt rechts) as the primary fabric throughout the body and sleeves
• Ribbing / Bündchenmuster worked on smaller needles for the welts, cuffs, and neckband
• Colourwork using contrast shades to create the owl motif and decorative details
• Armhole shaping with stepped cast-offs on both sides for a neat set-in sleeve head
• Shoulder shaping using graduated cast-offs to create a sloped shoulder line
• Back neck and placket shaping, including a back slit with an underlap for the button or snap fastening