Striped Slipover with Buttons in BC Garn Semilla - 5080BC - Downloadable PDF

Striped Slipover with Buttons in BC Garn Semilla – Pattern No. 5080BC by Rachel Søgaard

This free downloadable PDF knitting pattern by designer Rachel Søgaard for BC Garn presents a charming striped slipover with button details, sized for children aged 1, 2, 4, and 6 years. The finished garment measures between 54 cm and 66 cm at the chest and 36 cm to 45 cm in total length, making it a versatile layering piece for young children. The design is rated intermediate in difficulty and is worked flat on straight needles.

What Is Being Made

The pattern produces a sleeveless pullover — commonly known as a slipover or vest — featuring a classic striped colorwork design in two colors. A distinctive design element is the use of buttons along the front or side panels, adding both decorative and functional interest. With its clean lines, stripe patterning, and button details, this slipover is well suited as a smart layering garment over long-sleeved tops or shirts for everyday childrenswear.

Yarn and Materials

The pattern is written specifically for BC Garn Semilla, a DK weight yarn. Semilla is a natural, eco-conscious yarn known for its soft texture and matte finish, which suits children's garments beautifully. Two colorways are used:

• Grey (col ob129): 100 g for size 1 year, 150 g for sizes 2 and 4 years, and 200 g for size 6 years
• Blue (col ob121): 50 g across all sizes

In addition to yarn, the pattern requires 12 (14) 16 (18) buttons depending on the size being knitted, reflecting the button-band detailing that is integral to the design.

Needles

The slipover is worked on straight needles in size 3.5 mm. No circular needles or double-pointed needles are specified, keeping the construction straightforward and accessible for intermediate knitters working flat.

Tension and Gauge

The required tension is 22 stitches by 34 rows to measure 10 cm × 10 cm in Stocking stitch. Achieving the correct gauge is especially important in a fitted children's garment, as even small deviations can significantly affect the finished chest measurement and length. Knitters are encouraged to swatch before beginning.

Stitches and Techniques Used

Stocking Stitch (St st)

Stocking stitch forms the main fabric of the slipover body. Worked flat, this means knitting on right-side rows and purling on wrong-side rows, producing the smooth, classic knitted fabric familiar in most garment knitting. The majority of the body stitches are worked in this stitch.

Garter Stitch

Garter stitch — knitting every row regardless of right or wrong side — is used for the lower border and as a running border on the first and last 6 stitches of every row throughout the back panel. This creates a firm, non-curling edge that frames the stocking stitch body and provides structure at the hem and side edges.

Buttonholes

Buttonholes are worked at regular intervals — specifically every 12th row — within the garter stitch border sections. The buttonhole construction involves a combination of decreases and cast-ons: the pattern instructs working K1, K2tog, cast on 2 sts, K2tog, K1 in a repeating sequence across the buttonhole row. This creates neat, reinforced openings sized to accommodate the buttons specified for each size. The repeat of this sequence across the row means multiple buttonholes are formed simultaneously along the button band.

Decreases

The pattern uses standard decrease techniques including K2tog (knit 2 together) for right-leaning decreases and S1, K2tog, psso (slip 1, knit 2 together, pass slipped stitch over) for centered double decreases. These are used in shaping the armholes and neckline,