Triceratops on a Sweater

Triceratops on a Sweater by iKnitDesigns

What is Being Made

This is a children's knitted sweater featuring a triceratops dinosaur motif, designed by Denny Gould of iKnitDesigns. The sweater is available in four sizes to fit children aged 2 to 7 years, with adjustable length options for both the body and sleeves. The design combines a main color body with contrast color work to create the dinosaur illustration on the front or body of the garment.

Sizing and Measurements

The sweater is offered in four size options:

• Age 2-3 years: To fit chest 56 cm (22 in), actual measurement 60 cm (23¾ in), full length 38 cm (15 in), sleeve length 25 cm (10 in)
• Age 3-4 years: To fit chest 58.5 cm (23 in), actual measurement 63 cm (25 in), full length 40 cm (15¾ in), sleeve length 26 cm (10¼ in)
• Age 4-5 years: To fit chest 61 cm (24 in), actual measurement 66 cm (26 in), full length 42 cm (16½ in), sleeve length 29 cm (11½ in)
• Age 5-7 years: To fit chest 66 cm (26 in), actual measurement 70 cm (27½ in), full length 48 cm (19 in), sleeve length 33 cm (13 in)

Both the full length and sleeve length are adjustable, allowing for customization based on individual child measurements and growth.

Knitting Techniques Used

This intermediate-level knitting project employs colorwork techniques to create the triceratops design. The pattern uses contrast color work, which requires managing multiple yarn colors throughout the knitting process. Knitters will need to work with both main yarn and contrast yarn, switching colors as indicated by the pattern to form the dinosaur motif. The sweater construction involves knitting flat pieces that are subsequently assembled, including the body, sleeves, and finishing details.

Stitches and Stitch Work

While specific stitch abbreviations are not detailed in the provided pattern excerpt, the project is worked in Double Knit yarn weight, which typically creates a smooth, even fabric suitable for children's garments. The pattern requires working to a stated tension to ensure proper fit and garment success. A darning needle is needed for seaming the pieces together and weaving in yarn ends after completion.

Materials Required

Yarn: The pattern uses Double Knit (DK) weight yarn with the following requirements:

• Sizes 2-3 and 3-4 years: 100 grams (2 balls) of main yarn and 50 grams (1 ball) of contrast yarn, with each ball containing 200 meters (219 yards) per 100g
• Sizes 4-5 and 5-7 years: 100 grams (3 balls) of main yarn and 50 grams (1 ball) of contrast yarn, with the same yardage per ball

The pattern notes that ball quantities are provided as indication only, and knitters should verify sufficient yarn length by checking the ball band before beginning the project.

Needles and Tools: The pattern requires one pair of 3.25mm needles (UK size 10, US size 3) and one pair of 4mm needles (UK size 8, US size 6). Additional items needed include a darning needle for finishing and seaming the sweater pieces together.

Difficulty Level

This project is rated as intermediate difficulty, making it suitable for knitters with some experience who are comfortable working with colorwork techniques and managing multiple yarn colors within a single project. Success depends on working to the stated tension throughout the knitting process.