Little Lamb Pullover Instructions
Little Lamb Pullover Instructions
The Little Lamb Pullover Instructions are written in three sizes for little ones aged 6 to 18 months. Inspired by a set of charming lamb motif buttons, this pullover uses simple slipped stitches to create a textured colour pattern, so you only work with one colour at a time even though the finished result looks far more complex.
Knit in ColourSpun Pure Merino DK or Pure Cotton DK, this pattern is a lovely introduction to colourwork without the fuss of stranding or intarsia. The contrast stripes and slip stitch texture make the most of two colours from our range of over 500 natural shades, so you can dye your own combination to suit any nursery or new baby gift.
This free pattern is part of our Free Crafting Resources library at ColourSpun, where you will find more knit and crochet patterns using our hand dyed natural yarns. Whether you are knitting for your own baby or for a friend expecting one, the Little Lamb Pullover makes a sweet, practical project that knits up quickly on 4mm needles.
Language
Little Lamb Pullover instructions are available in English only.
Skill level:
Intermediate
Size:
6(12; 18) months
You will need
-
- 2 (2,3) x 50g ColourSpun Pure Merino DK OR ColourSpun Pure Cotton DK (Colour A)
- 1 x 50g ColourSpun Pure Merino DK OR Pure Cotton DKÂ (Colour B)Â Â Â Â
- 1 pair 4mm needles
- 2 x buttons (with lamb motive from Incomparable Buttons)
Abbreviations
These Little Lamb Pullover instructions use standard knitting abbreviations as follows:
- C/off             cast off
- C/on                cast on
- KÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â knit
- PÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â purl
- P2tog              purl next 2 stitches together to decrease
- P2togtbl        purl next 2 stitches together through back of loops
- S1PWÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â slip 1 stitch purl wise
- St/s               stitch/s
- Stst        stocking stitch
- YBÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â with yarn in back
- YFÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â with yarn in front
Tension
20 stitches and 29 rows to 10cm measured over stocking stitch using 4mm needles
Little Lamb Pullover Instructions
Back
Colour A,
C/on 51 (55, 59) stitches
Row 1: Knit
Row 2: Knit
Colour B,
Row 3: K1; (YB; S1PW; K1) to end
Row 4: K1; (YF; S1PW; YB; K1) to end
Repeat rows 1 to 4 – 2x
Colour A,
Row 13 – 15: Knit
Row 16: Purl
Colour B,
Row 17: YB; S1PW; (K1; YB; S1PW) to end
Row 18: YF; S1PW; (P1; YF; S1PW) to end
Colour A,
Row 19: K1; (YB; S1PW; K1) to end
Row 20; P1; (YF; S1PW; P1) to end
Repeat rows 17 to 20 – 2x
Colour A,
Row 29: Knit
Row 30: Purl
Colour B,
Row 31 – 32: Knit
Repeat rows 29 to 32 – 2x (40 rows)
Colour A,
continue in Stst for 38 (44, 52) rows
Next row: K15 (17, 19); c/off 21; K15 (17, 19)
Left Shoulder
Next row: P13 (15, 17); P2togtbl
Next row: Knit
Next row: P12 (14, 16); P2togtbl. Cut yarn and leave stitches on hold.
Right Shoulder
re-join yarn at neck edge; P2tog; Purl to end
Next row: Knit
Next row: P2tog; Purl to end
Next row: Knit. Cut yarn and leave stitches on hold.
Front
Work as for back for 40 rows
Colour A,
continue in Stst for 10 (16, 24) rows
Left front
Next row: K23 (25, 27); turn
Next row: Purl
Continue in Stst for 19 rows
Next row: C/off 5 sts; Purl to end
Next row: Knit to last 2 sts; K2tog
Next row: P2tog; Purl to end
Next row: Knit to last 2 sts; K2tog
Next row: Purl
Repeat last 2 rows 2x
Continue in Stst for 3 rows
Right front
re-join yarn at centre front, K28 (30, 32)
Next row: P23 (25, 27); K5
Next row: Knit
Repeat last 2 rows 8x
Next row: P23 (25, 27); K5
Next row: C/off 10 sts; Knit to end
Next row: Purl to last 2 sts; P2togtbl
Next row: K2togtbl; Knit to end
Next row: Purl to last 2 sts; P2togtbl
Next row: Knit
Repeat last 2 rows 2x
Continue in Stst for 3 rows
Join back to front at shoulders with 3 needle c/off.
Button Hole Band
Colour B
Evenly pick up 14 sts along left front centre edge
Row 1: (K1;P1) to end
Row 2: (P1; K1) to end
Continue in moss stitch
Row 3: work 2; c/off 3; work 4; c/off 3; work 2
Row 4: work 2; c/on 3; work 4; c/on 3; work 2
Work 3 rows straight, c/off.
Stitch along bottom of button band to attach to front.
Neck Edging
Colour B
Evenly pick up sts around neck edge
Work 2 rows moss stitch, c/off
Sleeves
For each sleeve:
Measure 13 (13.5, 14.5) cm. on either side of shoulder seam (from shoulder to
underarm position on back and front of pullover) and place markers
Colour A
Evenly pick up 53 (55, 59) sts between markers (counts as row 1 of stitch
pattern)
Work as for back from row 2 to 40
Colour A
Work 4 (8, 12) rows
Colour B
Next row: Knit
Work 2 rows moss stitch, c/off.
Join side and under arm seams
Stitch on buttons.
Please note:
Since each item is made by hand, your item may differ slightly from the image.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What skill level is needed for this pattern?
This pattern suits intermediate knitters. The slip stitch colourwork looks intricate, but you only work with one colour at a time, so there is no stranding or intarsia involved. It does require comfort with reading a written pattern, basic shaping and following the stitch pattern repeats accurately.
What yarn weight do I need for this pattern?
This pattern uses double knitting (DK) weight yarn, specifically ColourSpun Pure Merino DK or ColourSpun Pure Cotton DK. You will need two main colours, with the smaller amount used for the contrast colourwork stripes and edging.
What sizes does this pattern come in?
The Little Lamb Pullover is written for sizes 6, 12 and 18 months, with the largest size given in brackets throughout the pattern.
Can I use a different yarn for this project?
Yes, as long as it knits to the same tension of 20 stitches and 29 rows to 10cm in stocking stitch on 4mm needles. Substituting yarn weight or fibre may affect the finished size and the texture of the slip stitch pattern.
Does this pullover make a good gift?
Yes, the Little Lamb Pullover makes a lovely handmade gift for a new baby or baby shower. The lamb motif buttons and classic cream and charcoal colourwork suit a baby of either gender, and the pattern knits up quickly enough to finish before a shower or birth.
Is this pattern suitable for charity knitting?
Yes, this pattern works well for charity knitting projects, since it is a free pattern and uses straightforward techniques that knit up relatively quickly. Knitters making garments for donation may wish to choose a hardwearing, washable yarn suited to frequent laundering, such as ColourSpun Pure Cotton or ColourSpun Cotton Scintilla.
What other free patterns are available?
You can find more free knitting and crochet patterns, including baby garments and accessories, in our Free Crafting Resources section on the ColourSpun blog.
Copyright Notice
This pattern is for personal use only and may not be shared, copied or distributed by any means whatsoever without written permission from the author. Please feel free to share the link to the pattern.
