Back to School Knits by Holly Klein
Copyright 2015 Knit Picks All rights reserved. This book or any portion thereof may not be reproduced or used in any manner whatsoever without the express written permission of the publisher except for the use of brief quotations in a book review.
CONTENTS Introduction 4 Eraserhead Hat 6 Penmanship Pullover 10 Composition Cardigan 14
Introduction I love knitting for kids. It s quicker than making adult clothes, and when the recipients love what I ve made, it makes me so, so happy. One day, when I was browsing patterns on Ravelry, I saw a photo of a boy in his favorite handknit sweater on School Portrait Day. I instantly had an idea to design a few patterns inspired by school motifs. Back to School Knits, a mini-collection of two sweaters and a hat, references handwriting paper, composition books, and the humble yellow pencil. I hope you ll enjoy the humor of these designs, and send your child back to school with a bit of style, and a lot of handmade love. Happy Knitting! Holly 4
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ERASERHEAD HAT FINISHED MEASUREMENTS 15 circumference x 10 high with hem unrolled YARN Knit Picks Wool of the Andes Superwash Bulky Yarn (100% Superwash Wool; 137 yards/100g): C1 Semolina, 26520, C2 Marble Heather, 26512, C3 Blossom Heather, 26496, 1 ball each. NEEDLES US 8 (5mm) DPNs or two 24 circular needles for two circulars technique, or one 32 or longer circular needle for Magic Loop technique, or size to obtain gauge NOTIONS Yarn Needle Stitch Markers GAUGE 16 sts and 22 rnds = 4 in St st in the round, blocked Eraserhead Hat 7
Eraserhead Hat Notes: Eraserhead Hat is a fun and recognizable way for your student to keep warm. Who wouldn t want to look like a pencil top? Knit in the round with a simple rolled hem and a knit/purl detail, this hat knits up fast and is popular with children of all ages. One skein of each color makes 2 hats, and the fabric, when knit, stretches to fit children of most head sizes and ages. DIRECTIONS Pencil Using C1 and your preferred method for working in the round, loosely CO 61 sts. Join in the round, being careful not to twist sts. Knit to second to last st, PM to indicate beginning of rnd. Knit last st and first st together. 60 sts. Continue to knit in the round until knitting measures 3 from CO edge. Break C1. Ferrule Change to C2. Rounds 1-5: Knit. Round 6: (K1, P1), repeat to end of round. Round 7: (P1, K1), repeat to end of round. Rounds 8-10: Knit. Round 11: Repeat Round 6. Round 12: Repeat Round 7. Rounds 13-17: Knit. Break C2. Eraser Change to C3. Rounds 1-10: Knit. Round 11: *K2tog, K8, SSK, PM; repeat from * to end of round. 50 sts. Round 12: Knit. Round 13: *K2tog, K to 2 sts before M, SSK, SM; repeat from * to end of round. 10 sts dec. Round 14: Knit. Repeat Rounds 13 and 14 twice more, until 20 sts remain. Next Round: K2tog, around. 10 sts. Knit 1 Round. Next Round: K2tog, around. 5 sts. Break yarn, leaving a 12 tail. Pull yarn through remaining 5 sts, then pull to inside of hat. Finishing Weave in all ends and block to Finished Measurements. Give to your favorite student, and watch them achieve! 8 Eraserhead Hat
PENMANSHIP PULLOVER FINISHED MEASUREMENTS To fit child aged 4 (6, 8, 10, 12); 23 (24, 27, 28, 30) finished chest measurement; garment is meant to be worn with 0 to 1 of positive ease YARN Knit Picks Swish DK (100% Superwash Merino Wool; 123 yards/50g): MC White 24064, 3 (3, 4, 4, 5) balls; C1 Rouge 26060, 1 ball or C1 Serrano 24632, 1 ball; C2 Gulfstream 24957, 1 ball NEEDLES US 5 (3.75mm) 16 circular needles or longer depending on size, plus DPN s or preferred method for working in the round, or size to obtain gauge NOTIONS Yarn Needle Stitch Markers Scrap Yarn or Stitch Holder GAUGE 24 sts and 30 rounds = 4 in stranded St st in the round, blocked Penmanship Pullover 11
Penmanship Pullover Notes: Knit simply from the top down with raglan shaping, this adorable t-shirt is made from soft, washable wool and employs a pattern reminiscent of penmanship paper students use to learn cursive writing. The Penmanship Pullover is made to be worn with 1 of ease, but if the kiddo you re knitting for likes a looser fit, I recommend knitting one size larger. Measure the recipient for the best fit, of course. Penny, the model, is 3 years old and is wearing a size 4 with 1-2" of ease. The pink rows can be substituted for red if you ve got a boy that doesn t enjoy pink, though I think it s lovely on both girls and boys! Your school-age child will be ready for the first day of school or class picture day with the Penmanship Pullover, a fun way to try colorwork in an easy knit I hope you ll enjoy making. Increases occur on MC White rows only. When you work an M1L or M1R, you will be pulling up bars from the previous (color) rows. Simply do this, and knit the White yarn through the loop. To work the chart, read all rows from right to left. Repeat stitches 1-4 across each round, and work repeats of Rounds 1-14 for the pattern. M1L (Make 1 Left-leaning stitch) PU the bar between st just worked and next st and place on LH needle as a regular stitch; knit through the back loop. M1R (Make 1 Right-leaning stitch) PU the bar between st just worked and next st and place on LH needle backwards (incorrect stitch mount). Knit through the front loop. DIRECTIONS Yoke With DPN s, loosely CO 76 (76, 84, 88, 96) sts in MC. Divide Sleeves from Body Beginning on Rnd 1 of chart, *K to M, place next 52 (54, 60, 60, 62) sts on stitch holder or waste yarn for Sleeve, CO 8 (8, 8, 8, 8) sts for underarm; rep from * for next Sleeve, removing all markers except beginning of rnd. 140 (144, 164, 168, 180) sts remain on needles. Body Leaving Sleeve sts on holders or waste yarn and continuing to work chart as established, work body sts in the round until knitting measures 8 (9, 10, 10.75, 12) from underarm, or.5 shorter than desired length, finishing at last row of chart. Break C1 and C2. Knit 5 rounds in MC. Purl 3 rounds in MC. Bind off K-wise. Sleeves Transfer 52 (54, 60, 60, 62) sts from waste yarn or stitch holder onto DPN s. Beginning from center of underarm CO sts, and starting with Row 2 of chart, PU and K 4 (5, 4, 4, 5) sts, K 52 (54, 60, 60, 62), PU and K 4 (5, 4, 4, 5) sts from underarm CO, PM for beginning of rnd. 60 (64, 68, 68, 72) sts. Knit in the round, working chart as established, for one repeat of chart. Break C1 and C2. Knit 5 Rows in MC. Purl 3 rounds in MC. Bind off K-wise. Finishing Weave in all loose ends. Block in desired method to measurements (of schematic, or child). You're finished. Well done! Your penmanship is excellent. Join to knit in the round, being careful not to twist sts. PM for beginning of rnd. Knit 1 Round. Purl 3 Rounds. Set Up Round: K 24 (24, 28, 30, 34) sts for the Front, PM, K14 sts for the Sleeve, PM, K 24 (24, 28, 30, 34) sts for the Back, PM, K remaining 14 sts for the Sleeve to beginning of rnd M. Round 1, Increase Round: *K1, M1L, K to 1 st before M, M1R, K1, SM; repeat from * 3 more times to end of round. 8 sts inc, 2 in each Sleeve, 2 in the Front, 2 in the Back. Round 2: Knit. Begin working chart with Chart Rnd 1. At the same time, repeat the last 2 rounds 18 (19, 22, 22, 23) more times, increasing every other round, and switching to circulars when more comfortable, until there are 228 (236, 268, 272, 288) sts on the needles: 52 (54, 60, 60, 62) sts for each Sleeve, 62 (64, 74, 76, 82) sts each for the Front and Back. Continue to work with no increases to last row of chart. 12 Penmanship Pullover
Penmanship Chart A 4 3 2 1 14 13 Legend knit knit stitch E D B 12 11 10 9 MC C1 C2 C A 12.75 (12.75, 14, 14.75, 16)" B 8.5 (9.5, 10.5, 11.25, 12.5)" C 23 (24, 27, 28, 30)" D 3" E 10 (10.75, 11.25, 11.25, 12)" 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 Penmanship Pullover 13
COMPOSITION CARDIGAN FINISHED MEASUREMENTS To fit child ages 4 (6, 8, 10, 12); 29.75 (30.75, 31.5, 34, 36.5) chest circumference, buttoned. Garment is meant to be worn with a generous amount of positive ease. YARN Knit Picks Palette (100% Peruvian Highland Wool; 231 yards/50g): Color A White 23728, Color B Black 23729, 3 (3, 4, 4, 5) balls each. NEEDLES US 7 (4.5mm) 24 or longer circular needle, or size to obtain gauge US 6 (4mm) 24 or longer circular needle, or one size smaller than needle to obtain gauge NOTIONS Yarn Needle Stitch Markers Scrap Yarn or Stitch Holder Scrap Yarn in contrasting color for Nameplate (optional) 5, 3/4 inch Buttons GAUGE 19 sts and 25 rows = 4 in St st using larger needle with yarn held double, blocked. Composition Cardigan 15
Composition Cardigan Notes: The Composition Cardigan is knit flat from the bottom up in one piece with yarn held double throughout, then split and knit flat for the fronts and backs with sleeves attached afterwards. A shawl collar finishes a polished look reminiscent of composition books carried by students of all ages. One shoulder has an optional intarsia nameplate, decorated with embroidery once the cardigan is complete. Perfect for a boy or girl, this boxy cardigan will keep your favorite student warm throughout the winter months, or serve as a charming jacket in warmer times. The model, 6 yearold Jack, wears a size 6 cardigan with 2-3" inches of positive ease. The optional Nameplate is worked using the Composition Chart. RS rows (even numbers) are read from right to left, and WS rows (odd numbers) from left to right. Stockinette Stitch (St st, worked flat over any number of sts) Row 1 (RS): Knit. Row 2 (WS): Purl. Rep Rows 1-2 for pattern. M1L (Make 1 Left-leaning stitch) PU the bar between st just worked and next st and place on LH needle as a regular stitch; knit through the back loop. M1R (Make 1 Right-leaning stitch) PU the bar between st just worked and next st and place on LH needle backwards (incorrect stitch mount). Knit through the front loop. W&T (Wrap and Turn) Work until the stitch to be wrapped. Bring yarn to the front of the work, slip next st as if to purl, return the yarn to the back; turn work and slip wrapped st onto RH needle. Continue across row. Picking up wraps: Work to the wrapped st, insert the RH needle under the wrap(s), then through the wrapped st K-wise. Knit the wrap(s) together with the wrapped st. DIRECTIONS Hem With smaller circular needle, and holding one strand of Color A and B together, loosely CO 140 (144, 148, 160, 172) sts. Row 1, Ribbing (RS): (K2, P2) across row. Repeat Row 1 until piece measures 1.5 from CO edge, ending with a WS row. Change to larger circular needle. Work in St st until piece measures 9.5 (10.5, 11, 11.25, 12) from CO edge, ending with a WS row. Divide for Fronts and Back Next Row (RS): K 34 (34, 34, 38, 42), PM, K 72 (76, 78, 84, 88), PM, K 34 (34, 34, 38, 42). Purl 1 WS row. Back Row 1 (RS): K to first M. Place previous 34 (34, 34, 38, 42) sts on stitch holder or scrap yarn for Right Front. K to second M. Without working them, place remaining 34 (34, 34, 38, 42) sts on stitch holder or scrap yarn for Left Front. Turn work and continue to work on Back sts only. Row 2 (WS): P 72 (76, 80, 84, 88). Turn work. BO 2 (3, 4, 4, 4) sts at the beginning of the next 2 rows. 68 (70, 72, 76, 80) sts. Armhole Decrease Row (RS): K2, K2tog, K to last 4 sts, SSK, K2. 2 sts dec. Next Row (WS): Purl. Repeat last 2 rows 4 (4, 4, 4, 5) more times. 58 (60, 62, 66, 68) sts. Sizes 30.75 (31.5, 34) ONLY: Work 2 rows of St st. Work Armhole Decrease Row once. Purl 1 Row. 58 (60, 64) sts. All Sizes Work in St st until armhole measures 5.5 (5.75, 6, 6.25, 6.75), ending with a WS row. Shape Shoulders Begin Left Shoulder: Set Up Row (RS): K 25 (25, 25, 27, 27) sts of Right Shoulder, BO center 8 (8, 10, 10, 14) sts, K remaining 25 (25, 25, 27, 27) sts of Left Shoulder. Turn and work only sts of Left Shoulder. Row 1 (WS): Purl. Row 2: BO 5 sts, K to end. 20 (20, 20, 22, 22) sts. Row 3: Purl. Row 4: BO 9 (9, 9, 10, 10) sts, K to end. 11 (11, 11, 12, 12) sts. Row 5: Purl. Row 6: BO 3 (2, 2, 2, 2) sts, K to end. 8 (9, 9, 10, 10) sts. Row 7: BO 3 sts, P to end. 5 (6, 6, 7, 7) sts. BO remaining 5 (6, 6, 7, 7) sts. Break yarns and attach again to work Right Shoulder, starting with a WS row and reversing shoulder shaping as follows: Row 1 (WS): BO 5 sts, P to end. 20 (20, 20, 22, 22) sts. Row 2 (RS): Knit. Row 3: BO 9 (9, 9, 10, 10) sts, P to end. 11 (11, 11, 12, 12) sts. Row 4: Knit. Row 5: BO 3 (2, 2, 2, 2) sts, P to end. 8 (9, 9, 10, 10) sts. Row 6: BO 3 sts, K to end. 5 (6, 6, 7, 7) sts. BO remaining 5 (6, 6, 7, 7) sts. Left Front Armhole shaping and Neckline shaping occur at the same time. Be sure to read through entire section before proceeding. Place held 34 (34, 34, 38, 42) Left Front sts back on the needles. Attach yarns at armhole side with RS facing, ready to begin a RS row. K to end of row. Purl 1 WS row. Armhole Decrease Row (RS): K2, K2tog, K to end. 1 st dec at armhole edge. Repeat the Armhole Decrease Row every RS row 5 more times. AT THE SAME TIME, when armhole measures 1.75 (1.75, 2, 2, 2.25), shape neck as follows, always on a WS row: 16 Composition Cardigan
Neck Decrease Row (WS): P1, P2tog, P to end. 1 st dec at neck edge. Repeat the Neck Decrease Row every WS row 12 more times. Upon completion of all shaping, you will have 15 (15, 15 19, 23) Left Front sts. Work even in St st until armhole measures 5.75 (6, 6.25, 6.5, 7), ending with a RS row. Shape Shoulder BO 5 (5, 5, 6, 9) sts at the beginning of the next WS row, P to end. 10 (10, 10, 13, 14) sts. BO 5 (4, 4, 6, 7) sts on following WS row, P to end. BO remaining 5 (6, 6, 7, 7) sts. Right Front The Right Front is worked by reversing the shaping of the Left Front, and adding the optional Nameplate. Armhole shaping, Neckline shaping, and the Nameplate are all worked at the same time, be sure to read through entire section before proceeding. Place held 34 (34, 34, 38, 42) Right Front sts back on the needles. With WS of garment facing you, attach yarns at armhole ready to being a WS row. Armhole Decrease Row (WS): P2, P2tog, P to end. 1 st dec at armhole edge. Repeat the Armhole Decrease Row every WS row 5 more time(s). AT THE SAME TIME, when armhole measures 1.75 (1.75, 2, 2, 2.25), shape neck as follows, always on a RS row: Neck Decrease Row (RS): K1, K2tog, K to end. 1 st dec at neck edge. Repeat the Neck Decrease Row every RS row 12 more times. AT THE SAME TIME COMPLETE NAMEPLATE CHART: When you have 28 sts, attach a second strand of Color A, and begin Composition Chart 1, working it in 2 strands of Color A. You will carry Color B along the back of the nameplate sts, twisting the extra strand of A with B, at the beginning and end of each row. When Composition Chart is complete, break extra strand of Color A and continue with one strand of A and B, held together. Upon completion of all shaping, you will have 17 (18, 18, 19, 19) sts. Work even in established pattern until armhole measures 5.75 (6, 6.25, 6.5, 7), ending with a WS row. Shape Shoulder BO 5 (5, 5, 6, 9) sts at the beginning of the next RS row, K to end. 10 (10, 10, 13, 14) sts. BO 5 (4, 4, 6, 7) sts on following RS row, K to end. BO remaining 5 (6, 6, 7, 7) sts. Sleeves (make 2) With smaller needle and Color A and Color B held together, CO 32 (32, 36, 36, 40) sts. Row 1, Ribbing (RS): (K2, P2) across row. Repeat Row 1 until piece measures 1.5 from CO edge, ending with a WS row. Change to larger needle. Work two rows in St st. Increase Row (RS): K1, M1L, K to last st, M1R, K1. Continuing to work in St st, repeat Increase Row every 7th row 6 (6, 7, 7, 6) more times. 46 (46, 52, 52, 54) sts. Work until sleeve measures 9.75 (10.25, 10.75, 11, 11.25) from CO row, ending with a WS row. Shape Cap BO 3 (3, 4, 4, 4) sts at the beginning of next 2 rows. 40 (40, 44, 44, 46) sts. Cap Decrease Row: K1, K2tog, K to last 3 sts, SSK, K1. 2 sts dec. Repeat Cap Decrease Row every RS row 2 (2, 3, 3, 4) more times, then every 3rd row 4 (4, 5, 4, 4) more times, then every RS row 4 times. 18 (18, 18, 20, 20) sts. BO 4 sts on the next 2 rows. BO remaining 10 (10, 12, 12, 12) sts. Repeat for second sleeve. Finishing Weave in ends. Block, using your desired method, to schematic measurements. With one strand of Color A and one strand of Color B through a tapestry needle, sew shoulder seams together. Shawl Collar With larger circular needle and using two strands of Color B held together and with RS facing, starting at hem of right front PU and K 50 (54, 56, 61, 64) sts from hem to beginning of neck shaping, PM, PU 22 (25, 26, 26, 28) sts along V-neck to right shoulder seam, 24 (24, 26, 26, 28) sts along back edge, 22 (25, 26, 26, 28) sts along V-neck edge to beginning of neck shaping on left front, PM, PU 50 (54, 56, 61, 64) sts to hem edge of left front. 168 (182, 190, 200, 212) sts. Knit 3 rows. Buttonhole Row Boy's Sweater K 4 (4, 5, 5, 7) *BO 2, K 8 (9, 9, 10, 10); rep from * a total of 4 times, BO 2, K 4 (4, 5, 6, 7), K to end of row, slipping markers as you come to them. Knit next row, casting on 2 sts over where you BO in previous row. Girl's Sweater K to second M, K 4 (4, 5, 6, 7) *BO 2, K 8 (9, 9, 10, 10); rep from * a total of 4 times, BO 2, K 4 (4, 5, 5, 7). Knit next row, casting on 2 sts over where you BO in previous row. Shawl Collar Short Rows (boy and girl versions) Short Row 1: K to second M, SM, W&T. Short Row 2: K to first M, SM, W&T. Short Row 3: K to 4 sts before previously wrapped st, W&T. Repeat Row 3 23 more times, then K to end, knitting wraps with wrapped sts. Next Row: Knit, knitting any remaining wrapped sts with wraps. Knit 1 row. Composition Cardigan 17
Bind off, loosely. Cut yarn. A B G Weave in any additional yarn ends. Sew arms at inner seams using mattress stitch with one strand of Color A and Color B held together. Sew arms to body of garment using backstitch, easing in sleeve where necessary. Sew on buttons where indicated by buttonholes on the opposite side. Complete Nameplate Using one strand of Color B, follow Composition Chart to embroider lines where indicated. Using a small amount of a contrasting color yarn, embroider child s name or initials on line of nameplate. Weave in any additional yarn ends and block Shawl Collar and Button bands if desired. You're finished- A+ work! F C D E Note: widths are for blocking the sweater before seaming, and before the buttonband is added. A 4.25 (4.25, 4.5, 4.5, 4.75)" B 3 (3, 3, 4, 4.75)" C 6 (6.25, 6.5, 6.75, 7.25)" D 8 (9, 9.5, 9.75, 10.5)" E 1.5" (all sizes) F 29.5 (30.25, 31.25, 33.75, 36.25)" G 2 (2, 2, 2.5, 2.5)" H 9.25 (9.25, 10.5, 10.5, 11)" I 4.75 (4.75, 5.5, 5.5, 5.5)" J 8.25 (8.75, 9.25, 9.5, 9.75)" K 6.25 (6.25, 7.25, 7.25, 8)" H K I J E Composition Chart 28 27 26 25 24 23 22 21 20 19 18 17 16 15 14 13 12 11 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 13 12 11 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 Legend knit RS: knit stitch WS: purl stitch k2tog knit 2 st together Color A & B held together 2 strands of Color B held together embroidered sts no stitch placeholder- no stitch made 18 Composition Cardigan
For pattern support, contact customerservice@knitpicks.com Abbreviations BO bind off cn cable needle CC contrast color CDD Centered double dec CO cast on cont continue dec decrease(es) DPN(s) double pointed needle(s) EOR every other row inc increase K knit K2tog knit two sts together KFB knit into the front and back of stitch K-wise knitwise LH left hand M M1 M1L M1R MC P P2tog PM PFB PSSO PU P-wise rep marker make one stitch make one left-leaning stitch make one right-leaning stitch main color purl purl 2 sts together place marker purl into the front and back of stitch pass slipped stitch over pick up purlwise repeat Rev St st reverse stockinette RH rnd(s) RS Sk Sk2p SKP SL SM SSK SSP SSSK St st sts stitch right hand round(s) right side skip sl 1, k2tog, pass slipped stitch over k2tog: 2 sts dec sl, k, psso: 1 st dec slip slip marker sl, sl, k these 2 sts tog sl, sl, p these 2 sts tog tbl sl, sl, sl, k these 3 sts tog stockinette stitch stitch(es) TBL TFL tog W&T WE WS WYIB WYIF YO through back loop through front loop together wrap & turn (see specific instructions in pattern) work even wrong side with yarn in back with yarn in front yarn over 20
Knit Picks yarn is both luxe and affordable a seeming contradiction trounced! But it s not just about the pretty colors; we also care deeply about fiber quality and fair labor practices, leaving you with a gorgeously reliable product you ll turn to time and time again. THIS COLLECTION FEATURES Palette Fingering Weight 100% Peruvian Highland Wool Swish DK DK Weight 100% Superwash Merino Wool Wool of the Andes Superwash Bulky Bulky Weight 100% Superwash Wool View these beautiful yarns and more at www.knitpicks.com