A new easy child sweater knit pattern, the Apy Sweater, is now available in my shop, on Etsy and on Ravelry shops.
Read all about the easy bottom up construction and what you need to make it or grab the printable PDF and start knitting this kids sweater knitting pattern.
No time right now? Pin this easy child sweater knit pattern for later!
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The Apy child sweater knit pattern makes a warm and cozy pullover, perfect for layering on chilly days. Designed with a classic fit, this sweater features a stylish shawl collar with a button closure, adding both charm and practicality. The rich texture of tweed yarn enhances its timeless appeal, making it a great choice for both casual and dressy occasions. Sized for children from 3 months to 14 years, this pattern ensures a comfortable and well-fitting garment for growing kids. For those who love a coordinated look, an adult version is also available.
This sweater is worked from the bottom up in the round, minimizing seams for a smooth and professional finish. The body and sleeves are knit seamlessly before being joined at the yoke, where the signature shawl collar is shaped with short rows. The buttoned neckline adds a touch of refinement while keeping little ones snug. Whether you choose a rustic tweed yarn or a soft wool blend, this sweater will be a go-to piece for any child’s wardrobe.
Matching Adult Sweater
The Apy Sweater also comes in an adult sweater knitting pattern, sized S to 5XL you can make a matching set for all the men in the family.
Find the baby and child sweater knitting pattern here >>
The Apy Child Sweater Knit Pattern Construction
The child sweater is knitted from the bottom up. Both front and back panels are worked in one piece knitting in the round until the underarm. The piece is then divided in 2 parts working the front and back panel separately. A few stitches are cast off on each side of the panels for simple square armhole shaping. The back panel is then worked straight. The front panel is divided in 2 parts to shape the neck opening.
Both panels are then sewed together at the shoulders.
Stitches for the sleeves are then picked up and worked downwards to the cuff.
Finally, stitches are picked up for the neck ribbing, first around the back, then along the front opening (adding buttonholes). Lastly, you’ll add the buttons for the finishing touch.
Materials You Will Need For The Apy Child Sweater Knit Pattern
Materials
- 5.5 mm / US 9 circular knitting needles.
- 6 mm / US 10 circular knitting needles.
- Hobbii Daily Stitch Tweed (worsted weight 4, 100g, 80% Acrylic, 15% Wool, 5% viscose, 168 m/183 yds): 2 (2, 2, 2, 2) (2, 3, 3, 3, 3, 3, 4) skeins.
- Tapestry needle to weave in the ends
- Stitch marker
- 2 x 21-mm leather covered buttons
Note: I used short circular needles for the sleeves and cuffs but you can use the magic loop or DPN if you prefer.
Size
The sweater knitting pattern is available in the following baby & kid sizes: 3 months to 16 years. Sizes are noted throughout the pattern in the following way: 3 (6, 12, 18, 24) months (4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16) years. The pictures illustrate the 4 and 6 years sizes.
Final garment measurements are:
- Bust measurement: 53 (55, 58, 60, 63) (71, 76, 79, 83, 89, 92, 95) cm / 21 (21.75, 22.75, 23.5, 24.75) (28, 30, 31, 32.75, 35, 36.25, 37.5)”.
- Sleeve length (from underarm): 18.5 (19.5, 22, 23.5, 24.5) (29.5, 32, 34.5, 37.5, 41, 43.5, 45) cm / 7.25 (7.75, 8.5, 9.25, 9.5) (11.5, 12.5, 13.5, 14.75, 16.25, 17, 17.75)”.
- Sweater length: 29 (31.5, 33, 34, 36) (41, 44, 50.5, 56, 59.5, 62, 64.5) / 11.5 (12.5, 13, 13.25, 14.25) (16.25, 17.25, 19.75, 22, 23.5, 24.5, 25.25)”.
The sweater is designed with a classic fit 5 – 10 cm / 2” – 4” ease at the bust.
Gauge
The gauge for this pattern, in stockinette stitch, is 13.5 st by 20 rows for a 10 cm by 10 cm square (4” by 4”).
Abbreviations & Instructions
- st = stitch
- k = knit
- p = purl
- M1R = make one right; single right-leaning knit increase
- M1L = make one left; single left-leaning knit increase
- k2tog = knit 2 stitches together; right-leaning decrease
- ssk = slip slip knit; left-leaning decrease
Repeat instructions between [] the indicated number of times or until the end of the round/row.
The final number of stitches is indicated at the end of the round/row between < >.
Special Stitches and Techniques
- Stockinette stitch:
- In the round: knit continuously
- Worked flat: alternate knit rows on the right side and purl rows on the wrong side of your project.
- M1R: Insert your left needle from back to front, under the bar between the stitches (thus lifting it onto the left needle). Knit this bar through the front loop (this twists it into a nice little tight loop)
- M1L: Insert the left needle from front to back, under the bar between the stitches (thus lifting it onto the left needle). Knit this bar through the back loop (this twists it into a nice little tight loop).
If you are not familiar with this increase technique, I find this video tutorial very helpful.
- Picking up stitches: if you’re not familiar with this technique, this tutorial is very helpful.
I recommend using the sloped bind off technique for the shoulder shaping. If you’re not familiar with this technique, this tutorial is very helpful.
Sweater Construction
The child sweater is knitted from the bottom up. Both front and back panels are worked in one piece knitting in the round until the underarm. The piece is then divided in 2 parts working the front and back panel separately. A few stitches are cast off on each side of the panels for simple square armhole shaping. The back panel is then worked straight. The front panel is divided in 2 parts to shape the neck opening.
Both panels are then sewed together at the shoulders.
Stitches for the sleeves are then picked up and worked downwards to the cuff.
Finally, stitches are picked up for the neck ribbing, first around the back, then along the front opening (adding buttonholes). Lastly, you’ll add the buttons for the finishing touch.
Downloadable PDF Apy Child Sweater Knitting Pattern
Grab the printable PDF of the Apy Child Sweater Knitting Pattern now in my shop, Etsy shop or on Ravelry shop:
Blocking
You are done with the knitting part. Make sure to weave in all the ends.
To make your sweater even prettier, help even your stitches, block your project. Don’t skip this step as it can make a huge difference. Read my detailed tutorial on why block, how-to, and all my tips and tricks if you need help.
Please Respect My Work
You may not share, sell or claim my patterns as your own. You can make finished items to sell (i.e. on Etsy, at craft fairs) from my patterns but I ask that you link back to my blog knittingwithchopsticks.com and provide credit for the pattern. Copyright 2025
I love to see your projects, tag them #knittingwithchopsticks so I can see and share what you make.
Thank you!
