Knitwear Design

Kids Heads are Big!

April 19, 2022
1 comments

Easy on and off kids sweaters

When knitting pullover sweaters for babies and kids, it's important to make sure the neck opening will fit over the head.

Looking at sizing charts, 3 month heads are 15". Neck openings are 4.5". Yes, knitting stretches, but leaving one shoulder open is the answer for a sweater that won't be a struggle for mom and baby.

*Video: For Kids pullovers, it's a good idea to leave one shoulder open to allow the sweater to go over the head. Use this technique with any knitting pattern*

1 Plan Ahead

Before you start knitting the sweater, plan for the open shoulder

Knit the front and back pieces as instructed, removing the left shoulders (as worn) on waste yarn.
Join the right shoulder
Re-hang the left back shoulder stitches and knit in ribbing, flat rib or garter/seed stitch (by hand or machine)
re-hang the left front shoulder stitches and work the same style of band, adding buttonholes
Pick up the neck band, including the edge of the shoulder bands and work as directed in your pattern.

Don't forget the sleeves!

2 Afterthought Method

You've knit the sweater pieces, added the band and realized that an open shoulder would be useful.

Knit the front and back pieces as instructed
Join the right shoulder
Knit and attach the neck band per the pattern
On the left back shoulder pick up stitches and knit in ribbing, flat rib or garter/seed stitch (by hand or machine)
On the left front shoulder work the same style of band, adding buttonholes