Baby'&First Valentine'sDay Sweater
Hugs and kisses are knitted into- thiz seamless newborn sweater! n to 3 months Finished Measurements-Chest 18.5 inches Length: 9.5 inche: Plymouth Dream Baby (light DK 50% acrylic microfiber/50% nylon) Color 013 2 balls (50 grams/183 yds per ball) Stitch markers and stitch holders Gauge-Approximately 11 stitches=2 inches Hugs and Kisses Pattern Stitch Rows 1 & 2: P2, K8, P2 Row 3:P2,C4B, C4F,P2 Row 4: P2, K8, P2 Rows 5-8: Repeat rows 1-4 Rows 9 & 10: P2, K8, P2 Row 11: P2, C4F, C4B, P2
Rows 13-16: Repeat rows 9-12
Body
Cast on 96 stitches and join to work in the round. Place marker to note the beginning of the round. Work sweater hem in 2X2 rib (K2/P2) for 8 rows, increasing 4 stitches evenly over last row (100 stitches). Place marker after 50 stitches to mark the middle of the round. The first 50 stitches will be the front of the sweater. Begin Hugs and Kisses pattern stitch panel on the center 12 stitches of the front of the sweater and continue this panel until the neck ribbing. Knit each round until sweater body measures about 6 inches from cast on edge, or desired length to underarm.
Yoke and Sleeves
Knit 2 stitches, remove marker, then place the last 4 stitches worked on stitch holder or waste yarn. Knit to 2 stitches past next marker, remove marker, then place the last 4 stitches worked on another stitch holder. The stitches on the stitch holders will form the underarm seams when joined to sleeves. Set aside work, but do not cut yarn, as you will be continuing to join sleeves.
Sleeves (make 2)
With second ballof yarn, and double pointed needles, cast on 32 stitches and join to work in the round. Place marker to note the beginning of the round. Work sleeve hem in 2X2 rib(K2/P2) for 8 rows, increasing 1 stitch over last row (33 stitches). Knit 8 rounds even, then increase 2 stitches every 8th row 3 times. (39 stitches). Knit until sleeve measure about 4.5 inches from cast on edge, or desired length. Knit 2 stitches, remove marker, then place the last 4 stitches worked on stitch holder or waste yarn. These 4 stitches will form the underarm seams when joined to the yoke. Place remaining stitches on another stitch holder, or leave on needles and use a second set of double pointed needles tomake 2nd sleeve. Cut yarn leaving a long tail to use to graft or sew underarm seam.
Joining Yoke and Sleeves
Returning to the yoke section of the sweater, knit the 35 stitches from the first sleeve onto circular needle, place marker, knit yoke stitches to the second underarm, place marker and knit the 35 stitches from the second sleeve onto circular needle, place marker, knit the remaining sweater stitches and place a different color marker from the previous 3 markers to note that this is now the beginning of the round. Knit 2 rounds even, continuing Hugs and Kisses pattern panel.
Shape Shoulder
Alternate 1 decrease round with 1 knit even round until there are 9 stitches remain on each sleeve, continuing hugs and kisses pattern panel. For decrease round: \* ssk, knit to 2 stitches from marker, knit 2 stitches together, slip marker, knit 1 stitch, ssk, knit to 3 stitches from marker, knit 2 together, knit 1, slip marker\* repeat one time for a total of 8 stitches decreased. (ssk= slip 2 stitches one at a time onto right needle, then insert left needle into front of the two stitches and knit them together)
Neck
Work in 2X2 rib (K2/P2) for 8 rows, decreasing evenly on the first row so that the last 2 stitches on the round are P2, or use 1X1 (K1P1) rib. Bind off very loosely for a comfortable fit over baby's head.
Finishing
Sew or graft underarm seams.
Designer Note: Want to make a larger sweater? Use worsted weight yarn and size 7 needles.
