I love Bavarian stitch patterns, and I thought a nice addition to the patterns in this issue would be a design for babies and children. Also, the other designs for this stitch pattern are knit in the round, and I planned on knitting this design flat. (Level 3 of the Master Hand Knitting Program requires a Bavarian pattern knit flat.) Working Bavarian patterns flat requires a bit more concentration as the knit stitches in the pattern are all worked through the back loop which means you need to work the purl stitches of the design through the back on the WS. An additional complication is that many Bavarian patterns are cabled on every row which means you must cable on the WS as well.

My designs for children fall into one of two categories–heirloom pieces or everyday pieces. This sweater is definitely an heirloom piece. If you look at the sizing and chest measurements, you will note that the sweater has quite a bit of ease, or what I would call in this case, “room to grow.” This is a sweater you will want to fit the child for a LONG time! Then you can pack it in acid-free paper and store it for the next generation….