The Blank Canvas Baby Sweater is a clean, classic DK jumper for babies and young children, sized from 0-6 months through to 4-5 years.
Worked flat in pieces with a neat ribbed hem, cuffs, and neckband, and a simple drop-shoulder construction, it is a satisfying and straightforward knit from cast on to finishing.

What makes it different is what goes on the front. Or rather, what does not go on the front until you decide. The body is worked in stocking stitch and left deliberately blank, ready for you to add any motif from the growing Blank Canvas Motif Library at janeburns.co.uk.

Each motif in the library has its own blog post with a free chart, full written row-by-row instructions, yarn requirements for every size, and placement notes so you know exactly where to position it.

Find the growing collection of free motifs here in my library

You can also knit it completely plain. It is a lovely pattern in its own right, and a very good use of that DK you have been saving for the right project.

The sleeves can be worked plain in a single colour or striped in two contrast colours for extra character. One sleeve uses Yarn B, the other Yarn C, so they match without being identical.

Please note: this pattern contains the blank base jumper only. No motif chart is included. Free motif charts, with full written row-by-row instructions and placement notes for every size, are available separately in the Blank Canvas Motif Library at janeburns.co.uk. Each motif has its own dedicated blog post with everything you need to add it to this sweater.

Designed by Jane Burns, with 18 years of experience creating exclusive knitting and crochet patterns for babies and children.
Yarn
Stylecraft Special DK (100% acrylic, 295m per 100g ball), or any similar DK yarn.
Yarn A (1203) Silver: 1 (1: 2: 2: 2: 3) balls
Additional yarn required for motif colours and striped sleeves. See the relevant motif blog post for quantities.

Needles
3.25mm and 4mm straight needles
3.25mm circular needle (optional, for neckband)

Also needed
Darning needle, stitch markers

Tension
22 sts x 30 rows = 10cm x 10cm in stocking stitch on 4mm needles

Sizes
0-6 months, 6-12 months, 12-18 months, 18-24 months, 2-3 years, 4-5 years
Finished chest
48 (54: 59: 61: 63: 68) cm / 19 (21.75: 23.25: 24: 24.75: 26.75) in
Finished length
27 (29: 32: 35: 37: 39) cm / 10.5 (11.5: 12.5: 13.75: 14.5: 15.25) in
Sleeve length
16 (18: 26: 30: 32: 36) cm / 6.5 (7: 10.5: 12: 12.5: 14.25) in
Skill level
Beginner to intermediate

This pattern is available free on the blog at janeburns.co.uk/free-baby-jumper-knitting-pattern-with-motif.

The PDF version is available to purchase here on Ravelry, laid out cleanly for printing or saving to your device.

Want to be the first to know when new motifs land in the Blank Canvas Motif Library?

Sign up to my newsletter at jane-burns-designs.kit.com/413556a207 and new charts, free patterns, and the occasional knitting rabbit hole will land straight in your inbox.