The Woodland Explorer Saddle Shoulder Sweater: A Free Knitting Pattern for Kids

Introducing the Woodland Explorer Saddle Shoulder Sweater

Get ready to knit a cozy, stylish, and adventurous sweater for the little explorer in your life! The Woodland Explorer Saddle Shoulder Sweater is a free knitting pattern that combines a unique saddle shoulder construction with a playful, modern colorwork yoke. Inspired by the rich hues of a forest—deep green, rust orange, and cream—this sweater is both comfortable and eye-catching. Perfect for layering on cool days, this pattern is designed to be a rewarding project for knitters ready to try new techniques, with clear instructions that make it accessible.

Materials Needed

Before you begin, gather the following materials. Using the specified yarn and needle sizes will ensure your sweater matches the gauge and finished measurements.

• Yarn: Worsted weight yarn (e.g., Cascade 220 Superwash) in 3 colors:
  • Main Color (MC) - Forest Green: Approx 350-400 yds
  • Contrast Color 1 (CC1) - Rust Orange: Approx 100 yds
  • Contrast Color 2 (CC2) - Cream: Approx 80 yds
• Needles:
  • Larger Needles (for body and yoke): US 7 (4.5 mm) 16-inch circular needle and double-pointed needles (or size to obtain gauge).
  • Smaller Needles (for ribbing): US 6 (4.0 mm) 16-inch circular needle and double-pointed needles.
• Notions: Stitch markers, stitch holders or waste yarn, tapestry needle for weaving in ends.
• Gauge: 20 stitches and 28 rows = 4 inches in stockinette stitch on larger needles. Always check your gauge!

Step-by-Step Instructions

This pattern is written for sizes 2 (4, 6, 8) years. Finished chest measurements: 22 (24, 26, 28) inches. Follow the instructions for your desired size throughout.

Abbreviations

• CO: Cast on
• K: Knit
• P: Purl
• K2tog: Knit two together (right-leaning decrease)
• SSK: Slip, slip, knit (left-leaning decrease)
• M1L: Make one left (increase)
• M1R: Make one right (increase)
• PM: Place marker
• SM: Slip marker
• RS: Right side
• WS: Wrong side
• St(s): Stitch(es)

Yoke

With smaller needles and MC, CO 56 (60, 64, 68) sts. Join in the round, being careful not to twist. Work K1, P1 ribbing for 1 inch. Switch to larger needles. Knit 1 round even.

Set Up Saddle Shoulders

Round 1: K8 (9, 10, 11) (left back), PM, K8 (8, 8, 8) (left sleeve), PM, K24 (26, 28, 30) (front), PM, K8 (8, 8, 8) (right sleeve), PM, K8 (9, 10, 11) (right back).

Increase Round

Round 2: *K to 1 st before marker, M1R, K1, SM, K1, M1L; repeat from * around (8 sts increased).

Repeat Increase Round every other round 8 (9, 10, 11) more times. Then repeat every round 4 (4, 4, 4) times. Total sts: 152 (164, 176, 188) sts.

Colorwork Yoke

Work the following chart in the round using stranded knitting, carrying floats loosely on the wrong side. Do not pull the floats tight.

• Round 1 (CC1): *K2 MC, K2 CC1; repeat from * around.
• Round 2 (CC1): *K1 CC1, K2 MC, K1 CC1; repeat from * around.
• Round 3 (CC2): *K1 MC, K3 CC2; repeat from * around.
• Round 4 (CC2): *K2 CC2, K1 MC, K1 CC2; repeat from * around.
• Round 5 (MC): Knit all sts with MC.

Separate Body and Sleeves

Knit across left back sts to marker. Place next 40 (44, 48, 52) sts (left sleeve) on a holder. CO 4 (4, 6, 6) sts for underarm. Knit across front sts. Place next 40 (44, 48, 52) sts (right sleeve) on a holder. CO 4 (4, 6, 6) sts for underarm. Knit across right back sts. Total body sts: 80 (84, 92, 96) sts.

Body

Knit in the round with MC until piece measures 8 (9, 10, 11) inches from underarm. Switch to smaller needles. Work K1, P1 ribbing for 1.5 inches. Bind off loosely in pattern.

Sleeves

Place held sleeve sts on larger DPNs or circular needle. Pick up and knit 4 (4, 6, 6) sts from underarm. Join in the round. Total sts: 44 (48, 54, 58) sts.

Knit 2 rounds even. Then decrease round: K1, K2tog, knit to last 3 sts, SSK, K1. Repeat decrease round every 6 (6, 8, 8) rounds until 30 (32, 36, 38) sts remain. Knit even until sleeve measures 7 (8, 9, 10) inches from underarm. Switch to smaller needles. Work K1, P1 ribbing for 1 inch. Bind off loosely in pattern.

Finishing

Weave in all ends using a tapestry needle. Block gently to the finished measurements to even out stitches and set the fabric. Your Woodland Explorer Saddle Shoulder Sweater is ready for adventure!