Description
This pattern is featured in the book Knit a Little by Marie Greene.
I’ve always wanted to be a beekeeper, but my pollinator garden is as close as I’ve managed to get. Maybe it’s wishful thinking, but I want to believe that the neighborhood bees consider it their home away from home.
This sweet, top-down sweater features rows of bitty bees on the yoke and lower body, buzzing along on a background of reverse stockinette stitch. Aren’t they the cutest?
For the grown-up version, see Beekeeper Cardigan here.
For the matching hat, see Beekeeper Beanie here.
SKILL LEVEL: Advanced Beginner
SIZES: 0-6 mo (6-12 mo, 1-2 yrs, 2-4 yrs, 4-6 yrs, 6-8 yrs, 8-10 yrs) referred to as sizes 1 (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7) throughout pattern
YARN: DK Weight | Sew Happy Jane Delightful DK | 100% superwash merino | 231 yards/211 meters in 100 g | 280 (310, 320, 450, 520, 700, 730) yards/256 (283, 293, 411, 475, 640, 667) meters
Note: Yardage is an estimate and may vary based on your gauge (especially row gauge) and yarn choice. If in doubt, please round up.
NEEDLES
- US Size 5/3.75mm (12-24 in/30-60 cm) circular needle – yoke and body
- US Size 5/3.75mm (12 in/30 cm) circular needle or DPNs – sleeves
- US Size 4/3.5mm (16-24 in/40-60 cm) circular needle – bottom ribbing
- US Size 4/3.5mm (12-16 in/30-40 cm) circular needle – neckline
- US Size 4/3.5mm DPNs – sleeve cuffs
Note: Adjust your needle size, if necessary, to obtain correct gauge.
GAUGE: 21 st and 30 rows in 4 in/10 cm in reverse stockinette stitch with largest needle, blocked
NOTIONS:
- Darning needle
- Stitch markers
- Waste yarn
- Blocking pins, blocking mat
FINISHED MEASUREMENTS
- Chest circumference: 20.6 (22.1, 22.9, 25, 26.9, 29, 31.6) in 51.5 (55.25, 57.25, 62.5, 67.25, 72.5, 79) cm
- Length of lower body from underarm: 6 (6.5, 7, 8.5, 10, 12, 14) in 15 (16.25, 17.5, 21.25, 25, 30, 35) cm
- Sleeve length: 6.5 (7.5, 8.5, 11, 12.5, 13.5, 14.5) in 16.25 (18.75, 21.25, 27.5, 31.25, 33.75, 36.25) cm
- Sleeve circumference: 7.25 (7.6, 8, 8, 9.1, 9.5, 10.7) in 18.1 (19, 20, 20, 22.9, 23.8, 26.7) cm
- Yoke depth (from below ribbing to underarm): 4.8 (4.9, 5.1, 5.1, 5.9, 6.5, 6.5) in 12 (12, 12.75, 12.75, 14.75, 16.25, 16.25) cm