60 Quick Knits for Little Kids

Any knitter or crocheter who has a few special little people in their life, will know how fun it is to knit and/or crochet for them. The problem that many of us often encounter however, is that often by the time we finally finish knitting the sweater it ends up being too small for the (not-so) little one! Kids have a way of growing up FAST (too fast!), and sometimes our needles just can’t keep up.

The solution to this problem? Knit faster! But how? By using thicker yarn of course! By using chunky, or even worsted weight yarn, you will find yourself with something to keep your little one warm in no time at all!
Fortunately for any of you out there who happen to be stumped for new and inspiring kid’s sweater patterns, we have just the book for you!

Cascade Yarns has recently unveiled the latest instalment to their ’60 Quick Knits’ collection titled ’60 Quick Knits for Little Kids- Playful knits for sizes 2-6 in Pacific and Pacific Chunky from Cascade Yarns’. We can say with conviction that we truly love every item contained within it’s pages! Cardigans for the classy little guy in your life, and pretty ponchos for the girl who loves to get outside. Not only are the patterns all fun to knit- you may even manage to sew in the last few ends before your youngsters have out-grown them!

Pacific Chunky is currently available in Canada in 43 solid shades and 25 multis, and Cascade Pacific (the worsted weight version of the same yarn) is available in 107 shades total, making it no problem to find the exact shade you need, even for the pickiest of sweater recipients. These yarns are composed of 60% Acrylic and 40% Superwash Merino, making them soft, and easy to care for- exactly the qualities one is looking for when knitting for a child!

The ‘Garter Cardi’ designed by Audrey Drysdale (page 42) is a bomber style jacket/cardigan with raglan sleeves and pockets for little ones to keep their treasures safe. Perfect for either a boy or girl, this sweater will pair just as well with a party dress as it will with a pair of jeans. Knit using Cascade Pacific Chunky, pick a solid colour that will go with everything, or a vivid variegated that will keep the child visible while playing road hockey after school. Or better yet… do one of each!

The ‘Lace Top’ found on page 98 and designed by Caarin Fleischmann is a gorgeous pullover that any little girl would love. Pictured in the book paired with pigtails and khakis, this sweater would look equally adorable with a leggings and boots or a patterned balloon skirt. With a fun-to-knit lace panel down the front which features a scalloped hemline, a boatneck, and seed stitch sleeves, back and sides, this sweater suggests subtle hints of retro styling, all whilst staying current. This sweater is trendy, but won’t date, making it something that will pass down from sister to cousin to best friend.

With the holidays just around the corner, we all know what great presents knitted hats and mitts make. On page 150 you will find a Seed Stitch Set designed by Audrey Drysdale that will have you knitting hats and mitts for every kid on your list. Even those of us who don’t have kids know that a child can never have too many knit hats and mitts- one set for school, one set for the front door, one set for the back door, one set to misplace on the playground… So leave this pattern and some needles next to your knitting chair and make sure that you always have a set on the go! The lucky recipient (and their parents!) are sure to thank you.

Cables are so fun to knit, and this Cable Bear Poncho by Audrey Drysdale (page 67) is no exception! With beautiful cables running up the front, back and sides of this piece, with a cozy hood (little bear ears included!) any little one with an imagination will love wearing this poncho. Perfect for Fall days at the park, Spring walks through the woods, or cozy Winter days on the couch!

On page 87, the Eyelet Dress designed by Yoko Hata can be found. With a ribbed yoke, eyelet skirt and buttons down the back, this dress is pretty enough to wear to a wedding or to school, and perfect for all seasons.  And while the idea of knitting a dress can sound scary, we promise that it isn’t! The lifespan of a knitted dress is significantly longer than that of a sweater, as it grows with the child into a tunic over time! It is certainly not unreasonable to expect to get a couple of years out of this garment, making it well worth the effort!

This must-have book is now available for purchase in yarn shops across Canada, so be sure to pick up your copy today! Not sure where to find your local yarn shop? No problem! Click here for a full directory of local yarns shops across Canada.

Happy knitting everyone!

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