Back in 2009, NZ Lifestyle Block reader Lynne Sheridan sent in a gorgeous picture of a little lamb called Spud wearing a woolover she had knitted for it.I'm sure you'll agree Spud looks pretty cute, and he was pretty warm too.
Since then, Lynne's instructions for knitting a woolover has been one of the most common requests, so here it is. She's also included her tips for making 'instant' jackets if knitting is not your thing.
Hand knitted newborn lamb jackets
Finished size
Back, length = 35cm
Bib length = 19cm
Materials
10mm width elastic, 36cm length - join with a lap of 15mm
Double knitting wool (avoid synthetics they do not breath like wool does)
Needles = 6 mm
Pattern
For double knitting wool jacket
- Knit in moss or garter stitch to finished size (this keeps the cover flat)
Stitches for Back = 48 stitches, knit to 35cm length.
Stitches for Bib = 10 stitches, increasing at the end of each 3rd row till there are 18 stitches, then knit to length 19cm.
Construction
Thread elastic 1cm from neck edge of the back and the bib(the widest end ), lap the join stitching the join flat to make a flat seam.
Now with the narrow end of the bib stitch the side edge to the back panel side edge, starting 20cm from the neck edge of the back panel. This seam needs to be about 2cm long and should be flat. This has to be done on both side edges of the bib and back panel.
Remember to wash the woollen jackets to the manufacturer’s instructions - a gentle woolwash is ok but stretch it out to shape, otherwise expect shrinkage. Repeated washing will over time change their shape and this is a pattern that can be played with to get larger sizes if required.
But if you want an “instant” jacket
Old jerseys can come in very handy. Even if they have shrunk, they cut up really well for these jackets. The quick way is to cut up an old jersey to the panel sizes (35cmx 30cm) and zigzag the raw edges to stop the knitting coming undone. I usually use the rib end of an old jersey for the neck part and then construct the jacket the same as above. The bib ( 19cmx 8cm) can be made in a similar manner.
And quicker still, for small lambs
I have even used the sleeves of a big jersey and simply left it intact - just cutting out the necessary slots for arms and rear underbelly - then threaded through the elastic and they are done. Ribbed cuffs give the polo neck look and fit really snugly, but you will need an adult's jersey for this one.