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Introducing Rainbow Spikes, the perfect unisex winter sweater. A nordic-inspired design that’s fun and colourful, with a modern vibe. Rainbow Spikes showcases beautiful yarns in a comfy pullover that babies and kids will love to wear.

Gradient yarns are just perfect for colourwork - maximum impact with minimum effort! Rainbow Spikes combines a gradient with a neutral yarn in a simple colourwork pattern. A seamless knit on a 5.5mm/US9 needles, this project will fly off your needles. Why not treat yourself to a new cast on today?

This pattern was fully revised and updated in October 2021, with expanded sizing, improved fit, and helpful additional details (cm measurements, schematic and comprehensive yarn requirements). The revised version has been professionally tech edited, for a trouble-free knit.

Sizes
0-3 months (6-12m, 18-24m, 3-4 years, 5-6y // 7-8y, 9-10y, 12-14y)
To fit chest 15 (17.5, 19.5, 22, 24.5 // 26, 27.5, 31)”/38 (44.5, 49.5, 56, 62 // 66, 70, 78.5)cm
Pattern allows 1-2.5”/2.5-6.5cm positive ease. See full schematic in photos.
Shown in 3-4y.

Yarn
Knit Picks Chroma Worsted, 1 (2, 2, 2, 3 // 3, 4, 4) balls MC and 1 CC ball for all sizes.
OR worsted or aran-weight yarn in the quantities shown in the table in photos.
Samples shown in Knit Picks “Bare” and “Groovy” (indoor photos) and Malabrigo Yarn Worsted “Natural” and Crystal Palace Yarns Mochi Plus “Tapestry Rainbow” (outdoor photos).

Notions
US 8/5mm circular needle, 12”/30cm
US 9/5.5mm circular needle, minimum 18”/45cm
US 8/5mm DPNs or long circular, to work sleeves
US 9/5.5mm DPNs or long circular, to work cuffs
5 stitch markers
2 stitch holders
Waste yarn
Tapestry needle

Construction
The sweater is knit from the bottom up, working body and sleeves separately in the round. These are joined, and short rows are worked to raise the back of the sweater. The yoke is then worked in the round.

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