The Baby Shelby Jumper is inspired by my love of vintage knitting patterns. I often read old patterns not just for the designs, but for the stories I imagine behind them – patterns passed down through generations, shared among family and friends as they knit together, learning and teaching as they go.

This jumper is a modern take on that tradition. It’s knitted from the bottom up in the round to the armholes, then divided – a great starting point for anyone wanting to try knitting in the round. It’s simple, classic and makes a lovely first project for a new baby.

And if you’d like to complete the set, the Baby Shelby Hat features the same rib detail – perfect together for a thoughtful hand-knitted gift.

CONSTRUCTION
The back and front are knitted in the round in one piece from the bottom up, then divided to knit the back and then front in rows. The sleeves are knitted flat from the bottom up in pieces. The sleeves are drop. The collar is picked up and knitted.

TECHNIQUES USED
Knitting in the round and rows. Cast on, knit, purl, decreasing at neck shaping, cast off. Joining shoulder seams. Optional but recommended to create the feeling of joy when joining your pieces: three needle cast off and mattress stitch.

YARN
2(2:3:3) 50g balls of Lang Merino 150 (4 ply).
100% Merino Fine wool, 150m/164yds per 50g

SUGGESTED KNITTING NEEDLES
3.25mm 40cm length circular needle.

GAUGE (tension)
26 stitches and 34 rows to 10cm/4ins square over narrow rib pattern. I obtained this gauge with 3.25mm needles.
It is important to obtain the correct gauge so do work a swatch before you start the pattern and change your needle size to achieve the correct gauge if you need to.

FINISHED MEASUREMENTS

To Fit (suggested):
Newborn, (3-6months, 6-12 months, 1-2 years)

Chest circumference
39, (43, 50, 58)cm
15¼, (17, 19¾, 22¾)ins

Length (from top of shoulder to cast on edge)
22, (24, 26, 28)cm
8¾, (9½, 10¼ , 11)ins

Sleeve Length (from underarm to cast on edge)
11, (12, 14, 16)cm
4¼, (4¾, 5½, 6¼)ins

NEED HELP?
I am here for you! Pop into the Skipton studio, send an email, or check out the Purl &Jane YouTube channel for tips, inspiration and guidance including handy resources like gauge (tension) guides and how to tutorials.