Description

Sail Pullover – 1980s Kids’ Knitting Pattern: Instant PDF Download

Size: 2, 4, 6 years (22″–25½” chest)

Nothing says nautical-summer-charm quite like a hand-knit sailboat sweater, and this 1980s vintage kids’ knitting pattern delivers it with playful colorwork stripes and a row of little sailboats sailing across the chest. Knit in a machine-washable yarn and finished with ribbed cuffs, hem, and neckband, this children’s pullover pattern is an ideal project for knitters who love stranded colorwork, classic crewneck sweaters, and dressing little ones in handmade pieces with real personality — wonderful for beach holidays or everyday play.

Design & Construction Details

Skill Level: Intermediate (stranded colorwork knowledge recommended).
Construction: Back and front worked flat in stockinette from ribbed hem upward, with a charted sailboat motif worked across the body using several small balls of yarn and twisted strands to avoid holes; set-in sleeves picked up and worked down from the armhole, shoulders joined with a 3-needle bind-off, finished with a ribbed neckband.
Finished Measurements: Garment width 26″ (27½”, 29½”) – for child’s chest 22″ (23½”, 25½”); garment length 13½” (14½”, 15½”).
Pattern Style: Written in standard US knitting terms with a full charted colorwork diagram and color key included.
Stitches: K1, P1 rib, stockinette stitch, stranded colorwork (intarsia/Fair Isle-style sailboat motif).

Recommended Materials & Tools

Yarn: Jakobsdals Domino (machine washable) — approximately 5 (7) 8 balls total across 3 colors.
Since the original 1980s yarn may be discontinued, substitute with any standard modern DK-weight washable wool or wool-blend yarn such as Cascade 220 Superwash or Knit Picks Wool of the Andes Superwash.
Knitting Needles Size: US 2 and US 6 (or sizes needed to obtain gauge).
Notions: Tapestry needle for seaming and weaving in colorwork strands, elastic thread for ribbing if desired.
Gauge: 22 sts and 32 rows = 4 inches on US 6 needles in stockinette.

This is a digitally restored PDF knitting pattern

Upon purchase, you will receive an instant digital download — a clean, easily readable PDF. The original vintage instructions have been digitally enhanced, reformatted, and checked for clarity, ensuring a smooth crafting experience from start to finish.