Knit Nordic Hoodie

This hoodie from Patons, sizes 2-6, is for the intermediate knitter. The nordic-style, fair isle pattern is a winner for your well-dressed kids.

MATERIALS

• Yarn: Patons® Astra (50 g)

Main Color (MC)- (Teal) 3 (3-4) balls
Contrast A (Navy) 3 (3-4) balls
Contrast B (Brown) 2 (2-2) balls
Contrast C (Tan) 2 (2-2) balls

• Knitting Needles: sizes 3¼ mm (U.S. 3) and 4 mm (U.S. 6)or size needed to obtain tension
• Separating zipper
• Pattern with Knitting Chart [pdf]

SIZES - 2 (4-6)
Chest measurement

• 2: 21 ins [53.5 cm]
• 4: 23 ins [58.5 cm]
• 6: 25½ ins [65 cm]

Finished chest

• 2: 26 ins [66 cm]
• 4: 28 ins [71 cm]
• 6: 31½ ins [80 cm]

TENSION
24 sts and 28 rows = 4 ins [10 cm] in fair isle pat with larger needles.

INSTRUCTIONS
The instructions are written for smallest size. If changes are necessary for larger sizes, the instructions will be written thus ( ).
Note: When working from charts, carry colors not in use loosely across WS of work but never over more than 3 sts. When it must pass over more than 3 sts, weave it over and under center st of sts it passes over. The colors are never twisted around one another.

BACK
With MC and smaller needles, cast on 78 (82-90) sts.
1st row: (RS). K2. *P2. K2. Rep from * to end of row.
2nd row: P2. *K2. P2. Rep from * to end of row.
Rep these 2 rows (K2. P2) ribbing for 2 ins [5 cm] ending on a 2nd row and inc 1 (3-5) st(s) evenly across last row. 79 (85-95) sts.
Change to larger needles and work Chart I in stocking st until row 64 of chart is complete, reading knit rows from right to left and purl rows from left to right.
Shape armholes: Keeping cont of Chart I, cast off 5 (5-7) sts beg next 2 rows. 69 (75-81) sts.
Cont working Chart I until row 104 (108-112) of chart is complete.
Shape shoulders: Cast off 23 (25-28) sts beg next 2 rows. Cast off rem 23 (25-25) sts.

LEFT FRONT
**With MC and smaller needles, cast on 38 (42-46) sts.
Work 2 ins [5 cm] in (K2. P2) ribbing as given for Back, ending on a 2nd row and inc 1 (0-1) st in center of last row. 39 (42-47) sts.**
Change to larger needles and work Chart I in stocking st until row 64 of chart is complete, reading knit rows from right to left and purl rows from left to right.
Shape armhole: Keeping cont of Chart I, cast off 5 (5-7) sts beg next row. 34 (37-40) sts.
Cont working Chart I until row 87 (91-93) of chart is complete.
Shape neck: Next row: (WS). Cast off 5 sts. Work chart to end of row.
Keeping cont of Char I, dec 1 st at neck edge on next 3 rows, then on following alt rows until there are 23 (25-28) sts.
Cont working Chart I until row 104 (108-112) of chart is complete. Cast off.

RIGHT FRONT
Work from ** to ** as given for Left Front.
Change to larger needles and work Chart I in stocking st until row 65 of chart is complete, reading knit rows from right to left and purl rows from left to right.
Shape armhole: Keeping cont of Chart I, cast off 5 (5-7) sts beg next row. 34 (37-40) sts.
Cont working Chart I until row 86 (90-92) of chart is complete.
Shape neck: Next row: (RS). Cast off 5 sts. Work chart to end of row.
Work 1 row even.
Keeping cont of Chart I, dec 1 st at neck edge on next 3 rows, then on following alt rows until there are 23 (25-28) sts.
Cont working Chart I until row 105 (109-113) of chart is complete. Cast off.

SLEEVES
With MC and smaller needles, cast on 38 (42-42) sts.
Work 2 ins [5 cm] in (K2. P2) ribbing as given for Back, ending on a 2nd row and inc 9 (7-9) sts evenly across last row. 47 (49-51) sts.
Change to larger needles and work Chart II in stocking st to end of chart, reading knit rows from right to left and purl rows from left to right, noting side incs on 5th and following 4th rows until there are 71 (77-83) sts.
Place markers on side edges of Sleeves 1 (1-1¼) in(s) [2.5 (2.5-3) cm] down from cast off edge.

HOOD
With A and smaller needles, cast on 114 (122-126) sts.
Work 6 rows in (K2. P2) ribbing as given for Back, inc 2 (0-2) sts evenly across last row. 116 (122-128) sts.
Change to larger needles and work 2 rows stocking st.
Work Chart III in stocking st to end of chart, reading knit rows from right to left and purl rows from left to right, noting 4 st rep will be worked 29 (30- 32) times.
With A, cont in stocking st until work from beg measures 7½ (8-8½) ins [19 (20.5-21.5) cm] ending with RS facing for next row.
Hood shaping: Next row: K106 (112- 118). Turn. Leave rem sts on spare needle.
Next row: P96 (102-108). Turn.
Next row: K86 (92-98). Turn.
Next row: P76 (82-88). Turn.
Next row: K66 (72-78). Turn.
Next row: P56 (62-68). Turn.
Next row: K46 (52-58). Turn.
Next row: P36 (42-48). Break yarn leaving a long end.
Fold Hood in half and divide all sts onto 2 needles [58 (61-64) sts on each needle]. Graft center back seam (see diagram).
Front Edging: With RS of work facing, A and smaller needles, pick up and knit 67 (73-81) sts evenly along Right Front edge between cast on edge and neck edge. Cast off knitwise (WS). Rep on Left Front edge.

FINISHING
Sew shoulder seams. Sew in sleeves placing rows above markers along cast off edges of Fronts and Back to form square armholes. Sew side and sleeve seams. Sew Hood to neck edge. Sew zipper in position under front edging.