Free pattern - child's jumper

I have just started some charity knitting to use up some of last year's stash.

My present charity is Algerian Action.

Please help yourself to the pattern, print is, use it, share it ...!

Any queries or comments about the pattern, please just let me know

Child's Jumper

Needles:

3 ¼ and 4mm

Material required:

DK, approx:

150g; 180g; 200g; 230g; 250g

For sizes, approx:

18 ; 20 ; 22 ; 24 ; 26

For years, approx:

1 ; 2 ; 3-4 ; 5-6 ; 7

Abbreviations:

STST = stocking stitch

sts = stitches

Front:

Using 3 ¼mm needles cast on 60(66;72;78;80) sts; work in rib for 12(12;12;14;14) rows.

Change to 4mm needles and proceed in STST **until piece measures 55(61;70;80;84) rows** from beg. of STST.

Shape neck:

Knit 24(26;29;32;33) sts; turn and proceed as follows. Knit 1 row, then decrease 1 st at neck edge in next and every following alternate row to 20(22;25;27;28) sts; then continue without further shaping to 70(76;86;96;102) rows. Right side facing cast off.

Slip middle 12(14;14;14;14) sts onto stitch holder, rejoin yarn and work the other side accordingly.

Back:

As Front until **, then knit instead **until piece measures 60(66;75;85;89) rows**.

Then continue as for Front.

Sleeves (make 2):

Using 3 ¼ mm needles cast on 28(30;34;36;40) sts and rib for 12(12;12;14;14) sts. In next row change to needles 4, continue in STST and increase to 32(34;38;40;44) sts; then increase 1 st on each end in every 4^th row to 50(56;62;66;72) sts. Then continue without further shaping to 46(52;60;66;74) rows from beg. of STST.

Neckband:

Join right shoulder seam. With right side facing and 3 ¼mm needles pick up and knit as follows: 14(15;15;16;16) sts along left side of neck (front);

12(14;14;14;14) sts from stitch holder;

14(15;15;16;16) sts along right side of neck (front);

10(10;12;12;14) sts along right side of neck (back);

12(14;14;14;14) sts from stitch holder;

10(10;12;12;14) sts along left side of neck (back).

= 72(78;82;84;88) sts.

Work in rib for 8 rows. Purl 9^th row to make a fold ridge, then rib another 8 rows. Cast off in rib loosely, turn neckband in and loosely stitch to the inside.

Join left shoulder seam. Sew sleeves to the shoulders and join remaining side and sleeve seams. Darn in all ends.