Willow Wisp Meadow Pullover Free Pattern – Knit a Dreamy Textured Yoke Sweater

Wrap your little one in the softest clouds with this enchanting pullover, featuring a delicate all-over leaf lace pattern and a cozy, relaxed fit. Knit in a gentle gradient of meadow greens, this sweater is a wearable hug for chilly days. Whether you're a seasoned knitter looking for a new heirloom project or a confident beginner ready to tackle your first yoke sweater, the Willow Wisp Meadow Pullover is a dream to create. The seamless construction means minimal finishing, and the rhythmic lace pattern is meditative once you get into the flow. Let's dive into this beautiful, free knitting pattern.

Materials Needed

Before you begin, gather your supplies. This project uses worsted weight yarn, which is perfect for creating a durable yet soft fabric for a child's garment. The gradient effect is achieved by switching between three complementary shades of green.

• Yarn: Worsted weight yarn in 3 shades of green (e.g., Sage, Moss, and Fern) – approximately 400 (450, 500, 550) yards total for sizes 2 (4, 6, 8).
• Needles: US 7 (4.5 mm) 16-inch circular needle and US 7 (4.5 mm) double-pointed needles (or size needed to obtain gauge).
• Gauge: 20 stitches and 28 rows = 4 inches in stockinette stitch, blocked.
• Notions: Stitch markers, stitch holders or waste yarn, tapestry needle for weaving in ends, and a small wooden button for the neckline (optional, for charm).

Pattern Information & Abbreviations

This pattern is written for sizes 2 (4, 6, 8) years. The finished chest measurements are 22 (24, 26, 28) inches, and the length is 13 (14, 15, 16) inches. The sweater is designed with a relaxed, slightly A-line silhouette, making it comfortable for play.

Abbreviations: k = knit, p = purl, k2tog = knit two together, ssk = slip slip knit, yo = yarn over, pm = place marker, sm = slip marker, rnd = round, st(s) = stitch(es), m1L = make one left (increase), m1R = make one right (increase).

Special Stitch: Leaf Lace Pattern (multiple of 8 sts)

This 6-round pattern creates the beautiful, textured leaf motif. It is worked in the round. Make sure you have a multiple of 8 stitches before starting.

• Rnd 1: *k1, yo, ssk, k3, k2tog, yo*; repeat from * to end.
• Rnd 2: *k2, yo, ssk, k1, k2tog, yo, k1*; repeat from * to end.
• Rnd 3: *k3, yo, ssk, k2tog, yo, k2*; repeat from * to end.
• Rnd 4: *k2, k2tog, yo, k1, yo, ssk, k1*; repeat from * to end.
• Rnd 5: *k1, k2tog, yo, k3, yo, ssk*; repeat from * to end.
• Rnd 6: *k2tog, yo, k5, yo, ssk*; repeat from * to end.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these detailed instructions carefully. The sweater is knit top-down, starting with the yoke, then dividing for the sleeves and body. Take your time with the increases to ensure a smooth, professional finish.

Yoke

With Sage yarn and your circular needle, cast on 72 (80, 88, 96) sts. Join in the round, being very careful not to twist your stitches. Place a marker for the beginning of the round.

Work 1 inch of k2, p2 ribbing. This creates a neat, stretchy neckline.

Next rnd: *k8, pm*; repeat from * to end. You will have placed 9 (10, 11, 12) markers. These markers will guide your increases.

Begin increase rnds: *k to 1 st before marker, m1L, k1, sm, m1R*; repeat from * to end. This round increases 8 (10, 11, 12) stitches total. The m1L and m1R increases should be worked to lean away from the marker, creating a subtle, decorative raglan line.

Work this increase round every other round, 4 (5, 6, 7) times total. Then, work the increase round every round, 6 (7, 8, 9) times. After completing all increases, you will have 168 (200, 232, 264) sts on your needle.

Knit 2 rounds even (without increases) to smooth out the yoke shaping.

Body

Now you will separate the sleeves from the body.

Divide for sleeves: k24 (29, 34, 39) sts (this is half the back), place the next 36 (42, 48, 54) sts on a holder for the first sleeve, cast on 6 (8, 10, 12) sts for the underarm, k48 (58, 68, 78) sts (this is the front), place the next 36 (42, 48, 54) sts on a holder for the second sleeve, cast on 6 (8, 10, 12) sts for the underarm, k24 (29, 34, 39) sts (this is the rest of the back). Your body now has 108 (132, 156, 180) sts.

Knit 2 rounds even to establish the body.

Switch to Moss yarn. Work the Leaf Lace Pattern over all stitches for 3 (4, 5, 6) inches, ensuring you end after a complete pattern repeat (after Rnd 6). This will place the lace beautifully in the center of the body.

Switch to Fern yarn. Knit 1 inch even in stockinette stitch.

Work k2, p2 ribbing for 1 inch. Bind off loosely in pattern to maintain the stretchy edge.

Sleeves

Place the 36 (42, 48, 54) sleeve stitches from the holder onto your double-pointed needles. Starting at the center of the underarm cast-on, pick up and knit 6 (8, 10, 12) sts from the cast-on edge. Join in the round. You now have 42 (50, 58, 66) sts for the sleeve.

Knit 2 rounds even.

Decrease rnd: k1, k2tog, k to last 3 sts, ssk, k1. This decreases 2 stitches, shaping the sleeve.

Work this decrease round every 4th round, 4 (5, 6, 7) times total. You will have 34 (40, 46, 52) sts remaining.

Knit even (without decreases) until the sleeve measures 7 (8, 9, 10) inches from the underarm.

Switch to Fern yarn. Work k2, p2 ribbing for 1 inch. Bind off loosely in pattern.

Finishing

Weave in all loose ends carefully with your tapestry needle. Block the sweater to the specified measurements to open up the lace pattern and even out the stitches. Sew any small gaps at the underarms closed with a few stitches. For a charming, heirloom touch, sew a small wooden button onto the neckline as shown in the photos.

Your Willow Wisp Meadow Pullover is complete! This beautiful, textured sweater is sure to become a cherished favorite. The gradient of greens and the delicate leaf lace make it a truly special piece for any little one.