Intarsia - Rudolph Face Chart - Childrens Sweater

Intarsia Rudolph Face Chart Children's Sweater

What is Being Made

This is a children's pullover sweater featuring an intarsia-knitted Rudolph reindeer face design. The sweater is sized for children aged 2 to 13 years, with six different size options ranging from a 61cm chest fit for ages 2-3 up to an 85cm chest fit for ages 12-13. The finished sweater lengths range from approximately 38cm for the smallest size to 58cm for the largest size, with adjustable sleeve lengths accommodating growth.

Intarsia Technique

Intarsia is a color-knitting technique where different colored yarns are used to create a pictorial design directly into the fabric during the knitting process. Unlike stranding techniques that carry unused colors across the back of the work, intarsia uses separate yarn lengths for each colored section, creating a smooth, single-layer fabric. This method is ideal for large, bold designs like the Rudolph face chart featured in this sweater, as it eliminates bulky floats on the reverse side and produces a cleaner finished appearance.

Stitches and Construction

The sweater is worked primarily in stocking stitch (also called stockinette stitch), which creates the classic smooth, V-textured knit fabric. Stocking stitch is the foundation for intarsia work, as its flat surface allows the color design to display clearly. The pattern requires checking a detailed chart to follow the Rudolph face design row by row. The sweater is constructed in pieces—front, back, and sleeves—which are then assembled together.

Materials and Yarn Requirements

This pattern uses DK weight yarn, a lightweight yarn suitable for children's garments. The main shade requires between 2 and 4 100-gram balls depending on the child's size, with yardage estimated at 295 meters per 100 grams when using Stylecraft Special DK. Oddments of contrast shades are needed for the intarsia Rudolph design; the specific colors required are detailed in the accompanying chart. DK weight yarn produces a fabric with good drape and is comfortable for children to wear.

Needles and Notions

The pattern calls for two pairs of knitting needles: 4mm (UK size 8 / USA size 6) needles for the main fabric and 3¼mm (UK size 10 / USA size 3) needles for the ribbed cuffs and waistband, which create elastic edges that hug the wrists and hem. Additionally, two stitch holders are required to hold stitches temporarily during construction, particularly for the neckline and armhole shaping.

Tension and Gauge

The pattern specifies a tension of 22 stitches and 28 rows to 10 centimeters (4 inches) over stocking stitch using 4mm needles. Achieving correct tension is essential for the sweater to fit properly across all size ranges. The pattern provides guidance for adjusting needle size if your gauge differs: use a thinner needle if you have fewer stitches per 10cm, or a thicker needle if you have more stitches.

Difficulty Level

This pattern is rated as intermediate difficulty. While stocking stitch itself is a fundamental knit stitch suitable for beginners, the intarsia technique requires careful attention to following a multi-color chart, managing multiple yarn colors, and executing color changes cleanly to maintain fabric integrity. Knitters should be comfortable with basic shaping techniques, including increases and decreases for armholes and necklines, as well as basic seaming to assemble the finished pieces.

Pattern Format

This is a downloadable PDF pattern designed by an independent designer specializing in intarsia techniques. The PDF format allows for easy printing and reference while knitting, with detailed measurements, charts, and instructions provided for each of the six children's sizes.