Lamb/Kid Sweaters

Jane asked for my sweater pattern. Libby is over in the Fingerlakes whipping up some lamb sweaters right now. Some companies sell cloth drapes for lambs but they are nothing like this cozy sweater. It hugs the baby around the neck and chest while draping over the back. The opening underneath allows mom to nuzzle the babe without restriction and the sweater doesn't get soiled. Here is the pattern:

Materials: Bulky wool (please don't even think about using acrylic!!)yarn, or combination of wool and other exotic fibers. I use two ply handspun yarn when I have it - one ply wool/mohair and one ply angora. Alpaca/wool is good too. You want the extra warmth of a hollow exotic fiber and the strength of wool or mohair. This is a great way to use up all the little balls of leftover yarn you have around the house.

Needles: I have used 10's through 15's, whatever the yarn calls for. You don't want to knit too tightly or the sweater won't "grow" with the lamb.

Cast on enough stitches to cover the lamb from behind the ears to the base of the tail. With my "fuzzy logic" I cast on enough to fill a 12 inch knitting needle - or hold it up to the lamb. You don't want the cape falling off the back of the lamb. Ideally it will cover most of the back.

Knit back and forth with garter stitch for 2-3 inches. A Shetland lamb will be smaller than a Cotswold. Use your own judgement for girth of the lamb.

Knit 3-4 four inches, then cast OFF about 15 stitches. This is the leg hole for the lamb. You want him to have freedom of movement so don't make the hole too small.
Knit to end. Knit until you come to the place where you cast off the stitches. Cast ON 15 stitches. This is the top of the leg hole. Knit to end.

Knit back and forth for approximately 6 inches. This is the back/body part of the sweater. Knit 3-4 inches and cast off 15 stitches to correspond with the other leg hole. Knit to end. Turn and knit until you come to the place where you cast off. Cast ON 15 stitches for the bottom of the leg hole. Knit to end.

Knit back and forth for another 2-3 inches. Cast off entire row. Cut yarn leaving a foot of yarn. Sew or crochet sweater together, half way across, beginning on the end closest to the leg hole.

Put sweater on the lamb just as you would dressing a baby - head first then each leg through the holes. You can turn down the collar for a turtle neck for extra warmth. Pull cape over baby's back. Give lamb back to the mother. Happy, warm lamb and happy mother!

I have crocheted lamb sweaters using double crochets up and down - works great.
These sweaters save lives!! A warm lamb will nurse better and thrive. These sweaters pull off easily if the lamb is caught on a fence or nail. Wash them gently and hang by the wood stove for future generations. Felted or shrunken sweaters can be saved for multiples or preemies. Good luck and get in touch with any questions!!