DIY: Spring Neckwarmer and Free Pattern by Justyna Lorkowska

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I knit the Spring Neckwarmer, a free pattern by Justyna Lorkowska, for one of Kenji’s friends. Neckwarmers are a must-have for Canadian winters. As a mom, I learned that scarves are not very popular for kids anymore, due to choking hazards. So neckwarmers are a safer way to keep those little necks warm!

I asked the little guy’s mom what she would prefer – socks, a hat, or a neckwarmer. She chose a neckwarmer, so off I went! This mom is also very crafty, and she actually sewed a neckwarmer for Kenji for his own birthday!

Check out the Rye Light socks that I knit for some of Kenji’s other friends here.

Since Kenji’s friend’s second birthday was towards the end of winter, I decided to knit the child size version instead of the toddler size. I want to make sure that the little boy will be able to wear this for at least another winter! Children grow so fast, and this larger neckwarmer will fit for a couple more years.

I used 3.0 mm needles and got gauge. The pattern has a top-down construction, starting with a stretchy cast-on. After knitting 3×3 rib, you start knitting raglan increases to fit over the shoulders. The front and back bib are shaped using short rows, with the front bib being a little longer. I often don’t zip Kenji’s jackets up all the way because I’m worried about the metal zip irritating his chin. But this neckwarmer ensures that his neck won’t be cold even if his jacket is left half-open!

You finish the hem of the Spring Neckwarmer with a few rows of garter stitch. The garter stitch stops the hem from rolling up and helps it lay flat.

I used just over 1.6 balls, about 185 m, of Rowan Super Fine Merino DK yarn. This is a machine-washable, 100% merino wool yarn. Not only did I choose this yarn because it was already in my stash, but because I wanted the yarn to be super-soft for a toddler’s neck. Also, machine-washable clothes are very important for toddlers! Or, at least, their parents.

This yarn knit up quickly and has great stitch definition.

Due to the simple pattern, this Spring Neckwarmer would be great for using speckled or variegated yarns. I find that busy yarns will obscure beautiful stitch patterns, but a plainer pattern like this would allow the yarn to shine. Just take a look at the designer’s own pattern photos!

Kenji did such a great job modelling this neckwarmer, that I definitely plan to knit one for him next!

Get the free Spring Neckwarmer pattern on Ravelry here.