How to Knit a Christmas Pudding Jumper for Kids: Easy Holiday Sweater Tutorial

Knit a Christmas Pudding Jumper for Kids

Nothing says Christmas like a handmade sweater! This adorable Christmas Pudding Jumper is the perfect festive project to make for your little one. Designed to fit children from 9 months up to 3 years, it’s a heartwarming knit that combines cheerful holiday colors, textured bobbles, and cute holly leaf decorations. Whether you’re making it as a gift or creating a family tradition, this cozy jumper is sure to become a cherished winter favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Pattern

This children’s Christmas jumper brings together everything knitters adore about holiday projects—colorful design, soft yarn, and that special handmade touch. The main body of the jumper resembles a delicious Christmas pudding, complete with creamy icing across the chest and sleeves. Knitted holly leaves and bright red berries add the finishing festive detail. It’s both playful and practical, keeping little ones warm while looking picture-perfect for holiday photos.
The pattern is worked flat in separate pieces (back, front, and sleeves), then seamed together at the end. The shoulder features a button fastening, making it easy to slip on and off without stretching the neckline. Even if you’re new to knitting garments, this project is a wonderful way to build your confidence with colorwork and texture.

Materials You’ll Need

Before you begin, gather your supplies. The right yarn and tools will make your project smooth and enjoyable.
Yarn:
Use soft, baby-friendly yarns such as acrylic or nylon blends in the following colors:

Main color (brown or honey shade): for the pudding body
White or cream: for the “icing” section
Dark brown: for the pudding details and bobbles
Green: for the holly leaves
Red: for the berries

Tools:

A pair of 3mm knitting needles
A pair of 3.25 mm knitting needles
2 stitch holders
3 small buttons for the shoulder opening
Tapestry needle for sewing and finishing

Make sure your tension is even—about 28 stitches and 36 rows per 10 cm using 3.25 mm needles in stockinette stitch.

Essential Techniques

This project uses a few basic knitting skills and a touch of colorwork. Here’s a quick overview of the techniques involved:

Stockinette stitch (st st): Alternate one knit row and one purl row.
1x1 Rib: Knit 1, purl 1 for stretchy edges.
Intarsia colorwork: Used for the pudding’s icing design—each color section is worked with a separate small ball of yarn.
Make Bobble (MB): Adds fun “currant” textures on the pudding area. These are small raised bumps created by knitting and turning stitches in one spot.
Decreasing: You’ll use simple decreases like k2tog (knit two together) or p2tog (purl two together) to shape the sleeves and neckline.

Don’t worry if you’re new to intarsia or bobbles—once you practice a few rows, you’ll quickly get the hang of it.

Step-by-Step Knitting Guide

1. Knit the Back Piece
Start with the main brown yarn and 3 mm needles.

Cast on the required number of stitches for your child’s size (for 9 months, start with around 72 stitches).
Work 8 rows in 1x1 rib for a neat edge.
Switch to 3.25 mm needles and continue in stockinette stitch.

When you reach the chest area, begin the pudding icing pattern using white yarn. This part uses the intarsia method—work each color block with its own small ball of yarn to prevent tangling.
Follow your chart for the wavy icing line and bobbles (currants). Remember to twist yarns at color changes to avoid holes.
Continue knitting straight until the chart section is done. Then shape the armholes by casting off a few stitches at the start of the next row. Continue up to the shoulders and shape the neck opening as shown in your instructions.

2. Knit the Front Piece

The front is very similar to the back, but includes the neckline shaping earlier.

Knit up to the chest as before, following the same color changes.
When you reach the neckline area, divide your stitches and work each side separately to create the curved opening.
Keep the edges neat—this will make sewing the neckline easier later.

3. Knit the Sleeves

For the sleeves, start with 1x1 rib in the main color, then change to stockinette stitch.

Follow the icing pattern for the upper part of the sleeves to match the body.
Increase a few stitches evenly as you go to shape the sleeve width.
Finish with gentle decreases to create a smooth sleeve cap that will fit neatly into the armhole.

4. Knit the Holly Leaves and Berries

The holly leaves and berries are small details that bring your festive jumper to life.

Leaves: Use green yarn and 3 mm needles. A few decreases (sk2po) create the pointed leaf edges. Fold them in half and sew the center seam.
Berries: Use red yarn. Knit a small square, thread yarn through the stitches, and pull tight to form a tiny round berry. Flatten slightly before sewing to the front of the jumper.

5. Finishing and Assembly

Now the fun part—bringing everything together!

Sew shoulder seams and join one shoulder only.
Pick up stitches around the neckline with white yarn and knit a few rows of 1x1 rib for a soft, stretchy neckband.
Add a button band and buttonhole band to the shoulder edge, spacing three small buttons evenly.
Sew in sleeves, matching the centers and easing them into place.
Join the side and sleeve seams, then weave in all ends carefully.
Attach holly leaves and berries securely to the front—make sure they’re well fastened if the jumper is for a young child.
Gently block your finished jumper to the correct measurements for a neat, professional look.

Helpful Tips for Beginners

Keep your yarns organized when working color changes to avoid tangling.
Use stitch markers to remember where to shape the neckline or sleeves.
Check your tension—consistent stitches make seaming much easier.
If bobbles seem tricky, practice them on a small swatch before adding them to your main piece.
When sewing on the leaves and berries, double your yarn thread for extra security.

Final Thoughts

This Christmas Pudding Jumper is a heartwarming way to celebrate the holidays with your family. The design looks adorable on children of all ages, and the festive details make it extra special. Handmade gifts like this aren’t just clothes—they’re memories stitched with love.
Once finished, pair it with soft leggings or cozy trousers for the perfect Christmas outfit. Whether it’s for a family gathering, photoshoot, or festive day at preschool, your handmade jumper will spread cheer wherever it goes.