Playground Hoodie Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Playground Hoodie

What is Being Made

The Playground Hoodie is a children's zip-up cardigan designed by Spud and Chloe, available in sizes for 12 months through 6 years. This knitted garment features a classic hoodie silhouette with finished chest measurements ranging from 24¾ inches (smallest size) to 29½ inches (largest size), and total length varying from 12½ inches to 16½ inches depending on size. The hoodie includes sleeves with lengths ranging from 9 to 12 inches, making it a versatile layering piece for young children.

Techniques Used

This pattern employs a bottom-up construction method, meaning the garment is knitted starting from the lower edge and working upward toward the shoulders and neckline. The design incorporates striped colorwork throughout, creating visual interest with alternating bands of color. The pattern utilizes the Three-Needle Bind-Off technique for joining shoulder seams, which creates a secure, professional finish by binding off stitches from two pieces simultaneously while holding the needles parallel with right sides together. For those preferring a seamless finish, the Kitchener Stitch (also known as grafting) is offered as an optional alternative for joining edges.

Stitches Used

The Playground Hoodie is worked primarily in Stockinette stitch, the foundational stitch that creates the smooth, classic fabric characteristic of many knitted garments. The pattern features two distinct stripe variations: a Narrow Stripe Pattern that alternates 2 rows in contrasting color with 2 rows in main color, and a wider stripe option that works 4 rows in contrasting color before returning to the main color. These stripe patterns are repeated throughout the body and sleeves to create the distinctive striped design shown in the Carbon and Peat colorway.

Materials and Gauge

The Playground Hoodie is designed to be worked with knitting needles appropriate for the yarn weight used in the Spud and Chloe pattern. The pattern specifies a gauge of 10 stitches and 15½ rows over 4 inches in Stockinette stitch, which is essential for achieving the correct finished measurements. The pattern photo is shown in the Carbon colorway for the main color (MC) and Peat for the contrasting color (CC). Additional materials required include a tapestry needle for weaving in ends and grafting, a sewing needle and thread to match the zipper, and a zipper measuring between 10 and 14 inches depending on the size being made.