Azra Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Azra Cardigan in Berroco Remix Light

What is Being Made

The Azra Cardigan is a beginner-friendly knitted cardigan designed for babies and infants, available in six sizes ranging from 3 months to 24 months. This garment features a classic button-front closure and is designed by Åsa Buchta. The finished cardigan offers chest measurements from 18 inches (45.5 cm) for the smallest size up to 22 inches (56 cm) for the largest size, with corresponding length measurements ranging from 8½ inches (21.5 cm) to 10¾ inches (27.5 cm). The cardigan is secured with a single ¾-inch (19 mm) button, and the buttonhole placement can be customized for either right front (for girls) or left front (for boys).

Construction Technique

The Azra Cardigan is constructed using a flat knitting method, meaning it is worked back and forth on straight needles rather than in the round. The construction begins at the lower back section, which is cast on and worked upward. Once the back reaches the appropriate length, additional stitches are cast on at the beginning of successive rows to form the sleeves. After the sleeve shaping is complete, the front panels are divided at the neckline and worked downward to complete the cardigan. The sides and sleeves are then seamed together to finish the garment. This construction method is particularly suitable for beginner knitters as it eliminates the complexity of working in the round and allows for straightforward shaping.

Stitches Used

The Azra Cardigan is worked entirely in garter stitch, which is one of the most fundamental and beginner-friendly knitting stitches. Garter stitch is created by knitting every row on both the right side (RS) and wrong side (WS), resulting in a reversible fabric with a characteristic bumpy, textured appearance. This stitch creates a dense, warm fabric that is ideal for baby garments. The simplicity of garter stitch—requiring only basic knit stitches with no purling or complex stitch patterns—makes this cardigan an excellent project for those new to knitting.

Materials and Yarn Specifications

The Azra Cardigan is designed to be knitted with Berroco Remix Light, a lightweight yarn that comes in 100-gram balls. The pattern calls for 1 ball of yarn for the three smallest sizes (3, 6, and 9 months) and 1 ball for the two medium sizes (12 and 18 months), with 2 balls required for the largest 24-month size. The colorway shown in the pattern is #6901 Birch. The recommended needle size is US 4 / 3.5 mm, though knitters should select the size that allows them to achieve the correct gauge. The pattern also requires waste yarn for holding stitches during construction, a tapestry needle for seaming and weaving in ends, and one ¾-inch (19 mm) button for the front closure.

Gauge and Finishing

The pattern specifies a gauge of 22 stitches and 44 rows over 4 inches (10 cm) in garter stitch, measured after blocking. Accurate gauge is essential for achieving the correct finished measurements, and the pattern instructions emphasize the importance of checking gauge before beginning the project to avoid sizing issues. Blocking the finished cardigan helps even out the garter stitch texture and ensures precise measurements.