Baby Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Baby Cardigan in Plymouth Yarn Cashmere De Cotone

What is Being Made

This is a knitted baby cardigan designed to fit infants in three size ranges: 0-3 months, 6-12 months, and 18-24 months. The finished chest measurements are 19 inches, 21 inches, and 23½ inches respectively, with corresponding lengths of 10 inches, 12 inches, and 14 inches. The cardigan features a button-front closure and is constructed using classic knitting techniques with decorative stitch patterns.

Yarn and Materials

Yarn: Plymouth Yarn Cashmere de Cotone, a blend that combines the luxury of cashmere with the breathability of cotton. The pattern requires 2, 3, or 4 balls of color 08 Grey (50g each) and 1, 2, or 2 balls of color 01 Natural (50g each), depending on the size being knitted.

Needles and Notions: US Size 5 (3.75mm) and US Size 6 (4mm) straight knitting needles are used throughout the pattern. Additional notions include stitch holders, marking pins, and 5 buttons from Dill #310716, each measuring 18mm in diameter.

Techniques Used

This intermediate-level cardigan employs several key knitting techniques. The pattern begins with a garter stitch foundation created by knitting 5 rows on smaller needles to establish a neat edge. The three-needle bind-off method is used to seam the shoulders together, creating an attractive seam on the outside of the garment. Stitches are strategically placed on stitch holders during construction to allow for later pickup and working of the neckline and other sections. The cardigan is worked in pieces—back, fronts, and sleeves—before being assembled.

Stitches Used

• Stockinette Stitch (st st): The foundational stitch used throughout most of the cardigan, created by alternating knit rows on the right side with purl rows on the wrong side, producing a smooth, classic fabric.
• Garter Stitch: Used for the initial 5-row foundation and for 4 rows of transition between pattern sections, creating a textured, reversible fabric.
• Pattern I—Stripes: A two-color striping pattern worked in stockinette stitch, alternating 2 rows of Natural with 2 rows of Grey to create horizontal color bands throughout the cardigan body.
• Pattern II—Mock Houndstooth: A more complex two-color stitch pattern that creates a houndstooth texture. This pattern is worked over 4 rows using slip stitches and knit stitches in alternating colors (Natural and Grey), producing a sophisticated checked effect on the yoke section of the cardigan.
• Slip Stitch (sl): Used in the mock houndstooth pattern to create the characteristic texture without adding bulk.

Construction Details

The back piece is cast on using smaller needles with Grey yarn, then transitions to larger needles and Natural yarn to begin Pattern I. After the back measures the appropriate length, the knitter changes to Grey and works garter stitch rows before transitioning to Pattern II for the yoke. The shoulder stitches are divided and placed on holders for later assembly. The left and right front pieces are worked similarly, with stitches picked up from the garter stitch rows to create the yoke. Sleeves are constructed by picking up stitches evenly from the garter rows at the armhole edge, then worked downward. The gauge is 21 stitches over 4 inches when worked in pattern stitch on US Size 6 needles after blocking, which is essential for achieving the correct finished measurements.