Baby Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Baby Cardigan in Plymouth Yarn Dandelion and Daisy

What is Being Made

This is a baby cardigan designed to fit infants from newborn through 24 months, offered in three size options: 0-3 months, 6-12 months, and 18-24 months. The cardigan features a classic button-front closure with three buttons and is constructed with a structured waffle stitch pattern that creates visual texture and dimension. The design incorporates color work through alternating yarn usage, combining Plymouth Yarn Dandelion and Daisy yarns in coordinating green shades to create a cohesive, professional finish suitable for babies.

Garment Specifications

• Chest Measurements: 20 ½" (0-3 months), 23" (6-12 months), 25" (18-24 months)
• Length: 10 ½" (0-3 months), 11 ½" (6-12 months), 12 ½" (18-24 months)
• Sleeve Length: 6" (0-3 months), 6 ½" (6-12 months), 7 ½" (18-24 months)

Knitting Techniques Used

This cardigan employs several fundamental knitting techniques to create a well-constructed garment. The pattern uses 1x1 ribbing for the cuffs and waistband, which provides elasticity and helps the garment maintain its shape. The body and sleeves are worked in a waffle stitch pattern, a textured stitch that creates a dimensional, grid-like appearance. The pattern incorporates color alternation, switching between the two yarns every four rows to create visual interest while maintaining structural integrity. Armhole shaping is achieved through bind-offs and strategic decreases worked on right-side rows, while neck shaping involves decreasing stitches at regular intervals to create a fitted neckline. The cardigan is constructed using the set-in sleeve method, with sleeves worked separately and then joined to the body, allowing for precise fit and professional finishing.

Stitches Used

The primary stitches in this pattern are:

• Knit stitch (k): The fundamental stitch used throughout the pattern
• Purl stitch (p): Used in combination with knit stitches to create texture
• 1x1 Ribbing: An alternating knit and purl pattern that creates vertical lines and elasticity
• Waffle Stitch Pattern: A four-row repeat (multiple of 3 stitches plus 2) that alternates between knit and purl rows in a specific sequence to create a textured, dimensional fabric
• Knit two together (k2tog): A right-leaning decrease used for armhole and neck shaping
• Slip, slip, knit (ssk): A left-leaning decrease used for balanced shaping on the opposite side of decreases
• Bind off: Used to secure stitches at armholes and to finish the garment

Materials and Gauge

This cardigan is designed to be knitted with Plymouth Yarn Dandelion (color 2010 Green) and Plymouth Yarn Daisy (color 1010 Green). The yardage requirements vary by size: the 0-3 month size requires 3 balls of Dandelion (50g each) and 2 balls of Daisy (50g each), increasing to 4 balls of Dandelion and 3 balls of Daisy for the largest 18-24 month size. The pattern is worked on US size 7 knitting needles, with a 32-inch circular needle also required for finishing. Additional notions include 4 stitch markers for tracking pattern repeats and shaping, plus 3 buttons for the front closure.

The gauge is critical for achieving proper fit: 4.75 stitches and 7.5 rows equal 1 inch when working the waffle stitch pattern on size 7 needles with either yarn. For the ribbed sections, 5 stitches equal 1 inch in 1x1 ribbing on size 7 needles with Dandel