Chime Baby Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Chime Baby Cardigan in Rowan Baby Cashsoft Merino

What is Being Made

The Chime Baby Cardigan is a striped knitted cardigan designed for infants, available in four size options to fit ages 0-3, 3-6, 6-9, and 9-12 months. The garment features a classic cardigan construction with front button closure, raglan armholes, and a coordinated neckband. Actual chest measurements range from 50 cm to 58 cm (20¾ to 22¾ inches) depending on size selection.

Knitting Techniques and Construction

This intermediate-level project employs several key knitting techniques to create its structured silhouette. The cardigan uses raglan armhole shaping, which is achieved through strategic decreases worked at each end of alternating rows. The decreases are executed using the slip 1, knit 1, pass slipped stitch over (sl 1, K1, psso) technique on one side and knit 2 together (K2tog) on the other, creating a balanced decrease line.

The garment is constructed in separate pieces—back, left front, and right front—which are later joined. A striped pattern is introduced in the upper body sections using two contrasting yarn colors that alternate in rows, adding visual interest to the design. The neckband is worked separately and grafted or sewn to the finished pieces.

Stitches Used

• Garter Stitch (g st) – The primary stitch throughout the entire cardigan, created by knitting every row on both sides. This produces a textured, reversible fabric with horizontal ridges and provides excellent drape for a baby garment.
• Slip 1, Knit 1, Pass Slipped Stitch Over (sl 1, K1, psso) – Used for left-leaning decreases in the raglan armhole shaping
• Knit 2 Together (K2tog) – Used for right-leaning decreases in the raglan armhole shaping
• Striped Garter Stitch Pattern – Garter stitch worked in alternating rows of two yarn colors to create horizontal stripes in the upper body sections

Materials and Gauge

The Chime Baby Cardigan is knitted using Rowan Baby Cashsoft Merino, a soft, luxurious yarn blend ideal for delicate baby garments. Yarn quantities vary by size: the 0-3 month size requires 2 balls of color A (Anthracite) and 1 ball of color B (Silver); the 3-6 month size requires 2 balls of color A and 1 ball of color B; the 6-9 month size requires 3 balls of color A and 2 balls of color B; and the 9-12 month size requires 3 balls of color A and 2 balls of color B. Each ball weighs 50 grams.

The project requires two needle sizes: 3¼mm (US 3) needles for the ribbed cast-on and initial rows, and 3½mm (US 4) needles for the main body. The working tension is 22 stitches and 40 rows to 10 centimeters measured over garter stitch using the 3½mm needles, ensuring proper fit and fabric weight.

The cardigan is fastened with 7 bronze buttons, each measuring 1.4 centimeters, which are sewn along the left front edge to create a functional and decorative closure.