Classic Elite Yarns Edwina Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Edwina Cardigan and Hat by Classic Elite Yarns

Project Overview

Edwina is a coordinating set featuring a child's cardigan and matching hat, originally published in The New Generation 1504 collection. Designed by Tian Foley, this intermediate-level knitting project showcases classic Guernsey stitches and cable work suitable for babies and young children.

Cardigan Construction

The cardigan is worked using a bottom-up construction method, combining flat knitting with strategic use of circular needles. The garment features a distinctive ruffled hem created by working back and forth in rows rather than in the round, with a decorative decrease technique that lifts stitches to create the ruffle effect. The body is seamed together after individual pieces are completed.

Finished Measurements:

• Chest: 22½ (25¼, 27¾) inches with ½ inch front bands overlapped
• Length: 11¾ (12½, 13½) inches
• Available in sizes for 12 months, 2 years, and 3 years

Hat Construction

The coordinating hat is worked flat in rows using back-and-forth knitting, then seamed to complete the crown. This construction method allows for precise stitch placement and pattern alignment.

Finished Measurements:

• Brim circumference: 14¼ (16, 17¼) inches
• Available in child's sizes S, M, and L

Stitch Techniques and Patterns

Edwina incorporates several traditional knitting stitches that create visual interest and texture:

Double Moss Stitch: A textured stitch worked over a multiple of 4 stitches plus 2, alternating knit and purl stitches across rows to create a bumpy, reversible fabric. This stitch is worked over a 4-row repeat.

Framed Cable A and Framed Cable B: Both cables are worked over 24 stitches with a 24-row repeat, creating dimensional cable patterns that frame the design elements of the garment.

Slipped Left Cable and Slipped Right Cable: These decorative cables work over 7 stitches with a 4-row repeat. The left cable is created by slipping 1 stitch to a cable needle, holding it in front, purling 1 stitch, then knitting 1 stitch from the cable needle. The right cable reverses this technique by holding the cable needle in back. These cables incorporate slipped stitches worked purlwise to create a refined, classic appearance.

The stitch patterns employ standard knitting abbreviations including knit on right side/purl on wrong side, purl on right side/knit on wrong side, and slipped stitches worked with yarn in back or in front as appropriate.

Yarn and Materials

Edwina is designed to be worked in MountainTop Mohawk Wool by Classic Elite Yarns, a blend of 60% merino wool, 30% Romney wool, and 10% nylon. This fiber combination provides durability and softness suitable for children's garments.

Yardage Requirements:

• Cardigan: 2 (2, 3) hanks in colorway 3303 Fog
• Approximately 375 yards per 100 gram hank

Needle Requirements: The pattern uses both smaller and circular needles. The circular needle accommodates the large number of stitches required for the cardigan ruffles, while smaller needles are used for sections with fewer stitches.

Knitting Techniques

This project employs several key knitting techniques appropriate for intermediate-level knitters. The bottom-up construction begins with the ruffled hem, where stitches are cast on and worked flat before transitioning to the main body. The use of cable needles is essential for creating the framed cables and slipped cable details. Seaming techniques join the completed pieces together, requiring careful attention to stitch alignment and tension. The combination of flat knitting and circular needle work demonstrates versatility in garment construction methods.

The pattern notes indicate that the circular needle's primary function is accommodating stitch count rather than working in the round, making this an excellent project for knitters developing their skills with various needle types and construction methods.