Conway and Bliss Mock Rib Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Conway and Bliss Mock Rib Cardigan

What Is Being Made

The Conway and Bliss Mock Rib Cardigan is a child's button-front cardigan designed to fit ages 6–7 through 14–15 years, with finished chest measurements ranging from 72cm to 88cm (28¼ to 34¾ inches). This garment features a classic cardigan silhouette with long sleeves and a structured fit, making it a versatile layering piece for children's wardrobes.

Techniques Used

This cardigan is constructed using bottom-up knitting methodology, meaning the back and front pieces are worked from the cast-on edge upward toward the shoulders. The garment is worked flat on straight needles rather than in the round, allowing for easy shaping and seaming. Assembly involves seaming the individual pieces together—the back, two fronts, and sleeves are joined to create the finished cardigan. This traditional construction method provides excellent control over fit and allows for precise button band placement.

Stitches Used

The primary stitch pattern is mock rib, which creates a textured, ribbed appearance while being simpler to execute than true ribbing. The mock rib pattern is established over 2 rows: the first row (right side) alternates knit and purl stitches beginning with knit one, purl one, knit one to the end; the second row purls all stitches. This 2-row repeat is worked multiple times to build the fabric texture. The pattern also incorporates yarn over increases for shaping at the armholes and upper arm, as well as make one increases (m1) worked by picking up and working into the back of the loop lying between stitches. Standard knit and purl stitches form the foundation, with increases and decreases shaping the garment at key points.

Materials

The cardigan is knitted using Conway and Bliss Lolli yarn, a 50-gram ball weight yarn. The main color is Slush, with quantities ranging from 6 to 10 balls depending on the child's size. Lime is used as a contrasting color for the ribbed edgings, requiring 2 to 3 balls. Two pairs of needles are required: 3.75mm (US 5) needles for the ribbed edging sections and 4mm (US 6) needles for the main mock rib pattern. The pattern specifies a tension of 22 stitches and 40 rows to a 10cm (4-inch) square measured over the mock rib pattern using the 4mm needles. The cardigan is fastened with 6 to 9 buttons depending on size.