Debbie Bliss Lace-edged Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Debbie Bliss Lace-edged Cardigan

What Is Being Made

The Debbie Bliss Lace-edged Cardigan is a children's knitted cardigan designed for ages 2-3, 4-5, and 6-7 years. This garment features a classic button-front closure with decorative lace detailing along the edges. The cardigan is sized to fit chest measurements of 61cm (24in), 66cm (26in), or 71cm (28in), with a length to shoulder of 24cm (9½in), 27cm (10¾in), or 30cm (12in) respectively. The sleeve length measures 15cm (6in), 17cm (6¾in), or 19cm (7½in) depending on the size selected.

Techniques Used

This intermediate-level knitting project employs several essential techniques to create a polished, wearable garment. The pattern incorporates seaming to join the various pieces together, creating clean, professional-looking seams. Buttonholes are worked directly into the fabric using yarn forward decreases, allowing for secure button placement and closure. The cardigan features lace patterning that creates decorative eyelet details throughout the piece. Button attachment completes the front closure, with 4, 5, or 5 buttons required depending on the size being made.

Stitches Used

The foundation of this cardigan is stockinette stitch (St st), which creates a smooth, classic fabric surface. The lace pattern is created through a repeating 12-row sequence that combines knit stitches with strategic yarn forwards (yf) and knit-two-together decreases (k2tog). This creates the characteristic eyelet holes that define the lace edging. The pattern begins with purl rows and alternates between knit and purl rows to establish the stockinette base, with the lace motif introduced on specific rows to create visual interest and texture.

Materials and Needles

This pattern requires Debbie Bliss Eco Baby yarn in White 01. The yardage needed varies by size: 4 balls for the smallest size (2-3 years), 5 balls for the medium size (4-5 years), and 6 balls for the largest size (6-7 years). The project is worked using 3.25mm (US 3) needles, which should be selected to obtain the specified tension of 25 stitches and 34 rows to a 10cm (4in) square over stockinette stitch. The pattern also requires 4 to 5 buttons for fastening, depending on the size being constructed.