Debbie Bliss Leo Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Debbie Bliss Leo Cardigan

What is Being Made

The Debbie Bliss Leo Cardigan is a child's button-front cardigan designed to fit ages 3 to 24 months. This knitted garment features a classic cardigan construction with long sleeves and a structured fit. The cardigan is available in four size options, with finished chest measurements ranging from 57cm (22½ inches) for the smallest size up to 72cm (28¼ inches) for the largest size. Length to shoulder varies from 26cm (10¼ inches) to 37cm (14½ inches) depending on size, while sleeve length ranges from 14cm (5½ inches) to 24cm (9½ inches).

Techniques Used

This intermediate-level project employs several key knitting techniques to create a polished, professional-looking garment. The cardigan is worked flat on straight needles, meaning the front, back, and sleeves are knitted as separate pieces and then seamed together. The construction includes cable work, which adds visual texture and interest to the fabric. Buttonholes are incorporated into the front bands to accommodate the five buttons that close the cardigan, and buttons are sewn on to complete the fastening system. The use of both straight needles and a circular needle for ribbed edgings demonstrates versatility in needle choice for different sections of the garment.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The Leo Cardigan combines multiple stitch techniques to create its finished appearance. The primary pattern features cable and rib work, which is established over the first few rows and continued throughout much of the garment. Ribbing—created using alternating knit and purl stitches—provides elasticity and structure, particularly in the bands and cuffs. The cable pattern includes C4F (cable 4 front) instructions, where stitches are slipped onto a cable needle, held at the front of the work, and then crossed over subsequent stitches to create the characteristic twisted cable effect. The pattern also incorporates standard abbreviations such as knit (k), purl (p), yarn round needle (yrn) for creating buttonholes, and make one (m1p) for increases, allowing shaping at the armholes and front neck.

Materials

The Debbie Bliss Leo Cardigan is knitted using Debbie Bliss Luna yarn, a 25-gram (¾-ounce) ball weight. Yarn quantities are approximate and vary by size: the smallest size requires 7 balls, while the largest size needs 9 balls. The pattern specifies Charcoal 02 as the color option shown. The project calls for 3mm (US 2-3) knitting needles and 3.25mm (US 3) knitting needles for the main fabric, along with a 3mm (US 2-3) circular needle for ribbed sections. A cable needle is essential for executing the cable stitches. The pattern also requires 5 buttons for the cardigan closure. Gauge is specified as 36 stitches and 40 rows to 10cm (4 inches) over cable and rib pattern using 3.25mm needles, which is important for achieving the correct finished measurements.