Dream Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Dream in Color Ma Belle Cardigan

What is Being Made

The Dream in Color Ma Belle is a charming children's cardigan designed by Lindsay Pekny, available in sizes 2, 4, 6, and 8 years with finished chest measurements ranging from 27 to 33 inches. This knitted cardigan features delicate lace detailing and is constructed using a three-piece construction method, making it an elegant layering piece for young children.

Construction and Techniques

Ma Belle is worked flat on circular needles and features seamed construction. The cardigan is knit in three separate pieces: the right sleeve and bodice are cast on at the cuff and worked upward to the center back, where the two halves are then seamed together. The skirt portion is knit separately and subsequently sewn to the bodice. An edging is picked up and worked around the neckline and front opening to finish the garment professionally.

Lace and Stitch Details

The primary decorative element of this design is its lace pattern, which is worked over a multiple of 8 stitches. The lace pattern alternates between a wrong-side purl row and a right-side row featuring yarn overs, knit stitches, and a centered double decrease (sk2p). This creates an open, airy fabric that adds visual interest while maintaining the structure needed for a fitted children's garment. The lace is incorporated strategically while keeping edge stitches in stockinette stitch for stability.

The pattern employs several key knitting techniques including m1 increases (made by lifting the horizontal strand between stitches and knitting through the back loop), ssk decreases (slip, slip, knit), k2tog decreases (knit two together), and sk2p (a centered double decrease created by slipping two stitches together, knitting the next stitch, then passing the slipped stitches over). These techniques work together to create the lace's characteristic openwork appearance.

Materials and Gauge

Ma Belle is designed to be knit with Dream in Color CLASSY Worsted Superwash Merino yarn, requiring 2 to 3 skeins depending on the child's size. The model pictured was knit in the colorway Gothic Rose. Knitting is worked on US #8 circular needles in both 16-inch and 24-inch lengths. The recommended gauge is 17 stitches and 24 rows over 4 inches in stockinette stitch, which should be checked before beginning to ensure proper fit for the intended size.

Additional Notions and Finishing

Beyond yarn and needles, the project requires standard finishing supplies including stitch markers to track pattern repeats, a tapestry needle for seaming the three pieces together and weaving in ends, and scrap yarn for holding stitches. These notions are essential for successfully completing the seamed construction and professional finishing touches that define this cardigan.