Ella Rae Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Ella Rae Amelia Cardigan

What is Being Made

The Ella Rae Amelia Cardigan is a classic knitted cardigan designed for children, available in six sizes to fit ages 1-2 through 11-12 years. The finished chest measurements range from 22 inches (56 cm) for the smallest size up to 32 inches (81 cm) for the largest size, with full lengths varying from 15 inches (38 cm) to 22¾ inches (58 cm). This garment features a button-front closure and is constructed with careful attention to fit and proportion across the full range of children's sizes.

Techniques Used

The Amelia Cardigan is worked using several key knitting techniques that create both structure and visual interest:

• Bottom-Up Construction: The cardigan is knitted from the lower edge upward, allowing for easy adjustments to length and straightforward finishing.
• Worked Flat: All pieces are worked flat on straight needles rather than in the round, making this an accessible project for knitters who prefer traditional flat knitting methods.
• Cable Work: The design incorporates cable patterns, which are worked using a cable needle to create the characteristic twisted rope-like textures that add visual depth and sophistication to the garment.
• Seamed Construction: Individual pieces are knitted separately and then seamed together, a traditional method that provides structure and durability to the finished garment.

Stitches Used

The pattern employs a variety of fundamental knitting stitches to create the finished design:

• Ribbing: Rib stitch is used at the lower edge and other finishing areas, providing elasticity and a neat, fitted appearance. The pattern specifies working in rib for multiple rows before transitioning to the main fabric.
• Stockinette Stitch: This fundamental stitch forms the base of the main fabric, creating a smooth, classic knit surface.
• Reverse Stockinette Stitch: Used in combination with other stitches to create textural contrast and definition.
• Cable Stitches: Worked according to a charted pattern, these stitches create the distinctive cable textures that define the cardigan's design. The pattern references a back chart that guides the placement and execution of cable motifs.
• Knit Through Back Loop (K1 tbl): This twisted knit stitch is used strategically throughout the pattern, particularly in edge stitches and stitch definition rows, to create a refined finish and help maintain stitch clarity.

Materials

The Amelia Cardigan is designed to be worked in Ella Rae Cashmereno Aran, a luxury yarn in shade 03 Hyacinth. The yardage requirements scale with size, ranging from 3 balls of 100g for the smallest size (1-2 years) up to 7 balls for the largest size (11-12 years). This aran-weight yarn provides excellent stitch definition for cable work while creating a warm, wearable fabric suitable for children's garments.

The pattern calls for US 6 (4 mm) needles for the ribbed edgings and US 8 (5 mm) needles for the main fabric, allowing the ribbing to be worked at a tighter gauge for better elasticity. A cable needle is essential for executing the cable patterns throughout the design. The cardigan requires 5 to 7 buttons depending on size, providing a functional and decorative closure.

Gauge

The pattern specifies a gauge of 19 stitches and 24 rows to 4 inches (10 cm) measured over the main fabric. Achieving the correct gauge is essential for proper fit, particularly important in children's garments where sizing accuracy ensures the cardigan will fit appropriately as the child grows.