Ella Rae Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Ella Rae Theo Cardigan

What is Being Made

The Ella Rae Theo Cardigan is a classic children's cardigan designed to fit ages 0-6 months through 4-5 years. This knitted garment features a button-front closure and is constructed using a bottom-up method, making it an ideal project for knitters seeking a structured, wearable piece. The cardigan is available in five size options with finished chest measurements ranging from 20 inches (51 cm) to 27½ inches (70 cm), and full lengths from 9½ inches (24 cm) to 14¼ inches (36 cm).

Techniques Used

The Theo Cardigan employs several key knitting techniques that add visual interest and construction expertise to the finished piece. The garment is worked flat on straight needles, allowing for controlled shaping and seaming. The bottom-up construction method means the knitter begins at the lower edge and works upward, which provides flexibility in adjusting length during the knitting process. Intarsia colorwork is incorporated into the design, allowing for the introduction of multiple yarn colors in distinct pattern areas without carrying yarn across the back of the work. The cardigan is seamed together, meaning individual pieces (back, fronts, and sleeves) are knitted separately and then joined using mattress stitch or similar seaming techniques, creating clean, professional-looking seams.

Stitches Used

The Theo Cardigan utilizes fundamental knitting stitches that create both textural interest and structural integrity. The pattern begins with ribbing, specifically a K2P2 (knit 2, purl 2) rib pattern that provides elasticity and a finished appearance at the edges. This ribbed section is worked in multiple yarn colors during the initial rows, adding a decorative striped effect. The main body of the cardigan is worked in stockinette stitch (st st), which creates a smooth, classic fabric with a defined right side and reverse side. Shaping techniques including decreases (slip 1, knit 1, pass slipped stitch over and knit 2 together) are used to create the armhole shaping, ensuring proper fit and garment structure.

Materials

The Theo Cardigan is knitted using Ella Rae Cashmereno Sport yarn, a lightweight sport-weight yarn available in multiple coordinating shades. The yarn requirements vary by size, with the smallest size (0-6 months) requiring 3 balls of the main color and the largest size (4-5 years) requiring 7 balls. The pattern calls for five distinct yarn colors: shade 20 Abyss (primary color, 3-7 balls depending on size), shade 02 Charcoal (1 ball), shade 05 Quartz (1 ball), shade 04 Steel (1 ball), and shade 25 Clementine (1 ball). Each ball of Cashmereno Sport weighs 50 grams. The pattern requires US 2½ (3 mm) needles and US 3 (3.25 mm) needles, allowing the knitter to create a fitted ribbed cuff and a slightly looser gauge for the main body, a common technique for achieving proper drape and fit in fitted garments.

Construction Details

The cardigan construction begins with a ribbed cuff worked in multiple colors, creating a decorative striped effect before transitioning to the main color. The back piece and front pieces are each worked separately from the bottom up. Armhole shaping is achieved through bind-offs at the beginning of rows followed by gradual decreases worked on right-side rows, creating a smooth, tapered armhole. Shoulder shaping is accomplished through stepped bind-offs that create a structured shoulder line. The pattern accommodates five different sizes with specific stitch counts and row measurements for each age range, making this a versatile design suitable for gifting or creating a coordinated set of cardigans in different sizes.