Jody Long JLB Jasmine Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Jody Long JLB Jasmine Cardigan

What is Being Made

The Jasmine is a classic baby and children's cardigan from the Jody Long Cottontails Collection, designed for infants through children up to 11 years old. This garment is sized to fit chest measurements ranging from 41 cm (16 inches) for newborns through 76 cm (30 inches) for the largest size. The cardigan features a full-length design from neck shoulder point varying from 22 cm (8¾ inches) for the smallest size to 36 cm (14¼ inches) for size 10-11 years, with consistent short sleeves measuring 7 cm (2¾ inches) across all sizes.

Techniques Used

The Jasmine cardigan employs bottom-up construction, meaning the garment is knitted starting from the lower edges and working upward toward the neckline. The pattern uses seamed assembly, with individual pieces worked flat on straight needles and then joined together using seaming techniques. This approach is ideal for achieving precise fit and allows for straightforward shaping throughout the garment. The pattern is designed for the experienced knitter and introduces various shaping techniques while maintaining simple, straightforward knitting fundamentals.

Stitches Used

The primary stitch structure is stocking stitch (stockinette stitch), which creates the smooth, classic fabric appearance characteristic of traditional knitwear. The pattern incorporates decorative decrease sequences as a key design element, specifically using K2tog (knit two together) and slip, knit, pass slipped stitch over (sl 1, K1, psso) decreases. These decreases are worked in repeating pattern rows to create shaping and visual texture. The pattern uses standard abbreviations including K (knit), P (purl), and rep (repeat), with instructions given for the smallest size and bracketed variations [in square brackets] for larger sizes.

Materials and Gauge

The Jasmine cardigan is worked in Jody Long Cottontails yarn, a 2-ply weight yarn sold in 75-gram balls. Yarn quantities range from 2 balls for the smallest sizes (0-6 months) to 4 balls for the largest size (10-11 years), with intermediate quantities of 2, 3, or 3 balls depending on the specific size. The sample shown is knitted in the colorway Wasabi 011. Two needle sizes are required: 4.5 mm (US 7) needles for ribbed edging and 5 mm (US 8) needles for the main body. The pattern specifies a tension (gauge) of 22½ stitches and 30 rows to 10 cm (4 inches) measured over the pattern using 5 mm needles, with the edging measuring 4 cm (1½ inch) in width. The pattern also calls for 1 button for closure.

Pattern Notes

Yarn quantities provided are approximate and based on average requirements. The pattern uses a sizing system with instructions given for the smallest size, with changes for larger sizes clearly marked in square brackets. When only one figure appears without brackets, that measurement applies to all sizes. Important notation: the number of stitches varies during pattern rows 1, 2, 5, and 6, and knitters should not count stitches after these specific pattern rows. All stitch counts refer to the original cast-on number and do not account for stitches lost during the decrease pattern rows. Colour reproduction in the printed pattern is as close as the printing process allows.