Jody Long JLF Ocean Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Jody Long JLF Ocean Cardigan

What is Being Made

The Jody Long JLF Ocean is a knitted cardigan designed for infants and children, part of the Cottontails Collection. This garment is sized to fit chest measurements ranging from 41 cm (16 inches) for newborns through 81 cm (32 inches) for children aged 10-11 years. The cardigan features a classic button-front closure with three buttons and is designed to be straightforward enough for beginner knitters while producing a polished, wearable garment.

Techniques Used

The Ocean cardigan is constructed using bottom-up knitting methodology, meaning the garment is worked from the lower edges upward toward the shoulders. The pattern employs a seamed construction approach, with individual pieces knitted separately and then sewn together for assembly. All pieces are worked flat on straight needles rather than in the round, making this an ideal project for knitters developing their fundamental skills.

The design incorporates basic garment shaping techniques appropriate for beginner knitters, including strategic decreases at the side seams to create fitted shaping. The pattern demonstrates how to work decreases using standard techniques such as slip-stitch-knit-pass-slipped-stitch (sl 1, K1, psso) and knit-two-together (K2tog) decreases, worked symmetrically at each end of rows to maintain balanced shaping.

Stitches Used

The Ocean cardigan primarily features two fundamental stitch patterns:

• Moss Stitch – Used for the ribbed edges and cuffs, moss stitch is created by alternating knit and purl stitches in a checkerboard pattern (K1, P1 repeat). This elastic, textured stitch provides structure and prevents curling at the garment edges.
• Stockinette Stitch – The main fabric of the cardigan body and sleeves is worked in stockinette stitch, created by alternating rows of knit stitches (on right-side rows) and purl stitches (on wrong-side rows). This produces the smooth, classic knit fabric appearance.

Materials and Specifications

The pattern calls for Jody Long Cottontails yarn in the colorway Ballet 013. Yarn quantities are approximate and range from 2 x 75g balls for the smallest size (0-6 months) to 6 x 75g balls for the largest size (10-11 years).

Two needle sizes are required for this project:

• 4 mm (US 6) needles – Used for casting on and working the moss stitch ribbed edges
• 5 mm (US 8) needles – Used for the main stockinette stitch fabric of the body and sleeves

The pattern specifies a tension of 18 stitches and 26 rows to 10 cm (4 inches) measured over stockinette stitch using 5 mm needles. Achieving correct tension is emphasized as vitally important before beginning the project, ensuring the finished cardigan matches the intended measurements.

The garment is finished with 3 buttons for the front closure, providing a functional and charming detail to this children's cardigan.