Jolly Spots Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Jolly Spots Cardigan in Rowan Summerlite DK

What Is Being Made

The Jolly Spots Cardigan is a children's knitted cardigan designed by Martin Storey for Rowan. This garment is available in five size options to fit children ages 3-4, 5-6, 7-8, 9-10, and 11-12 years, with actual chest measurements ranging from 65.5 cm to 88.5 cm (25¾ to 34¾ inches). The cardigan features a charted spot pattern throughout and is fastened with six engraved coconut shell buttons measuring 1.5 cm.

Knitting Techniques Used

This intermediate-level cardigan employs several key knitting techniques. The garment begins with ribbed edging worked on smaller needles to create a neat, elastic finish. The main body is constructed using stocking stitch as the base fabric, with a charted colorwork pattern integrated throughout. Armhole shaping is incorporated using strategic cast-offs at the beginning of rows to create proper sleeve cap depth. Shoulder shaping is worked by casting off stitches progressively over multiple rows to create a sloped shoulder line. Back neck shaping involves casting off groups of stitches and working each side of the neck separately to achieve proper neckline definition.

Stitches Used

• Ribbed stitch: A K2, P2 (knit 2, purl 2) rib pattern forms the cuff and lower edging, creating elasticity and a professional finish
• Stocking stitch: The primary fabric structure throughout the main body of the cardigan
• Charted colorwork pattern: The distinctive spotted design is worked from a chart, requiring the knitter to follow color changes row by row

Materials: Yarn and Needles

The Jolly Spots Cardigan is designed to be knitted using Rowan Summerlite DK, a lightweight double-knit weight yarn. The pattern calls for five coordinating colors in this yarn: Seashell (color 466), Indigo (color 450), Summer (color 453), Lagoon (color 457), and Coral Blush (color 467). Yardage quantities vary by size, ranging from 4-8 balls depending on the specific size selected.

Two needle sizes are required: 3¼mm (US 3) needles are used for the ribbed edging to create a tighter, more elastic cuff, while 3¾mm (US 5) needles are used for the main body fabric. The pattern specifies a tension of 26 stitches and 26 rows to 10 cm measured over patterned stocking stitch using the 3¾mm needles, which is essential for achieving the correct finished garment measurements.

Six engraved coconut shell buttons, each measuring 1.5 cm, complete the cardigan's front closure.

Pattern Structure and Construction

The cardigan is worked in separate pieces: the back, left front, and right front are knitted individually before being assembled. The left front section begins with a cast-on of 43 to 55 stitches depending on size, worked in K2, P2 rib for eight rows total with strategic decreases or increases on the final rib row. The main body continues in the charted colorwork pattern until the armhole shaping begins. Armhole depth ranges from 14 to 19 cm depending on the child's age size. The pattern provides detailed instructions for shaping shoulders and the back neck opening, which will accommodate the neckband finishing.