Lang PTO28-01 Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Lang PTO28-01 Cardigan: Knitted Children's Garment in Merino Dégradé

What Is Being Made

The Lang PTO28-01 is a classic knitted cardigan designed for children, available in five size options ranging from 92-98 cm chest (suitable for ages 2-3 years) up to 128 cm chest (suitable for 8-year-olds). The finished garment features a button-front closure with a V-neckline and is constructed using straightforward knitting techniques appropriate for intermediate-level crafters. Chest measurements range from 54 cm to 72 cm, with corresponding lengths from 40 cm to 48 cm, ensuring proper fit across the full size range.

Materials and Yarn

This cardigan pattern calls for LANGYARNS MERINO 150 DÉGRADÉ, an extra-fine merino wool yarn that is mulesing-free. The yarn features a beautiful dégradé (gradient) colorway in blue, orange, and brick tones. Yardage requirements vary by size: smaller sizes (92-98 cm and 104 cm) require 150-200 grams (3-4 balls), while larger sizes (110 cm through 128 cm) need 250 grams (5 balls). The pattern specifies ADDI knitting needles in size 4mm (US 6, UK 8), along with four buttons for the front closure.

Knitting Techniques and Stitches

The cardigan employs two primary stitch patterns throughout construction. Pattern I uses ribbing (knit 1, purl 1), which is worked at the cuffs and front bands to create elastic, fitted edges. Pattern II uses stockinette stitch (knit on right-side rows, purl on wrong-side rows), which forms the smooth, classic fabric of the main body.

The pattern incorporates several intermediate-level shaping techniques. The front closing bands utilize a slip-stitch edge treatment, where the edge stitch is slipped at the beginning of each row and knitted at the end, creating a neat, finished appearance. The V-neckline is shaped using fully fashioned decreases, a refined technique that creates decorative, slanted decreases that are visible on the finished garment. On the right edge, the decrease is worked as slip 1, knit 1, pass slipped stitch over (sl1, k1, psso), while the left edge uses knit 2 together (k2tog), with five stitches of ribbing maintained between the decrease and the edge stitch on each side.

Shoulder shaping is accomplished through strategic cast-offs worked on alternating rows, creating a stepped shoulder line. Armhole placement is marked rather than bound off immediately, allowing for straight knitting in the upper body before shoulder shaping begins.

Gauge and Sizing Information

The pattern specifies a gauge of 23 stitches and 32 rows over 10 cm (4 inches) when working stockinette stitch on 4mm needles. Achieving this gauge is essential for proper fit, as the cardigan is sized specifically for children and accurate measurements are important for comfort and appropriate length.

Construction Details

The back piece is cast on with the required number of stitches and begins with 3 cm of ribbed edging before transitioning to stockinette stitch for the main body. Armholes are marked at specific measurements (25-30 cm depending on size) and the piece continues straight until shoulder shaping begins. The pattern provides detailed cast-off sequences for each size to create properly proportioned shoulders.

The front pieces incorporate the V-neckline shaping using the fully fashioned decrease technique, with ribbed bands maintained at the front edges throughout. The four-button closure is spaced along these front bands, creating a functional and attractive front opening. The combination of ribbed edges and stockinette body creates a garment with good structure and drape suitable for a child's everyday wear.