Little Lamb Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Little Lamb Cardigan in Rowan Baby Cashsoft Merino

What is Being Made

The Little Lamb Cardigan is a charming button-front cardigan designed for babies aged 0–12 months. This knitted garment features a classic construction with ribbed front opening edges and a stockinette stitch body. The cardigan is available in four size options to fit ages 0–3 months, 3–6 months, 6–9 months, and 9–12 months, with actual chest measurements ranging from 50.5 cm to 61 cm (20 to 24 inches). The design includes five grey two-hole buttons for closure and is photographed in the Rowan colorway Nutkin 121.

Knitting Techniques Used

This intermediate-level cardigan employs several key knitting techniques to create its structured shape and decorative elements. The pattern uses make one increases (both M1R and M1L variations) strategically placed throughout the body to create shaping rows. These increases are worked at regular intervals—every 5 to 11 stitches depending on the row—to gradually expand the garment from the initial cast-on width. The technique of working buttonholes as set is incorporated, with five buttonholes spaced evenly across the front opening edge at intervals of every 14th to 18th row depending on the size being knitted. The cardigan also demonstrates stitch integration, where newly increased stitches are taken into stockinette stitch as the pattern progresses, maintaining a cohesive fabric texture throughout the garment.

Stitches Used

The Little Lamb Cardigan utilizes a limited but effective stitch palette appropriate for baby garments. The primary stitch is stockinette stitch (st st), which forms the main body of the cardigan and creates a smooth, classic fabric. Ribbed stitch (K1, P1 rib) is worked at the front opening edges, creating five-stitch-wide borders on each side that provide structure and help frame the button closure. The ribbed sections are maintained throughout the entire length of the cardigan, with the pattern instructions specifying that stitches should be kept correct as set—meaning the rib pattern continues consistently while all other stitches are worked in stockinette. The make one increase stitches (M1R and M1L) are the primary shaping techniques, worked by inserting the left needle into the horizontal strand between stitches and knitting through it to create new stitches without visible holes.

Materials and Gauge

The Little Lamb Cardigan is designed to be knitted using Rowan Baby Cashsoft Merino yarn, a soft and luxurious fiber blend ideal for delicate baby garments. The pattern requires 2 to 3 balls of 50-gram yarn depending on the size being made (2 balls for the smallest size, increasing to 3 balls for the largest size). The recommended needles are 3½mm (UK 10/9, US 4) needles, supplied as one pair of straight needles for flat knitting and a set of four double-pointed needles for any seamless or circular sections. The pattern specifies a tension of 23 stitches and 30 rows to 10 centimeters measured over stockinette stitch using the 3½mm needles. Achieving the correct gauge is essential for proper fit, particularly in a baby garment where sizing is critical. Five grey two-hole buttons measuring 1.2 centimeters are required to complete the cardigan.