Paintbox Yarns Morning Dew Cardigan Crochet Pattern

Paintbox Yarns Morning Dew Cardigan

What is Being Made

The Morning Dew Cardigan is a baby cardigan designed to fit infants from newborn through 18 months of age. This garment features button closures and is worked in a classic cardigan silhouette with a yoke construction. The pattern provides four graduated sizes to accommodate chest measurements ranging from 41cm to 60cm (16 to 23½ inches), with finished lengths varying from 20cm to 38cm (8 to 15 inches) depending on the size selected.

Techniques Used

This cardigan is constructed using a bottom-up approach, meaning the garment is worked from the lower edge upward toward the shoulders and neckline. The pattern is seamless, eliminating the need for seaming pieces together after completion. The cardigan is worked flat using back-and-forth rows rather than in the round, making it an accessible project for crocheters who prefer traditional flat construction methods.

Stitches Used

The pattern employs fundamental crochet stitches suitable for an intermediate-level project. The primary stitch used throughout the body is double crochet (dc), referred to as single crochet (sc) in US terminology. The pattern also incorporates chain stitches (ch) for foundation and shaping purposes. Additionally, the design features a decorative bobble stitch, which is created by working into a stitch three rows below while managing the loops from the intervening rows, adding textural interest to the finished garment. The pattern also uses dc2tog (sc2tog) decreases for shaping the yoke and armholes.

Materials Required

The Morning Dew Cardigan is crafted from Paintbox Yarns Cotton DK yarn in the Champagne White colorway. Yarn quantities are size-dependent, ranging from 2 balls for the smallest newborn size to 4 balls for the largest 12-18 month size, with each ball weighing 50 grams. The pattern calls for a 4mm crochet hook (UK size 8, US size G6). Three buttons, each approximately 12mm or ½ inch in diameter, are required to complete the button closures.

Tension and Gauge

Achieving the correct tension is essential for proper fit. The pattern specifies 17 stitches and 12½ rows to 10cm (4 inches) when measured over the body pattern stitch. For the yoke section worked in double crochet fabric, the gauge is 17 stitches and 19 rows to 10cm (4 inches). These measurements should be verified by working a gauge swatch before beginning the project to ensure the finished garment meets the intended dimensions.

Pattern Notes

The Morning Dew Cardigan is classified as an easy/intermediate level pattern, making it suitable for crocheters with some experience. Instructions are provided using UK crochet terminology with US equivalents given in parentheses throughout. The pattern accommodates multiple sizes with the smallest size instructions listed first, followed by changes for larger sizes in square brackets. Where only one figure appears without size variations, that instruction applies to all sizes. The pattern emphasizes the importance of using the recommended Paintbox Yarns Cotton DK yarn to ensure the garment achieves the intended finished measurements and appearance.