Paintbox Yarns Paintbox Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Paintbox Cardigan: Free Knitting Pattern for Children

What Is Being Made

The Paintbox Cardigan is an intermediate-level knitted cardigan designed for children aged 1 to 9 years. The pattern offers two neckline variations: a round neck cardigan and a V-neck cardigan. Both versions are worked in a classic striped design using Paintbox Yarns Simply DK yarn in multiple vibrant colors. The cardigan is sized to fit chest measurements ranging from 51 cm (20 inches) for ages 1-2 years up to 71 cm (28 inches) for ages 8-9 years, with finished lengths from 32 cm to 48 cm.

Techniques Used

This cardigan is constructed using several key knitting techniques that make it suitable for intermediate-level crafters:

• Bottom-up construction: The cardigan is knitted from the bottom edge upward, allowing you to try on the garment as you progress and adjust length as needed.
• Worked flat: All pieces are knitted flat on straight needles rather than in the round, making it accessible for those more comfortable with traditional flat knitting methods.
• Seamed assembly: Individual pieces (front panels, back, and sleeves) are knitted separately and then sewn together using seaming techniques to create the finished garment.
• Stripe pattern work: The design incorporates a planned stripe sequence worked throughout the main sections, adding visual interest and demonstrating color management in knitting.
• Buttonhole placement: The cardigan features five buttons (approximately 15 mm or ½ inch) with corresponding buttonholes worked into the right front panel, requiring knowledge of buttonhole construction techniques.

Stitches Used

The Paintbox Cardigan utilizes fundamental knitting stitches appropriate for DK-weight yarn:

• Knit stitch (K): The primary stitch used throughout the main fabric.
• Purl stitch (P): Used in combination with knit stitches to create textured sections and shaping.
• Garter stitch (g st): Created by knitting every row, this stitch provides a textured, reversible fabric often used for borders and edgings.
• Yarn forward (yfwd): Used to create the buttonholes and decorative eyelet details.
• Increases and decreases: Shaping techniques including increases (inc) and decreases (dec) are employed to create the cardigan's fitted silhouette and raglan sleeve shaping.

Materials Required

The Paintbox Cardigan pattern calls for specific materials to achieve the intended design:

• Yarn: Paintbox Yarns Simply DK, a light worsted-weight yarn. Quantities vary by size: 2 × 100g balls for sizes 1-2, 2-3, and 4-5 years; 3 × 100g balls for sizes 6-7 and 8-9 years. The main color (M) is Paper White, with accent colors in Dark Aubergine (A), Royal Blue (B), Marine Blue (C), Grass Green (D), Buttercup Yellow (E), Blood Orange (F), and Rose Red (G), using 1 × 100g ball of each accent color.
• Needles: Two pairs of knitting needles are required—a pair of 3¼mm (UK 10 – US 3) needles and a pair of 3¾mm (UK 9 – US 5) needles. The smaller needles are typically used for ribbed edgings and borders, while the larger needles are used for the main fabric.
• Notions: Five buttons, each approximately 15 mm (½ inch) in diameter, for the front cardigan closure.

Pattern Notes and Terminology

The pattern is written using UK knitting terminology with US equivalents provided in parentheses for international crafters. Instructions are given for the smallest size first, with changes for larger sizes indicated in square brackets. The pattern includes a stripe sequence that is worked once the main sections have been knitted, and raglan shaping details are incorporated into the sleeve construction. Yarn quantities are approximate and based on average requirements, and Paintbox Yarns recommends using only the specified yarn to ensure the finished garment meets the intended measurements and appearance.