Plymouth Yarn Baby's Garter Yoke Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Plymouth Yarn Baby's Garter Yoke Cardigan

What is Being Made

This is a baby cardigan designed for infants in three sizes: 0-3 months, 6-12 months, and 18-24 months. The cardigan features a distinctive garter stitch yoke and is constructed as a seamless, top-down garment. Approximate chest measurements range from 20½" for the smallest size to 24" for the largest size, with corresponding lengths from back neck ranging from 9½" to 11½". The finished cardigan closes with three buttons from Dill (#270457), each measuring 20mm.

Techniques Used

This pattern employs seamless, top-down construction, a modern knitting approach that eliminates the need for seaming. The cardigan is worked in one continuous piece, beginning at the neckline and progressing downward. The yoke is shaped using short row shaping (indicated by the w&t abbreviation for wrap and turn), which creates a custom fit across the shoulders and upper body. After the body is completed, the sleeves are worked separately in the round using double-pointed needles, ensuring a smooth, tubular construction. The pattern includes multiple increase rows strategically placed to shape the yoke and distribute stitches evenly across the front, sleeves, and back sections.

Stitches Used

The primary stitch throughout the cardigan is garter stitch, created by knitting every row. This stitch is particularly suitable for baby garments due to its soft texture, natural stretch, and reversible appearance. The pattern also incorporates stockinette stitch as a gauge reference point. Shaping is accomplished using m1L (make one left) and m1R (make one right) increases, which are directional increases that create a neat appearance by picking up the vertical bar between stitches and knitting into the resulting loop. The kf&b (knit front and back) increase is also used during specific increase rows to add stitches gradually across the yoke. Stitch markers are used to denote pattern sections (front, sleeves, and back), and stitch holders are employed to hold stitches temporarily during construction.

Materials

The cardigan is knitted with Plymouth Yarn Dreambaby DK Paintpot in color 1411 (Orange/Yellow Mix). Yardage requirements vary by size: 2 balls of 50g for the two smaller sizes and 3 balls of 50g for the largest size. The yarn is worked on US Size 6 (4mm) knitting needles, specifically a 24" circular needle for the body and double-pointed needles for the sleeve rounds. Gauge is measured at 22 stitches and 32 rows over 4 inches in stockinette stitch, and 22 stitches and 44 rows over 4 inches in garter stitch, both after blocking. The pattern requires four stitch markers, two stitch holders, and three 20mm buttons for closure.