Plymouth Yarn Child's Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Plymouth Yarn Child's Cardigan in Pima Rino Tweed

What Is Being Made

This is a classic child's cardigan knit from Pima Rino Tweed yarn by Plymouth Yarn, available in sizes 2, 4, 6, and 8 years. The finished garment features a button-front closure with six buttons and offers generous sizing: chest measurements range from 23 inches (size 2) to 28 inches (size 8), with corresponding lengths from 12½ inches to 18½ inches. The sample shown in the pattern is knit in size 4.

Construction and Techniques

This cardigan employs multiple construction methods to create a well-fitted garment. The back and front panels are worked flat using a combination of bottom-uptop-downworked from the top down, allowing for easy adjustment and a custom fit. The finished pieces are then seamed together, creating clean, durable seams throughout the garment. This mixed approach gives knitters flexibility in managing yarn and achieving proper fit.

Stitches and Stitch Pattern

The cardigan features an all-over block pattern that creates visual texture and interest across the entire garment. The pattern alternates between knit and purl stitches in a structured repeat: knit 2 stitches followed by purl 4 stitches, repeated throughout each row. The edge stitches are worked in garter stitch (knit every row), which provides a stable, finished border on the front bands and side seams. This combination of stockinette-based patterning with garter stitch edges is both visually appealing and structurally sound for a child's garment.

Materials and Gauge

The pattern calls for Pima Rino Tweed yarn in the color Harbour Blue (color 102). Yardage requirements vary by size: size 2 requires 4 balls of 50g each, size 4 requires 5 balls, size 6 requires 6 balls, and size 8 requires 7 balls. The pattern is worked on US Size 6 needles (or the size necessary to obtain proper gauge) at a gauge of 22 stitches and 32 rows over 4 inches in the block pattern. Achieving this gauge is essential for proper fit.

Notions and Finishing

Beyond needles and yarn, the pattern requires several notions to complete the cardigan: 2 stitch markers for marking pattern repeats, 3 stitch holders for holding stitches during construction, 6 buttons for the front closure, and 6 pins for marking placement points during assembly. The pattern notes suggest saving a small amount of yarn to add extra length as the child grows, making this a practical investment piece.

Pattern Details

The back panel is cast on with 64, 68, 74, or 80 stitches depending on size. The pattern includes set-up rows that differ slightly for sizes 2 and 6 versus sizes 4 and 8, ensuring proper alignment of the block pattern across all sizes. Armholes are created by binding off stitches at the beginning of rows after the piece measures 8 to 12½ inches from the cast-on edge, depending on size. The cardigan continues on the remaining stitches until the armhole depth reaches 4½ to 6 inches. This structured shaping creates a well-proportioned garment suitable for active children.