Willow & Lark Diana Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Willow & Lark Diana Cardigan: Cable & Lace Baby Cardigan

What is Being Made

The Diana Cardigan is a long-sleeved cardigan designed for infants and babies, part of the Poppet Collection. This garment is crafted to suit all seasons and features charming cable and lace stitch detailing. The cardigan is available in four sizes to fit ages 0-3, 3-6, 6-12, and 12-18 months, with actual chest measurements ranging from 46cm to 63cm (18 to 24¾ inches). The cardigan includes adorable lace detailing on the sleeves and on either side of a ribbed button band, making it both functional and decorative for everyday wear.

Techniques Used

This intermediate-level knitting project employs several key construction techniques:

• Bottom-Up Construction: The cardigan is worked from the bottom edge upward, allowing for easier fitting adjustments and a more intuitive building process.
• Worked Flat: Pieces are knitted flat on straight needles rather than in the round, creating seamed sections that are later joined together.
• Seamed Assembly: Individual pieces (front panels, back, and sleeves) are knitted separately and then seamed together to create the finished garment.
• Buttonhole Placement: Functional buttonholes are integrated into the ribbed button band, allowing for secure closure with four buttons.

Stitches Used

The Diana Cardigan showcases two primary stitch techniques that create visual interest and texture:

• Cable Stitches: These twisted stitches add depth and a classic, textured appearance to the design, contributing to the cardigan's sophisticated look.
• Lace Stitches: Delicate lace detailing appears on the sleeves and flanking the button band, creating an elegant, openwork contrast to the cable elements.
• Stocking Stitch: The primary fabric base is worked in stocking stitch (stockinette stitch), providing a smooth, classic knit surface that showcases the yarn's qualities.
• Ribbed Edging: Ribbed knit creates the button band and likely the cuffs and hem, offering elasticity and a neat, finished appearance.

Materials and Yarn Specifications

The Diana Cardigan is designed using Willow & Lark Nest, a luxury DK-weight yarn composed of 69% wool, 11% cashmere, and 20% Tencel. Each ball contains 50g (1¾oz) of yarn. Yarn requirements vary by size, ranging from 2 balls for the smallest size (0-3 months) to 4 balls for the largest size (12-18 months). The pattern notes that using the recommended Nest yarn is important for achieving the intended finished appearance, as fiber composition, weight, and twist significantly impact the garment's look.

Suggested colorways include Verdigris Green (color 214) and Fondant Pink (color 220), offering versatile options for different aesthetic preferences.

Tools and Needles Required

This project requires two pairs of knitting needles in different sizes to create proper fabric tension and structure:

• One pair of 3.75mm (UK size 9, US size 5) knitting needles
• One pair of 4.00mm (UK size 8, US size 6) knitting needles
• Four buttons for closure

Tension and Gauge

Achieving the correct tension is essential for proper fit in this baby garment. The pattern specifies a gauge of 22 stitches and 30 rows to 10cm (4 inches), measured over stocking stitch using the 4.00mm (US 6) needles. Knitters should swatch and adjust needle size as needed to match this gauge, ensuring the finished cardigan meets the intended measurements for the selected size.

Skill Level

The Diana Cardigan is classified as an intermediate project, requiring competency with cable and lace stitches. Knitters should be comfortable reading pattern abbreviations, managing multiple stitch techniques, and assembling seamed pieces. The skills required include proficiency in lace and cable knitting, making this an ideal project for knitters looking to expand their technical abilities beyond basic stockinette stitch.