Willow & Lark Isabelle Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Willow & Lark Isabelle Cardigan

What Is Being Made

The Isabelle Cardigan is a children's cardigan designed for ages 2-9 years, available in four sizes to fit chest measurements from 56cm to 71cm (22 to 28 inches). This garment is part of the Fledgling Collection and is described as impressive in appearance while remaining quick and easy to knit, making it an excellent progression project for knitters moving from scarves and hats into fitted clothing. The cardigan is suitable for creating in multiple colorways, with suggested options including Rose and Bark.

Techniques Used

The Isabelle Cardigan is constructed using a bottom-up approach, meaning the garment is knitted starting from the lower edges and working upward toward the neckline. The pieces are worked flat on straight needles rather than in the round, and the finished components are seamed together to create the final garment. This construction method allows for straightforward shaping and makes the project accessible to intermediate-level knitters.

Stitches Used

The primary stitch pattern used throughout the Isabelle Cardigan is stocking stitch, which creates a smooth, classic fabric with a neat appearance on the right side. The design also incorporates garter stitch (knit every row), which provides textural variation and is used strategically within the pattern. These fundamental stitches combine to create a garment that is both visually appealing and straightforward to execute, contributing to the project's accessibility for intermediate knitters.

Materials and Tools

The Isabelle Cardigan is designed to be knitted using Willow & Lark Nest yarn, a 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 4 balls for the smallest size (2-3 years) to 7 balls for the largest size (8-9 years).

Three pairs of knitting needles in different sizes are required to complete this project:

• 3.25mm (UK 10 / US 3) needles
• 3.75mm (UK 9 / US 5) needles
• 4.00mm (UK 8 / US 6) needles

The pattern also calls for buttons measuring 15mm in diameter, with quantities varying by size: 5 buttons for the two smallest sizes and 6 buttons for the two largest sizes.

The recommended tension for this project is 22 stitches and 30 rows to 10cm (4 inches), measured over stocking stitch using the 4.00mm (US 6) needles. Achieving proper tension is essential for obtaining the correct finished measurements and garment fit.

Design Notes

The pattern instructions are provided with graduated sizing, with the smallest size given as the base pattern and adjustments noted for larger sizes. The designer emphasizes using Willow & Lark Nest yarn specifically to achieve the intended finished appearance shown in the pattern photographs, as fiber content, weight, and yarn twist all influence the final look of the completed garment. Yarn quantities provided are approximate and based on average requirements.