Willow & Lark James Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Willow & Lark James Cardigan

What Is Being Made

The James Cardigan is a double-breasted knitted cardigan designed for babies and infants. This classic wardrobe piece features a structured front closure with buttons, making it both functional and stylish for everyday wear. The pattern is available in four sizes to fit ages 0-3, 3-6, 6-12, and 12-18 months, with finished chest measurements ranging from 46cm to 63cm (18 to 24¾ inches).

Knitting Techniques Used

The James Cardigan employs several essential knitting techniques appropriate for an intermediate-level maker:

• Worked Flat: The cardigan is constructed using flat knitting on straight needles rather than in the round, allowing for traditional seamed construction.
• Buttonhole Construction: The pattern incorporates buttonholes worked into the front panels, specifically using yarn forward (yfwd) and knit two together (k2tog) techniques to create functional openings for the button closure.
• Seaming: Individual pieces—including the back, front panels, and sleeves—are knitted separately and then seamed together to create the finished garment.
• Button Bands: The cardigan features structured button bands along the front opening, designed to accommodate five buttons for the double-breasted closure.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The primary stitch used throughout the James Cardigan is stocking stitch (also known as stockinette stitch in American terminology). Stocking stitch is created by knitting on right-side rows and purling on wrong-side rows, producing a smooth, classic fabric with a distinctive V-pattern appearance on the knit side. This fundamental stitch creates an elegant drape suitable for a baby cardigan and is worked at a tension of 22 stitches and 30 rows to 10cm (4 inches) using 4.00mm needles.

Materials and Tools

The James Cardigan requires specific materials to achieve the intended finished garment:

• Yarn: Willow & Lark Poetry in Baby Blue, a 50g/1¾oz ball weight. Yarn requirements vary by size: 2 balls for size 0-3 months, 3 balls for sizes 3-6 and 6-12 months, and 4 balls for the 12-18 months size. This yarn is available through lovecrafts.com.
• Needles: One pair of 3.75mm (US 5) knitting needles and one pair of 4.00mm (US 6) knitting needles. The smaller needles are typically used for ribbed edgings, while the larger needles are used for the main fabric.
• Notions: Five buttons are required to complete the double-breasted front closure.

Difficulty Level

This pattern is rated as intermediate, making it suitable for knitters with some experience. The combination of flat knitting, buttonhole creation, and seaming techniques requires competency beyond beginner level, though the straightforward stocking stitch fabric keeps the project manageable for developing knitters.