Willow & Lark Louis Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Willow & Lark Louis Cardigan Pattern Summary

Garment Overview

The Louis Cardigan is a classic double-breasted cardigan designed for infants, featuring a stylish shawl collar. This intermediate-level knitting project is part of The Poppet Collection and is suitable for special occasions such as christenings as well as everyday wear. The cardigan is available in four sizes to fit ages 0-3, 3-6, 6-12, and 12-18 months, with chest measurements ranging from 41cm to 56cm (16 to 22 inches).

Construction Method

The Louis Cardigan is worked flat using the bottom-up construction technique, meaning the garment is knitted from the lower edge upward. The pieces are subsequently seamed together to create the finished cardigan. This approach allows for straightforward shaping and is well-suited to intermediate knitters.

Key Techniques and Skills

Knitters completing this project will practice essential cardigan-making techniques, including:

• Buttonhole construction for the double-breasted front closure
• Seaming methods to join the knitted pieces
• Shaping techniques appropriate to fitted garment construction
• Working with stocking stitch as the primary fabric

Yarn and Materials

The Louis Cardigan is designed using Willow & Lark Nest, a premium 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 specifies Lake Blue (colorway 217) and Sand (colorway 205) as suggested options, though alternative colorways are available. The pattern notes emphasize that using Willow & Lark Nest yarn will achieve the finished appearance shown in the pattern photographs.

Tools Required

Knitters will need two pairs of knitting needles: one pair of 3.75mm (UK 9 / US 5) needles and one pair of 4.00mm (UK 8 / US 6) needles. Five buttons are required for the double-breasted closure.

Gauge and Tension

The pattern specifies a tension of 22 stitches and 30 rows over 10cm (4 inches), measured over stocking stitch using 4.00mm (US 6) needles. Achieving the correct tension is essential for obtaining the proper finished measurements.

Sizing and Finished Measurements

The cardigan is offered in four infant sizes with the following specifications:

• Size 0-3 months: Chest 41cm (16in), actual measurement 46cm (18in), length 20cm (8in), sleeve seam 13cm (5in)
• Size 3-6 months: Chest 46cm (18in), actual measurement 52cm (20½in), length 24cm (9½in), sleeve seam 16cm (6¼in)
• Size 6-12 months: Chest 51cm (20in), actual measurement 57cm (22½in), length 28cm (11in), sleeve seam 20cm (8in)
• Size 12-18 months: Chest 56cm (22in), actual measurement 63cm (24¾in), length 32cm (12½in), sleeve seam 26cm (10¼in)

Pattern Format and Instructions

The Louis Cardigan is provided as a downloadable PDF pattern. Instructions are given for the smallest size, with adjustments for larger sizes provided in square brackets throughout the pattern text. Knitters should read all pattern notes before beginning, as the document includes important abbreviations and guidance on yarn selection and color variations.