This baby cardigan was a joy to design. Inspired by a blurry picture of Princess Charlotte’s cardigan as a toddler, I used it as a creative spark rather than an exact reference – playing with stitches and details to bring my own vision to life.

Many knitters visiting my Skipton studio had asked for a simple 4-ply newborn pattern, so I kept that in mind while designing. I love using garter stitch as a detail, and here it adds a subtle yet beautiful texture.

I also made sure to keep sewing up to a minimum while staying true to the traditional bottom-up construction. It’s a delicate, lightweight knit, perfect for a little loved one. I knitted mine on a trip to Shetland – easy to knit while travelling because of its size, relaxing to work on and just right for those moments of mindful knitting.

CONSTRUCTION
The bottom of the cardigan is knitted in one piece from the bottom up until the armholes. The sleeves are knitted flat from the bottom up in pieces. The raglan armholes and sleeves are joined together. The neck edging is knitted from live stitches from holders so there are no stitches to pick up.

TECHNIQUES USED
Cast on, knit, purl, increasing on sleeves, decreasing at armholes, seaming, sewing on a button. Optional but recommended to create the feeling of joy when joining your pieces: mattress stitch.

YARN
1(1:2:2) 100g hank(s) of Fyberspates Vivacious 4ply.
100% Superwash Merino wool, 365m/399yds per 100g

SUGGESTED KNITTING NEEDLES
3mm for the larger sizes I recommend a circular needle

NOTIONS
One button

GAUGE (tension)
26 stitches and 36 rows to 10cm/4ins square over stocking stitch. I obtained this gauge with 3mm needles.
It is important to obtain the correct gauge so do work a swatch before you start the pattern and change your needle size to achieve the correct gauge if you need to.

FINISHED MEASUREMENTS
To Fit Age (suggested):
newborn, (0-6 months, 6-12 months, 1-2 years)

Chest circumference
38, (44, 50, 60)cm
14¾, (17½, 19½, 23½)ins

Length (from top of shoulder to cast on edge)
18, (20, 24, 28)cm
7, (7¾, 9½, 11)ins

Sleeve length (from underarm to cast on edge)
11, (14, 16, 20)cm
4¼, (5½, 6¼, 7¾)ins

NEED HELP?
I am here for you! Pop into the Skipton studio, send an email, or check out the Purl &Jane YouTube channel for tips, inspiration and guidance including handy resources like gauge (tension) guides and how to tutorials.