Part of the Prairie Grains Collection –
Yarns dyed on the prairies, for patterns inspired by the prairies

Pattern Description

Sunflower Seeds is a seamless, cosy cardigan for children. The seeded-rib stitch pattern was chosen as it is a bit denser and stretchier than regular stockinette, with the intention to provide your little ones with some extra cosy and warmth, along with ease of movement as they explore and play on the Canadian prairies.

The cardigan is knit from the bottom-up. Sleeves and body are worked separately and attached at the underarms, with raglan shaping to the top. Stitches are then picked up around the front of the cardigan and short rows are used to shape the shawl collar. The underarms are stitched shut. An optional row of buttonholes can be worked in the collar.

Level

This pattern is at an Intermediate to Advanced level. Skills needed:

·

Work a 1x1 rib

· Work a 1x1 seeded-rib

· Working flat, and working in the round

· Keep tracking of wrong-side (WS) and right-side (RS) rows

· Increasing, Decreasing (k1f&b, ssk, k2tog)

· Picking up stitches (around collar)

· Joining stitches to make a seam (at underarm)

· Reading stitch patterns and substituting with a pattern as needed (for example, continue in seeded-rib pattern while following increasing and decreasing instructions)

· Wrap & turn short rows

· Complete a stretchy cast off of your choice

· Cast off in the middle of the row (for armpits, optional buttonholes)

· Cast on in the middle of the row (for optional buttonholes)

· Decide on the number of buttonholes to work in the collar

Sizing

This pattern is written in 5 sizes for children from 2yrs (4yrs, 6yrs, 8yrs, 10yrs) based on Craft Yarn Council Sizing. Child/Youth Size Charts | Welcome to the Craft Yarn Council

Actual bust circumference is 21 (23, 25, 26.5, 28)” / 53 (58.5, 63.5, 67, 71) cm.

Finished bust circumference is 22 (24, 26, 27.5, 29)” / 56 (61, 66, 70, 74) cm.

Recommended to be worked with 0-4”/3-10cm of positive ease. Work the garment in a larger size if you would like more of a relaxed fit.

Gauge/Tension

After blocking:

20 sts = 10cm/4in over stockinette pattern in 4mm (US 6) needles

22 sts = 10cm/4in over seeded-rib pattern in 4mm (US 6) needles

Row gauge is 32 sts = 10cm/4in over seeded-rib pattern in 4mm (US 6) needles

Materials

· Yarn 3 (3, 3, 4, 4) skeins of Sunflower colourway in 4 ply DK by SmashKnits (246yds/225m per 100gm; 75% Superwash Merino, 25% Nylon base)

o Note: The knitted sample in size 2years used very little of the third skein. There is enough left in the suggested yardage that you would probably be able to make a matching accessory.

· 3.5mm (US 4) needles (suggested to use a set of dpns for sleeves, and a 20-40 inch circular for the body and collar)

· 4.0mm (US 6) needles (suggested to use a set of dpns for sleeves, and a 20-40 inch circular for the body and collar)

· Stitch markers

· Stitch holder(s) to hold sleeve stitches (up to 42 stitches), and to mark increases and decreases in your work

· Tapestry needle

· Scissors

· Measuring tape

· Optional - Buttons (approx. 2.5cm / 1”)

o The buttons used in this sample are solid hard sugar maple wood, handturned on a lathe, and available from MawdsleyFibreArts