Méabh’s cardigan is a loose, cozy cardigan for baby girls or boys! Designed for my youngest who is modeling her cardigan beautifully here.
The yarn in the sample is from Green Elephant Hand Dyed Yarns, an Irish Indie dyer.
A matching hat is also available and two skeins of yarn will knit both a cardigan and a hat in the 4 smallest sizes.
Tutorials
Size
0-3 mths (3-6 mths, 6-12 mths, 12-18 mths, 18-24 mths, 2-3 years, 3-4 years).
Finished waist circumference 21.5 (22.25, 23.75, 25, 25.75, 27, 28)” by 10 (10.75, 11.5, 12, 12.5, 13, 13.5) length; 54.5, (56.5, 60.5, 62.5, 64.5, 71.5, 73.5) by 25.5 (27.5, 29, 30.5, 31.5, 31.5, 34) cm. Designed with approx 5” positive ease. Shown in size 6-12 mths. See schematic for full measurements.
Yarn
Green Elephant Hand Dyed Yarn (80% Merino/20% Bamboo DK); 246 yards [225 meters]/100 grams): Gentle Savage, 1 (2, 2, 2, 3, 3, 4) skeins.
Needles
Size US 6 (4 mm): 40” (60cm) circular and dpns or 16” (40) circular
Size US 5 (3.75 mm): 40” (100cm) circular and dpns or 16” (40) circular
Cable needle
Notions
10 markers, 4 or 5 buttons (depending on size), tapestry needle, yarn holders or waste yarn.
Gauge
20 sts and 26 rows = 4” [10 cm] in St st using larger needles after wet blocking.
Abbreviations
Please see our standard knitting abbreviations.
SR: Short row shaping using the German method. See our tutorial on German Short Rows.
C7F: Sl 3 sts to cn, hold in front, k3, p1, then k3 from cn.
C7B: Sl 4 sts to cn and hold in back, k3, then p1, k3 from cn.
C4F: Sl 2 sts to cn, hold in front, k2 then k2 from cn.
C4B: Sl 2 sts to cn and hold in back, k2 then k2 from cn.
Pattern Notes
This Cardigan is worked flat from the top down. Two braided cables adorn the front while a statement cable cascades from the shawl collar down the back. The decorative cables and ribbing flow into the twisted rib border. As the raglan yoke increases, stitches are set aside for the sleeves. Once the main body of the cardi is completed, a twisted rib shawl collar is added, incorporating the decorative ribbing at the neck. The sleeves are then worked in St st in the round and gently shaped before finishing in a twisted rib cuff.
Cardigan – Knitting Instructions
With larger needles, CO 65 (69, 79, 87, 93, 99, 107) sts.
Raglan Shaping set up
Row 1 (WS): Sl1, p1, k1, p8, k1, p1 (1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7), PM (front and sleeve), p7 (8, 9, 11, 12, 13, 15), PM (sleeve and back), p4 (1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7), [k1, p3] 4 (6, 6, 6, 6, 6, 6), times; k1, p4 (1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7), PM (back and sleeve), p7 (8, 9, 11, 12, 13, 15), PM (sleeve and front), p1 (1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7), k1, p8, k1, p2.
Row 2 (RS): Sl1, k1, p1, [C4B] twice; p1, k0 (0, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6), m1, k1, SM, k1, m1, k to 1 st before next marker, m1, k1 , SM, k1, m1, k3 (0, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6), [p1, k3] 4 (6, 6, 6, 6, 6, 6) times, p1, k3 (0, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6), m1, k1, SM, k1, m1, k to 1 st before next marker, m1, k1, SM, k1, m1, k0 (0, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6), p1, [C4F] twice; p1,k2. (73 (77, 87, 95, 101, 107, 115) sts)
Row 3 and all WS: Sl1, work all sts as they present, i.e. knit the knits, purl the purls. SM as you reach them.
Row 4 (place markers for front cables): Sl1, k1, p1, k2, C4F, k2, p1, k2, PM, m1, k0 (0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5), m1, k0 (0, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1), SM, k1, m1, k to 1 st before next marker, m1, k1, SM, k1, m1, k0 (1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7), [p1, k3] 6 times, p1, k0 (1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7), m1, k1, SM, k1, m1, k to 1 st before next marker, m1, k1, SM, k0 (0, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1), m1, k0 (0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5), m1, PM, k2, p1, k2, C4B, k2, p1, k2. (83 (87, 97, 105, 111, 117, 125) sts)
Row 6: Sl1, k1, p1, [C4B] twice; p1, k2, SM, k to 1 st before next marker, m1, k1, SM, k1, m1, k to 1 st before next marker, m1, k1, SM, k1, m1, k1 (2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8), [p1, k3] 6 times; p1, k1 (2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8), m1, k1, SM, k1, m1, k to 1 st before next marker, m1, k1, SM, k1, m1, k to next marker, SM, k2, p1, [C4F] twice; p1, k2. (91 (95, 105, 113, 119, 125, 133) sts)
Row 8 (place markers around back cable): Sl1, k1, p1, k2, C4F, k2, p1, k2, SM, m1, k to 1 st before next marker, m1, k1, SM, K1, m1, k to 1 st before next marker, m1, k1, SM, k1, m1, K2 (3, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9), PM, [p1, k3] 6 times; p1, PM, k2 (3, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9), m1, k1, SM, k1, m1 k to 1 st before next marker, m1, k1, SM, k1, m1, k to next marker, m1, SM, k2, p1, k2, C4B, k2, p1, k2. (101 (105, 115, 123, 129, 135, 143) sts)
*Row 10: Sl1, k1, p1, [C4B] twice; p1, k2, SM, k to 1 st before next marker, m1, k1, SM, k1, m1, k to 1 st before next marker, m1, k1, SM, k1, m1, k to next marker, SM,[p1, k3] 6 times; p1, SM, k to 1 st before next marker, m1, k1, SM, k1, m1, k to 1 st before next marker, m1, k1, SM, k1, m1, k to next marker, SM, k2, p1, [C4F] twice; p1,k2. (109 (113, 123, 131, 137, 143, 151) sts)
Row 12: Sl1, k1, p1, k2, C4F, k2, p1, k2, SM, m1, k to 1 st before next marker, m1, k1, SM, k1, m1, k to 1 st before next marker, m1, k1, SM, k1, m1, k to next marker, SM,[ p1, k3] 6 times; p1, SM, k to 1 st before next marker, m1, k1, SM, k1, m1 k to 1 st before next marker, m1, k1, SM, k1, m1, k to next marker, m1, SM, k2, p1, k2, C4B, k2, p1, k2. (119 (123, 133, 141, 147, 153, 161) sts)
Row 13: Work as Row 3* (119 (123, 133, 141, 147, 153, 161) sts)
Sizes 2-3 years and 3-4 years only
Rep from * to * once more. (119 (123, 133, 141, 147, 171, 179) sts)
All Sizes
Row 14: Sl1, k1, p1, [C4B] twice; p1, k2, SM, k to marker, SM, k1, m1, k to 1 st before next marker, m1, k1, SM, k to next marker, SM, [p1, k3] 6 times; p1, SM, k to next marker, SM, k1, m1, k to 1 st before next marker, m1, k1, SM, k to next marker, SM, k2, p1, [C4F] twice; p1, k2. (123 (127, 137, 145, 151, 175, 183) sts)
Row 15: Work as Row 3
Row 16: Sl1, k1, p1, k2, C4F, k2, p1, k2, SM, m1, k to marker, SM, k1, m1, k to 1 st before next marker, m1, k1, SM, k to next marker, SM, [p1, k3] 6 times; p1, SM, k to next marker, SM, k1, m1, k to 1 st before next marker, m1, k1, SM, k to next marker, m1, SM, k2, p1, k2, C4B, k2, p1, k2. (129 (133, 143, 151, 157, 181, 189) sts)
Row 17: Work as Row 3
Sizes 3-6 mths, 6-12 mths, 12-18 mths, 18-24 mths, 2-3 years and 3-4 years only
Row 18: Sl1, k1, p1, [C4B] twice; p1, k2, SM, k to 1 st before next marker, k1, SM, k to next marker, SM, k to next marker, SM, [p1, k3] 6 times; p1, SM, k next marker, SM, k to next marker, SM, k to next marker, SM, k2, p1, [C4F] twice; p1, k2.
Row 19: Work as Row 3.
Row 20: Sl1, k1, p1, k2, C4F, K2, p1, k2, SM, m1, k to next marker, SM, k to next marker, SM, k to next marker, SM, [p1, k3] 6 times; p1, SM, k to next marker, SM, k to next marker, SM, k to next marker, m1, SM, k2, p1, k2, C4B, k2, p1, k2. (129 (135, 145, 153, 159, 183, 191) sts)
Row 21: Work as Row 3.
Sizes 12-18 mths, 18-24 mths, 2-3 years and 3-4 years only
*Row 22: Sl1, k1, p1, [C4B] twice; p1, k2, SM, k to 1 st before next marker, k1, SM, k to next marker, SM, k to next marker, SM, [p1, k3] 6 times; p1, SM, k next marker, SM, k to next marker, SM, k to next marker, SM, k2, p1, [C4F] twice; p1, k2.
Row 23: Work as Row 3.
Row 24: Sl1, k1, p1, k2, C4F, K2, p1, k2, SM, k to next marker, SM, k to next marker, SM, k to next marker, SM, [p1, k3] 6 times; p1, SM, k to next marker, SM, k to next marker, SM, k to next marker, SM, k2, p1, k2, C4B, k2, p1, k2. (129 (135, 145, 153, 159, 183, 191) sts)
Row 25: Work as Row 3*
Sizes 18-24 mths, 2-3 years and 3-4 years only
Rep from * to * (0, (0, 0, 0, 1, 1, 2) times more. (129, (135, 145, 153, 159, 183, 191) sts)
Back Cable
All Sizes
Row 1: Sl1, k1, p1, [C4B] twice; p1, k2, SM, k to 1 st before next marker, m1, k1, SM, k1, m1, k to 1 st before next marker, m1, k1, SM, K1, m1, k to next marker, SM, [p1, k3] twice, p1, C7B; [p1, k3] twice, p1, SM, k to 1 st before next marker, m1, k1, SM, k1, m1, k to 1 st before next marker, m1, k1, SM, k1, m1, k to next marker, SM, k2, p1, [C4F] twice; p1,k2. (137, (143, 153, 161, 167, 191, 199) sts)
Row 2 and all WS Rows: Sl1, work all sts as they present, i.e. knit the knits, purl the purls, SM as you reach them.
Row 3: Sl1, k1, p1, k2, C4F, k2, p1, k2, SM, m1, k to 1 st before next marker, m1, k1, SM, k1, m1, k to 1 st before next marker, m1, k1, SM, k1, m1, k to next marker, SM, [p1, k3] 6 times; p1, SM, k to 1 st before next marker, m1, k1, SM, k1, m1, k to 1 st before next marker, m1, k1, SM, k1, m1, k to next marker, m1, SM, k2, p1, k2, C4B, k2, p1, k2. (147, (153, 163, 171, 177, 201, 209) sts)
Row 5: Sl1, k1, p1, [C4B] twice; p1, k2, SM, k to 1 st before next marker, m1, k1, SM, k1, m1, k to 1 st before next marker, m1, k1, SM, k1, m1, k to next marker, SM, p1, k3, p1, [C7F, p1] twice; k3, p1, SM, k to 1 st before next marker, m1, k1, SM, k1, m1, k to 1 st before next marker, m1, k1, SM, k1, m1, k to next marker, SM, k2, p1, [C4F] twice; p1, k2. (155, (161, 171, 179, 185, 209, 217) sts)
Row 7: Sl1, k1, p1, k2, C4F, k2, p1, k2, SM, m1, k to 1 st before next marker, m1, k1, SM, K1, m1, k to 1 st before next marker, m1, k1, SM, K1, m1, k to next marker, SM, [p1, k3] 6 times; p1, SM, k to 1 st before next marker, m1, k1, SM, k1, m1, k to 1 st before next marker, m1, k1, SM, k1, m1, k to next marker, m1, SM, k2, p1, k2, C4B, k2, p1, k2. (165, (171, 181, 189, 195, 219, 227) sts)
Divide for arms
Row 9: Sl1, k1, p1, [C4B] twice; p1, k2, SM, k to next marker, RM, place sts until next marker on yarn holder, CO 3 sts, RM, k to next marker, SM, p1, [C7B, p1] 3 times; SM, k next marker, RM, place sts until next marker on yarn holder, CO 3 sts, RM, k to next marker, SM, k2, p1, [C4F] twice; p1, k2. (109 (113, 121, 125, 129, 143, 147) sts)
Row 11: Sl1, k1, p1, k2, C4F, K2, p1, k2, SM, k to next marker, SM, [p1, k3] 6 times, p1, SM, k to next marker, SM, k2, p1, k2, C4B, k2, p1, k2.
Row 13: Sl1, k1, p1, [C4B] twice, p1, k2, SM, k to next marker, SM, p1, k3, p1, [C7F, p1] twice, k3, p1, SM, k next marker, SM, k2, p1, [C4F] twice, p1, k2.
Row 15: Sl1, k1, p1, k2, C4F, k2, p1, k2, SM, k to next marker, SM, [p1, k3] 6 times, p1, SM, k to next marker, SM, k2, p1, k2, C4B, k2, p1, k2.
Row 17: Sl1, k1, p1, [C4B] twice; p1, k2, SM, k to next marker, SM, [p1, k3] twice, p1, C7B; [p1, k3] twice, p1, SM, K next marker, SM, k2, p1, [C4F] twice, p1, k2.
**Row 19: Sl1, k1, p1, k2, C4F, K2, p1, k2, SM, k to next marker, SM, [p1, k3] 6 times, p1, SM, k to next marker, SM, k2, p1, k2, C4B, k2, p1, k2.
Row 21: Sl1, k1, p1, [C4B] twice; p1, k2, SM, k to next marker, SM, [p1, k3] 6 times; p1, SM, k to next marker, SM, k2, p1, [C4F] twice; p1, k2.
Row 22: Sl1, work all sts as they present. **
Rep from ** to ** until the cardigan measures 9 (9.75, 10.5, 11, 10.5, 11, 12) inches from cast on or 1, (1, 1, 1, 1.5, 1.5, 1.5) inches less than desired length or (22.5 (24.5, 26, 27.5, 27.5, 27.5, 30) cms from cast on or 3, (3, 3, 3, 4, 4, 4) cm less than desired length), ending with a WS row.
Ribbed Edging
Change to smaller needles.
Sizes 0-3 mths, 3-6 mths, 6-12 mths, 12-18 mths, 18-24 mths only
Row 1: Sl1, k1, p1, k2, C4F, K2, p1, k2, SM, *p1, k1tbl*, rep from * to * until marker, SM, [p1, k3] 6 times, p1, SM, *p1, k1tbl, * rep from * to * until marker, SM, k2, p1, k2, C4B, k2, p1, k2
Row 2: Sl1, work all sts as they present.
Row 3: Sl1, k1, p1, [C4B] twice; p1, k2, SM, *p1, k1tbl*, rep from * to * until marker, SM, [p1, k3] 6 times; p1, SM, *p1, k1tbl*, rep from * to * until marker, SM, k2, p1, [C4F] twice; p1, k2.
Row 4: Sl1, work all sts as they present.
Sizes 2-3 years, 3-4 years only
Row 1: Sl1, k1, p1, k2, C4F, k2, p1, k2, k1tbl, *p1, k1tbl, * rep from * to * until marker, SM, [p1, k3] 6 times, p1, SM, k1tbl, * p1, k1tbl*, rep from * to * until marker, SM, k2, p1, k2, C4B, k2, p1, k2.
Row 2: Sl1, work all sts as they present.
Row 3: Sl1, k1, p1, [C4B] twice; p1, k2, SM, k1tbl, *p1, k1tbl, rep from * to * until marker, SM, [p1, k3] 6 times; p1, SM, k1tbl, *p1, k1tbl*, rep from * to * until marker, SM, k2, p1, [C4F] twice; p1, k2.
Row 4: Sl1, work all sts as they present.
All Sizes
Rep Rows 1-4 twice (2, 2, 2, 3, 3, 3) times. (109 (113, 121, 125, 129, 143, 147) sts)
Bind off in patt.
Shawl Collar
With right side facing and smaller circular 60” (100 cm) needle, puk 49 (53, 57, 59, 61, 61, 66), sts along the right hand side of the front of the cardigan, turn cardigan and puk 65 (69, 77, 85, 93, 101, 107), sts along the CO edge, turn cardigan and puk 49 (53, 57, 59, 61, 61, 66), sts along the left hand side of the cardigan. (163, (175, 191, 203, 215, 223, 239) sts)
Row 1(WS): P1tbl, [k1tbl, p1tbl], 36 (37, 41, 44, 47, 49, 53) times; PM, [k1, p3] 4 (6, 6, 6, 6, 6, 6) times, k1, PM, p1tbl, [k1tbl, p1tbl], 36 (37, 41, 44, 47, 49, 53) times.
Row 2 (RS): K1tbl, [p1tbl, k1tbl] until marker, SM, [p1, k3] 4 (6, 6, 6, 6, 6, 6) times, p1, SM, k1tbl, [p1tbl, k1tbl] until end of row.
Row 3: P1tbl, [k1tbl, p1tbl] until marker, SM, [k1, p3] 4, (6, 6, 6, 6, 6, 6) times, k1, SM, p1tbl, [k1tbl, p1tbl] until end of row.
Short Row shaping
Row 4: Work in est patt until 30 (32, 34, 36, 38, 38, 40) sts rem, turn work.
Row 5: SR, work in est patt until 30 (32, 34, 36, 38, 38, 40) sts rem, turn work.
Row 6: SR, work in est patt until 2 sts rem (from previous turn).
Rep previous row 3 (3, 3, 5, 5, 7, 7) more times.
Next row: Work in est patt until end of row, picking up and remembering to knit each “double st” as a single st as you come to it.
Next row: Work in est pat until end of row, picking up and remembering to knit each “double st” as a single st as you come to it. 163 (175, 191, 203, 215, 223, 239) sts)
Buttonhole
Buttonhole Row: *[K1tbl, p1tbl,] 3 (3, 3, 3, 3, 3, 4), times; k2tog, yo* rep from * to * 4 ( 4, 4, 4, 5, 5, 5) times in total, k1tbl, [p1tbl, k1tbl], until marker, SM, [p1, k3], 4 (6, 6, 6, 6, 6, 6) times, p1, SM, k1tbl, [p1tbl, k1tbl] until end of row.
*Next Row: P1tbl, [k1tbl, pk1tbl] until marker, SM, [k1, p3] 4 (6, 6, 6, 6, 6, 6) times, k1, SM, p1tbl [k1tbl, p1tbl] until end of row.
Next Row: K1tbl, [p1tbl, k1tbl] until marker; SM, [p1, k4] 4 (6, 6, 6, 6, 6, 6) times, p1, SM, k1tbl [p1tbl, k1tbl] until end of row*
Rep from * to * once more.
BO in patt.
Sleeves (Make 2)
Place sts from yarn holder onto larger circ needle or dpns.
Rnd 1 (RS): Puk 2 sts, k31 (32, 33, 35, 36, 41, 43), puk 2 sts, PM to mark beginning of rnd. Join in the rnd. (35 (36, 37, 39, 40, 45, 47) sts)
Rnds 2-4: Knit.
Rnd 5: K1, ssk, k until 3 sts before marker, k2tog, k1. (33 (34, 35, 37, 38, 43, 45) sts)
Rnds 6-8: knit
Rep rnds 5-8 2 (2, 2, 3, 3, 4, 4) more times. (29 (30, 31, 31, 32, 35, 37) sts)
Work in St st until sleeve measures 4.5 (5, 5.5, 6, 6.5, 7, 9) inches from underarm divide or 1.5 inches less than desired length or (12 (13, 16, 17, 18, 18.5, 23) cm from underarm divide or 3 cm less than desired length).
Sizes 0-3 mths, 6-12 mths, 12-18 mths, 2-3 years, 3-4 years only
Next rnd: K1, ssk, k to end of rnd. (28 (30, 30, 30, 32, 34, 36) sts)
Ribbed Cuff
Change to smaller needles.
Rnds 1-8: *K1tbl, p1tbl* rep from * until end of rnd.
Bind off loosely.
Finishing
Block to dimensions and weave in all ends. Pay particular attention to the under arm as there may be small gaps. Add buttons using the button holes as guide.
About the Designer: Ciara Ní Reachtnín
Ciara Ní Reachtnín is an Irish designer living in the wilds of the West of Ireland with her four children, husband and two crazy dogs.
When not knitting, Ciara is busy with her day job as a multi-grade primary school teacher. She also hates writing bios.
Colleen Jenkins
I’m trying to make this is the 3-6 months size and I’m stumped at the instructions at the end of row 4-
” m1, k0 (0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5), m1, PM, k2, p1, k2, C4B, k2, p1, k2. (83 (87, 97, 105, 111, 117, 125) sts)”
How do I m1, k0, m1???
knotions
It means m2
catherine muia
awesome
knotions
so glad you like it! can’t wait to see your own 🙂
Debra Fein
Where in the pattern do you make button holes?
knotions
It’s under the “Buttonholes” header.
Debra Fein
I mean which row is it that you do the button holes?
knotions
It happens while you’re knitting the Shawl Collar. You do the Short Row shaping, 2 additional rows and then you work the buttonhole row. The exact row number differs depending on the size that you’re working.
Chelle Forrest
I’m a crocheter who’s not long started knitting & it turns out it’s a bit of a secret talent (as was crochet) – who knew!!
So Ive made my 1.5 yr old niece a jersey & a cardi already but I need something a bit more challenging (and something beautiful to use my yummy squishy-ness merino on!) so I’m going to give this a go!
Thank you for being kind enough to do a pattern, that’s a bit more technical, for free! I’m hesitant to buy a pattern if I don’t know what’s in it & if it’s too advanced for me etc, so getting a beautiful pattern for free, that someone else has put a lot of their time & effort into, is very much appreciated!!
Chelle, from New Zealand ❤️
xxxx
knotions
Oh I love getting this kind of comment!
Let us know how it goes. And of course, I’m curious which yarn and color you’re planning to use.
If you need more help with the pattern, feel free to comment here.
And good luck!