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

Cable without a Cable Needle

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.