Designed for a new addition to my extended family the Ava Cardigan is knitted from the top down, incorporating the button band as you go with clear instructions for button hole placement for girls or boys. In sizes newborn to 8 years old it’s bound to become a staple for any wardrobe.

Difficulty

Knitted on straight needles with the option of using circulars to accommodate the stitches easily and double pointed needles (optional) for the sleeve. You will need to knit, purl, decrease and increase stitches. With the button holes incorporated into the fronts it is finished an i-cord binding with full instructions to finish the look.

Yarn and Notions

Double knitting yarn (light worsted / 8 ply) I used King Cole Cherished in Rhubarb which is a 100g ball with 240 meters / 262 yards.

Meters 155 (185, 220, 265, 295)(330, 395, 440, 505)

Yards 170 (200, 240, 290, 325)(365, 430, 485, 555)

Needles:

4mm (US 6) straight needle

4mm (US 6) circular needle at least 40cm or longer to accommodate the stitches in the yoke, body and binding edge

4mm (US 6) double pointed needles for sleeves, or use the loop method with a circular needle

Four moveable stitch markers, two stitch holders,

Buttons – 3 3, 4, 4, 4

Tapestry needle

Tension

22 sts and 28 rows over 10 cm / 4 inch square in stocking stitch

Measurements - to fit newborn, 3 months, 6 months, 12 months, 18 months, 2 years, 4 years, 6 years and 8 years old

This pattern has been technically edited and independently tested.