Fleur is a circular yoke-style cardigan for little girls that features morse stitch increases in the yoke and morse stitch flower buds in the floral border. It is knitted from the top down, seamlessly or with minimal seaming, as you prefer.

The pattern comes in seven sizes, the measurement around the chest when finished ranging from c.18.5” to 26” (roughly 3/6 months to 5/6 years old).

Fleur is a straightforward knit that requires only a few balls of sport weight yarn for the main colour and some oddments for use in the floral border.

Most of the techniques it employs are standard but you will need to know how to knit morse stitch. This stitch is fully explained in Morse Stitch Decoded WHICH YOU WILL NEED TO PURCHASE IF YOU HAVE NOT ALREADY DONE SO. Morse Stitch Decoded comes with these three free patterns, the net proceeds being donated to the charity Freedom From Torture.

Some experience of stranded knitting is useful but not essential when knitting Fleur. In fact, this would be a good project for a beginner to try their hand at colourwork.

As this is possibly the first time morse stitch has been used in stranded work, the pattern includes a photo tutorial that guides you through the stages involved in creating the flower buds that form the dominant feature of this simple little cardigan.

Yarn

Any yarn that knits to the gauge shown, which you like to use for stranded knitting and which is suitable for young children is fine but avoid slippery yarns (e.g. bamboo). I used Debbie Bliss Baby Cashmerino because it’s kind to sensitive skin but wool is best for stranded work. Quince and Co. Chickadee would be worth considering.

• For the main colour (MC): 250m/ 274 yds, 250m/ 274 yds, 375m/ 411 yds, 375m/ 411 yds, 375m/ 411 yds , 500m/ 548 yds, 500m/ 548 yds

• A length of the same yarn in a contrast colour for the flower bud (FC) – you’ll need c. 1g/ 2.5m for the smallest size and c. 2g/ 5m for the largest

• A few grams of the same yarn in a second contrast colour (LSC) for the leaves and stems – c.2.5g/ 6.25m for the smallest size and c.3.5g/ 9m for the largest.

Needles

• A 3mm (US2.5) circular needle for the neckband and 3mm (US2) dpn’s/ short circular needle for the sleeve cuffs

• A 3.25mm (US3) circular needle for the body and 3.25mm (US3) dpn’s/ short circular needle for the sleeves.

Also needed: 2 lengths of scrap yarn for holding the sleeve stitches, a tapestry needle for weaving-in ends, 2 stitch markers (optional), 2 or 3 small buttons (about 1cm).