Knit a charming little cardigan that looks intricate but is shockingly simple!

The Little Nydia Cardigan is a top-down raglan knit featuring an elegantly simple lace stitch that’s both easy to memorize and completely addictive—you’ll find yourself saying, “Just one more row…” until it’s done!

✨ The Story Behind Little Nydia

Some people are just knit-worthy—the kind of people you can’t help but knit for. For me, one of those people has always been my husband’s cousin, someone I’ve watched grow from a shy preteen into a kind and confident woman. She has always appreciated every handmade gift, no matter how small. So when she announced she was expecting her first child, my immediate response was, “I’m going to knit for the baby!”

Time flew, and before I knew it, her baby was a toddler—but once I had the idea for this cardigan, everything clicked into place. The knitting flew by in less than a month because every stitch felt like a celebration of this special little girl. When I finally saw her wearing it—running around, playing, and completely living in it—I knew I had created something truly special.

This pattern has since been tested by knitters all over the world, with little ones falling in love with their cardigans. Some refused to take them off, others ran around like tiny models. My little model even put hers through a rigorous toddler durability test during the photo shoot—snacks, dirt, and all! But no worries: a little lint rolling and a quick spot cleaning later, and the cardigan was good as new.

And let’s be honest—who doesn’t love a mini-me moment? If you’re already imagining how cute this cardigan would look on you, guess what? There’s a grown-up version of the Nydia Cardigan available too. Because why should kids have all the fun?

✨ Why You’ll Love Knitting This:

✅ Effortless Elegance: The lace detail adds a touch of refinement without the need for complex charts (but supplemental charts are included for visual knitters!)
✅ Knits Up Fast: Because of its small size, this project flies off the needles!
✅ Adventurous Beginner-Friendly & Video Supported: If you can knit and purl, you can master this cardigan with video tutorials to guide you for unique techniques.
✅ Top-Down, Seamless Construction: No piecing together, no tedious seaming. Just cast on, knit, and finish with ease!

✨ Perfect For:

✔️ Newer sweater knitters ready to try a little lace
✔️ Knitters looking to learn elevated finishing techniques
✔️ Experienced knitters who want a quick, satisfying project
✔️ Handmade gifts that look stunning but don’t take forever

Ready to cast on? Download the Little Nydia Cardigan pattern now and start knitting a piece that’s as fun to make as it is to wear! And if you want to twin with your little one, don’t forget to check out the adult Nydia Cardigan too!

✨ Pattern Details:

SIZES
1 (2, 3, 4, 5) [6, 7, 8, 9]

To Fit Ages: 3–6 months (6–12 months, 12–18 months, 18–24 months, 2–4 years) [4–6 years, 6–8 years, 8–10 years, 10–12 years]

FINISHED CHEST CIRCUMFERENCES

• In Inches: 18.75 (19.5, 20.25, 21.75, 22.5) [24, 26, 29, 30.5]”
• In Centimeters: 47 (49, 50.5, 54.5, 56) [60, 65, 72.5, 76] cm

Circumferences are for the finished cardigan worn closed. Cardigan is intended to fit with approximately 2” (5 cm) of positive ease at the chest. Sample shown in size 5 on a 2-year-old.

YARN
295 (346, 407, 462, 501) [639, 747, 900, 1018] yards / 270 (317, 373, 422, 458) [584, 683, 823, 931] meters plied, DK weight yarn

Sample shown in Hazel Knits Lively DK [DK weight, 90% superwash merino wool, 10% nylon] in colorway ‘Loden.’ ‘Golden Fleck’ acrylic buttons made by Twin Mountain Handcrafts in custom size.

NEEDLES

• US 6 (4 mm) circular needle, 32” (80 cm), or needle size necessary to obtain correct gauge
• US 4 (3.5 mm) circular needle, 32” (80 cm), or needle size .5 mm smaller than gauge needle
• Appropriate needle(s) in both sizes for your preferred method of knitting small circumferences in the round

GAUGE
22 sts and 30 rows/rounds = 4” (10 cm) in textured lace pattern using larger needles, blocked

NOTIONS

• (8) Stitch markers, for raglan lines
• (2) Removable markers, to mark short row turns (optional) and centers of underarms
• Crochet hook, size D (3.25 mm) or slightly smaller
• Tapestry needle
• Waste yarn or two spare circular needles/cords, for placing sleeve stitches on hold
• Sewing needle and thread (ball point needle and 100% polyester thread recommended)
• 6 (6, 8, 8, 8) [10, 10, 12, 12] 7/16” (11 mm) or ½“ (12 mm) buttons

#vanessasmithdesigns #littlenydiacardigan