Inspired by the geometric colour blocking in one of the vintage pattern books given to me by a lovely friend, and of course without the seams and separate neck and button bands that were the norm back then, this sort-of-retro-but-still-minimalist baby cardigan is cute and cosy.

Like all minimal knits | DESIGNED baby cardigans it’s made top down and when the knitting is finished all we have to do is weave in the ends and sew on the buttons.

The colour work is quite easy, and the mix of garter and stocking stitch makes the hem a little longer at the back giving it a modern hi-lo look as well. Depending on your yarn colour and button choices, it’s not too pretty for a boy and not too macho for a girl.

The pictured cardigan was made using Bendigo Woollen Mills 8ply Luxury 100% wool in the colours African Violet (colour 1) and Moonflower (colour 2).

Skill Level Easy… even though it might include a technique you haven’t used before, the pattern contains simple, straightforward instructions and notes on where to look for more information.

Sizing 0-3 months (3-6 months, 6-12 months, 12-18 months, 18-24 months)

Measurements
Chest approximately 47 (49, 53, 57, 61) cm – 18 (19, 21, 22, 24) inches, including 8 (8, 10, 11, 12) cm – 3 (3, 4, 4½, 4¾) inches of positive ease

Length from centre back neck edge to hem: 25, (27, 29, 31, 33) cm – 9⅞ (10⅞, 11½, 12¼, 13⅛) inches

Sleeves: 15.5 (16.5, 19, 20.5, 21.5) cm – 6 (6½, 7½, 8, 8½) inches from underarm

Materials needed
DK/8 ply yarn:
Colour 1 - 172 (194, 226, 260, 291) metres - 188 (212, 247, 284, 319) yards
Colour 2 - 106 (120, 140, 160, 180) metres - 116 (131, 153, 176, 197) yards

3.5 mm / US 4 dpns or circular needles (for magic loop) - depending on your preference for working the sleeve cuffs in the round
3.5 mm / US 4 needles for the hem
4 mm / US 6 needles for the body
4 mm / US 6 dpns or circular needles (suitable for magic loop) - depending on your preference for working the sleeves in the round

5 cute buttons with diameter 15 - 18mm / ⅝ - ¾ inch
6 stitch markers

Gauge
22 stitches = 10 cm / 4 inches