How about a nice helping of texture? And completely adorable pockets? This unisex cardigan knits up in no time and will become your little one’s new favorite, thanks to its comfy fit and sweet pockets for treasures. This pattern has a straightforward construction, precise instructions, helpful tips and how-to photos and a really fun-to-knit and surprisingly easy textured stitch.

CONSTRUCTION:

This cardigan is worked seamlessly from the top down, featuring an easy textured pattern on the yoke. The circular yoke construction is modified for all but the smallest sizes: in order to achieve a great fit, raglan increases are worked at the bottom of the yoke.
Stitches for the sleeves are then put on hold while the body of the cardigan is worked. They are then put back on needles and worked in the round. Stitches are picked up along the fronts to work the button bands. Lastly, optional pockets are worked from stitches picked up from front of garment. Pocket sides are seamed (tips and a few how-to photos are provided to help you achieve a neat result.)

SKILLS REQUIRED:

Casting on, knitting, purling, increasing, decreasing, knitting in the round, picking up stitches, binding off.

SIZES:

3mo (6mo, 12mo, 18mo // 2yo, 4yo, 6yo, 8yo, 10yo)
To fit chest: 16 (17, 18, 19 // 21, 23, 25, 26.5, 28) inches or 40.5 (43, 45.5, 48.5 // 53.5, 58.5, 63.5, 67.5, 71) cm
Garment chest at underarms: 19.25 (20, 21.5, 22.5 // 24, 26.75, 29, 30.75, 31.75) inches or 49 (51, 54.5, 57 // 61, 68, 73.5, 78, 80.5) cm
I recommend choosing a size based on the recipient’s actual chest measurements instead of the age label. You can also choose a size according to how much ease you’d like the garment to have.

YARN REQUIREMENTS:

Approximately 350 (375, 425, 450 // 500, 550, 625, 700, 800) yards or 320 (343, 389, 411 // 457, 503, 571, 640, 731) meters of worsted to aran (i.e. 8 to 10 ply) weight yarn.
The 3mo sample above, featuring the optional pockets, is knit in Malabrigo Rios (colorway Frank Ochre).

NEEDLES:

• US 7 or 4.5 mm diameter circular needle (or size needed to match stockinette stitch gauge) at least 24 inches or 60 cm in length

• 1 set of matching dpns for sleeves (or a long circular needle if using magic loop technique)

• US 5 or 3.75 mm diameter circular needle (or two sizes smaller in diameter than above) at least 24 inches or 60 cm in length for neckline, hem and button band.

• 1 set of matching dpns for sleeve cuffs (or a long circular needle if using magic loop technique)

NOTIONS:

• 4 stitch markers
• tapestry needle
• 2 stitch holders or scrap yarn
• 5 (5, 6, 6 // 7, 8, 9, 8, 10) buttons 3/4 inch or 1.9 cm in diameter.