Bunny Cardigan in Rowan Pure Wool 4ply - Downloadable PDF

Bunny Cardigan by Martin Storey in Rowan Pure Wool 4ply – Pattern Summary

The Bunny Cardigan is a charming knitted baby cardigan designed by Martin Storey and published by Rowan. Available as a free downloadable PDF, this pattern is worked in Rowan Pure Wool 4ply yarn and sized to fit babies and toddlers from 0–3 months up to 12–18 months, with chest measurements ranging from 41 cm to 56 cm (approximately 16–22 inches). The finished garment lengths range from 21 cm to 33 cm, with sleeve lengths from 13 cm to 26 cm, making it a practical and adorable layering piece for the youngest wearers.

What Is Being Made

This pattern produces a classic baby cardigan — a front-opening knitted sweater with set-in or shaped sleeves. The design features a whimsical bunny theme, making it an ideal handknit gift for newborns and infants. The cardigan is constructed in separate pieces — back, fronts, and sleeves — which are then seamed together, a traditional construction method well suited to intermediate knitters looking to develop their garment-making skills.

Sizes and Fit

• 0–3 months: To fit 41 cm (16 in) chest; actual size 45 cm (17½ in)
• 3–6 months: To fit 46 cm (18 in) chest; actual size 51 cm (20 in)
• 6–12 months: To fit 51 cm (20 in) chest; actual size 56 cm (22 in)
• 12–18 months: To fit 56 cm (22 in) chest; actual size 62 cm (24½ in)

The pattern includes a small amount of positive ease across all sizes, ensuring comfortable movement for active babies and toddlers.

Techniques Used

• Flat knitting — all pieces are worked back and forth in rows, making this accessible to knitters who are not yet comfortable with knitting in the round
• Ribbing — a 3x3 rib (knit 3, purl 3) is used for the lower welts and cuffs, providing elasticity and a neat, professional finish at the edges
• Stocking stitch (stockinette) — the main body fabric is worked in classic stocking stitch, creating a smooth, even knitted surface ideal for showcasing the yarn's colour and texture
• Armhole shaping — the pattern includes instructions for shaping the armholes, introducing knitters to decreasing techniques used in garment construction
• Seaming — finished pieces are joined together, a key skill for producing neat, durable baby garments

Stitches Used

• Knit stitch (K) — the foundation stitch used throughout the stocking stitch body sections
• Purl stitch (P) — used on wrong-side rows of stocking stitch and alternated with knit stitches to form the 3x3 rib
• 3x3 Rib (K3, P3) — worked over the lower edges and cuffs to create stretchy, fitted bands
• Stocking stitch — formed by alternating knit rows on the right side and purl rows on the wrong side, producing the smooth main fabric of the cardigan
• Decrease stitches — used during armhole shaping to sculpt the garment's silhouette

Yarn and Materials

The pattern is designed specifically for Rowan Pure Wool 4ply, a smooth, high-quality 100% wool yarn in the 4ply weight category. This fine yarn is well suited to delicate baby garments, offering softness against sensitive skin while providing excellent stitch definition. The recommended tension is 28 stitches and 36 rows to 10 cm over stocking stitch, which is typical for a fine 4ply yarn.