Cardigans for School

Cardigans for School by Jody Long

What is Being Made

These are children's knitted cardigans designed by Jody Long, available in multiple sizes to fit chest measurements from 56 cm (22 inches) to 76 cm (30 inches). The cardigans feature a classic construction with set-in sleeves and are offered in two neckline options: a crew neck version and a v-neck version. The finished garments range in length from 33 cm (13 inches) to 51 cm (20 inches) from the top of the shoulders, making them suitable for school wear and everyday children's clothing.

Techniques Used

This knitting project employs fundamental knitting construction techniques appropriate for intermediate-level knitters. The pattern uses standard shaping methods including increases and decreases to create fitted garment pieces. The cardigans are constructed using set-in sleeve construction, which requires careful measurement and shaping at the armhole and sleeve cap to achieve a professional finish. Button bands are incorporated for the cardigan front closures, requiring knowledge of picking up stitches along edges and working ribbed edgings. The pattern emphasizes the importance of working to stated tension to ensure proper fit across all five size options.

Stitches Used

The pattern utilizes basic knit and purl stitches as the foundation of the design. Key abbreviations include K (knit), P (purl), and M1 (make 1 stitch), which is used for increasing stitches by picking up horizontal strands. The st (stitch) abbreviation indicates individual stitches throughout the pattern. Ribbed edgings are incorporated, which are created by alternating knit and purl stitches in vertical columns. The pattern references ws (wrong side) to distinguish between right-side and wrong-side rows, a standard practice in written knitting patterns.

Materials

This project requires Woolcraft Double Crepe DK yarn, a double knit weight yarn available in multiple colorways including Navy (shade 06) and Matador (shade 03). Yarn quantities vary by size, ranging from 2 balls for the smallest size to 4 balls for the largest size. The pattern calls for two pairs of knitting needles: 3.25mm (UK size 10) and 4mm (UK size 8), allowing for needle adjustment if tension requires modification. Additional notions include safety-pins for holding stitches during construction. Button quantities differ between the two neckline versions: the crew neck version requires 5 to 7 buttons depending on size, while the v-neck version requires 4 to 6 buttons.

Difficulty Level

This pattern is rated as intermediate difficulty, making it suitable for knitters with foundational skills who are ready to tackle garment construction. The intermediate classification reflects the complexity of shaping multiple pieces, managing set-in sleeves, and achieving proper fit across multiple sizes. Success with this project depends on careful attention to tension and accurate stitch counting.