Ravi Junior

Ravi Junior Cardigan by Carol Feller

What Is Being Made

The Ravi Junior is a downloadable knitting pattern for a baby and children's cardigan designed by Carol Feller. This intermediate-level project creates a fitted cardigan with a lace yoke detail, suitable for infants through children up to 10 years old. The pattern offers seven size options with finished chest measurements ranging from 21 inches (53.5 cm) for a 6-month-old up to 30 inches (76 cm) for a 10-year-old, with corresponding back length measurements from 12.25 inches (31 cm) to 21.25 inches (54 cm).

Techniques and Construction

This cardigan is constructed using top-down knitting methodology, beginning with the lace yoke and working downward to the body. The pattern incorporates garter stitch for the main body fabric, which creates a textured, reversible fabric with excellent drape suitable for babies and young children. The yoke features a lace pattern that adds visual interest and sophistication to the design. The cardigan closes with three safety pins or buttons approximately 0.5 inches (10 mm) in diameter, making it practical for dressing active children.

Stitches Used

• Garter Stitch: The primary stitch throughout the body, created by knitting every row. This produces a reversible, textured fabric that is warm and forgiving for intermediate knitters.
• Lace Yoke Pattern: A decorative stitch pattern worked in the upper portion of the cardigan, adding elegance and visual detail to the garment.

Yarn and Materials

The pattern provides flexibility with two yarn options, both in sport weight:

• Stolen Stitches 'Nua': A blend of 60% Merino, 20% Yak, and 20% Linen with 153 yards (140 meters) per 1.76 ounces (50 grams). The sample shown uses the colorway Angry Monkey (9807), requiring 3 to 7 skeins depending on size.
• Millamia 'Naturally Soft Merino': 100% Merino wool with 137 yards (125 meters) per 50-gram skein in the Plum (162) colorway, requiring 4 to 10 skeins based on size selection.

Needles and Notions

Knitters will need a Size 6 US (4 mm) circular needle measuring 40 inches (100 cm) in length for working the body in the round. For sleeve construction, knitters may use either the same circular needle with the magic loop technique or Size 6 US (4 mm) double-pointed needles as an alternative. Additional notions include stitch markers, waste yarn for holding stitches, a tapestry needle for finishing, three safety pins, and three buttons approximately 0.5 inches (10 mm) in diameter.

Gauge

Achieving proper gauge is essential for this project. The pattern specifies 21 stitches and 40 rows over 4 inches (10 cm) in Garter Stitch and 21 stitches and 29 rows over 4 inches (10 cm) in the Lace Yoke Pattern. Knitters should swatch both stitch patterns to ensure accurate finished measurements, as gauge variations will affect the fit of this fitted cardigan.

Difficulty Level

Rated as intermediate, this pattern assumes knitters are comfortable with circular needle techniques, reading stitch patterns, and working lace stitches. The combination of garter stitch simplicity with lace pattern complexity makes it an appropriate challenge for knitters progressing beyond basic skills.