Tie-front cardigan

Tie-Front Cardigan by JustJussi

Project Overview

The Tie-Front Cardigan is a cute and simple long-sleeved knitted top designed by Justine Turner for babies and toddlers. This downloadable knitting pattern is available in five sizes, ranging from newborn (3 months) through 24 months, with chest measurements from 40.5 cm to 50.5 cm. The design features a charming tie-front closure that adds both visual interest and practical functionality to this classic infant garment.

What Is Being Made

This pattern creates a fitted cardigan-style top with long sleeves suitable for infants and toddlers. The garment features a distinctive tie-front design that serves as both a decorative and functional closure element. The pattern includes sizing for ages 3 months, 6 months, 12 months, 18 months, and 24 months, with corresponding chest circumference measurements of 40.5 cm, 43 cm, 45.5 cm, 48 cm, and 50.5 cm respectively.

Knitting Techniques Used

This intermediate-level knitting project employs several essential knitting techniques that knitters will encounter throughout the construction process. The pattern utilizes the 3-needle bind off technique, a professional finishing method that creates a seamless join. To execute this technique, stitches destined to be cast off are arranged on two needles with right sides held together. Using a third needle, the knitter knits the first stitch from the front needle together with the corresponding stitch on the back needle, then slips the first stitch on the right-hand needle over the second stitch in a conventional cast-off motion. This process repeats from beginning to end, resulting in a strong, flexible seam ideal for joining shoulder pieces or finishing edges.

Stitches and Stitch Techniques

The pattern incorporates fundamental knitting stitches including knit stitches and purl stitches, which form the basis of the fabric construction. The abbreviations used in the pattern include standard knitting notation: cast off (bind off) knitwise and cast off (bind off) purlwise, allowing knitters to create different textural finishes depending on which stitch direction is used for the final row before binding off.

Materials and Yarn Specifications

The Tie-Front Cardigan requires sport weight or light DK (double knitting) weight yarn in wool or wool blend fibers. The yardage requirement is approximately 166 meters (181 yards) per 50 grams (1.76 ounces). The pattern notes that the designer has successfully tested the design using two different DK wool options: one with a yardage of 137 meters to 50 grams and another at 166 meters to 50 grams, confirming that both yarn options produce satisfactory results. Knitters should select needles appropriate for their chosen yarn weight to achieve proper gauge and fabric drape.

Pattern Details

This is an original knitwear design by Justine Turner, protected by copyright as of 2011. The pattern is provided in downloadable PDF format, making it accessible for immediate use. The intermediate difficulty level indicates that this project is suitable for knitters with foundational skills who are ready to tackle more complex construction techniques such as the 3-needle bind off and garment shaping.