Cherub

Cherub Knit Sweater and Cardigan by JustJussi

What Is Being Made

Cherub is an original knitwear design by Justine Turner, created as a charming children's sweater or cardigan featuring a delightful surprise element. From the front, it appears as a plain, unassuming garment, but the back reveals decorative wings that can be styled as angel, fairy, butterfly, or dragon wings. This design is available in eight sizes ranging from 3 months through 10 years, with actual chest measurements spanning from 40.5 cm (16 inches) for the smallest size to 70 cm (27.5 inches) for the largest size.

Knitting Techniques and Construction

Cherub is knit using circular needles worked straight throughout, a common technique for seamless or minimal-seam garment construction. The pattern accommodates two construction options: a simple pullover sweater or a buttoned cardigan version. For the cardigan option, knitters use two pairs of needles rather than one, allowing for the front bands and button plackets. The wings are integrated into the design as a back detail, creating visual interest and whimsy without compromising the front's clean aesthetic.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The primary stitch used throughout Cherub is stocking stitch (stockinette stitch), which creates the smooth, classic knit fabric characteristic of children's knitwear. This fundamental stitch provides a neat, refined appearance suitable for young wearers and allows the wing details to stand out as a textural or color-work feature.

Yarn and Materials

Cherub is designed to be knit with Skeinz "Prism" organic DK yarn, which offers 104 metres (113.7 yards) per 50g ball. The pattern requires 2 to 7 balls of main colour depending on size, plus 1 ball of contrast colour for the wings or accent details. DK (double knit) weight yarn is a versatile, medium-weight option ideal for children's garments, offering durability and comfort.

The needles required are 3.25 mm and 4 mm circular needles. For the pullover version, one pair of each size is needed; for the cardigan version, two pairs of each needle size are required. The pattern notes that needle length is immaterial as they are used straight throughout. Additional materials include a darning needle for finishing, stitch markers, stitch holders or scrap yarn, and buttons—either a single button at the neck or 5 to 8 buttons depending on size for the cardigan version.

Gauge and Difficulty Level

The pattern specifies a gauge of 22 stitches and 26 rows over 10 cm in stocking stitch, which is typical for DK-weight yarn. Cherub is rated as an intermediate difficulty pattern, making it suitable for knitters with foundational skills who are ready to tackle garment construction with shaping and finishing details.