Child's Ruffle Sleeve cardigan/vest

Child's Ruffle Sleeve Cardigan by Leanna's Designs

Project Overview

This downloadable knitting pattern from Leanna's Designs creates a child's ruffle sleeve cardigan or vest designed to complement a coordinating ruffle skirt. The garment is available in five sizes ranging from 18 months to 4-5 years, with chest measurements from 53cm to 61cm (21 to 24 inches). This beginner-friendly pattern uses DK weight yarn and basic knitting techniques, making it an accessible project for knitters new to garment construction.

What Is Being Made

The pattern produces a fitted cardigan or vest featuring distinctive ruffle sleeves as the primary design element. The garment is buttoned and designed for young children, with size options accommodating growth from toddler through preschool ages. The ruffle sleeve detail adds visual interest and dimension to an otherwise classic cardigan silhouette.

Yarn and Materials

The cardigan is worked in 8-ply (DK weight) or sport weight yarn. Yardage requirements vary by size, ranging from 100g (approximately 1 ball) for the smallest size up to 200g (2 balls) for the largest sizes. The pattern calls for two buttons for all sizes, providing a simple closure system suitable for children's clothing. Circular needles measuring 24 inches or straight needles in sizes 3.5mm and 4mm (US 4 and 6, or UK 10 and 8) are required.

Techniques and Stitches Used

This beginner pattern employs fundamental knitting techniques appropriate for those learning garment construction:

• Moss Stitch – Used for the border sections, created by alternating knit and purl stitches in a checkerboard pattern that provides a textured, stable edge
• Stockinette Stitch – The main fabric stitch used for the body of the cardigan, creating a smooth, classic knit appearance
• Make One (M1) Increase – A technique for picking up the loop between stitches and knitting through the back of the loop to create new stitches, used for shaping the garment
• Casting On and Binding Off – Essential foundational techniques for beginning and finishing the knitted pieces

Gauge and Sizing

The pattern specifies a gauge of 22 stitches and 30 rows over 10cm (4 inches) when worked in stockinette stitch on the larger needles. Achieving proper gauge is essential for ensuring the finished garment fits correctly across the five available size options.

Pattern Structure

The pattern is organized by garment sections, beginning with instructions for the back piece. The back is worked from the bottom up, starting with a moss stitch border measuring approximately 4cm (1.5 inches) in height, followed by stockinette stitch for the main body length. The pattern provides specific measurements for each size to guide the knitter through completion of all pieces.