Elevenses

Elevenses Knitted Cardigan by Frogginette Knitting Patterns

What is Being Made

Elevenses is a knitted cardigan designed by Lisa Chemery for babies and children. This downloadable PDF pattern offers nine size options ranging from 3 months through 10 years old, with chest measurements from 16 inches (40.5 cm) up to 28 inches (71 cm). The garment features a fitted silhouette with garment chest measurements at the underarms ranging from 18.5 inches (47 cm) to 32 inches (81.5 cm), providing appropriate ease for a comfortable children's cardigan.

Knitting Techniques and Construction

This cardigan is constructed using circular needle knitting techniques, which allows for seamless or nearly seamless construction. The pattern employs a multi-needle approach, utilizing circular needles for the main body and flat sections, with double-pointed needles (dpns) designated for sleeve shaping and cuff work. This construction method is typical of modern knitting patterns and provides flexibility in working flat or in the round depending on the pattern's specific instructions.

Stitches Used

The Elevenses cardigan features stockinette stitch as the primary stitch pattern. Stockinette stitch creates a smooth, classic fabric with a neat appearance suitable for children's garments. Gauge matching in stockinette stitch is essential for this pattern, and knitters are instructed to match the specified gauge to ensure proper fit across all nine size options.

Needles and Materials

The pattern requires three sizes of needles to accommodate different sections of the cardigan:

• Size A: US 8 (5 mm diameter) circular needle, at least 24 inches (60 cm) in length, used for the main body
• Size B: US 7 (4.5 mm diameter) circular needle, at least 24 inches (60 cm) in length, for hem and button band/collar ribbing
• Size C: US 6 (4 mm diameter) circular needle for additional ribbed sections

Each needle size has a matching set of double-pointed needles for sleeve work. The pattern calls for worsted weight yarn, which is a standard, versatile yarn weight ideal for children's garments due to its durability and ease of care. Knitters should select yarn quantities and colors according to the specific size being made, with yardage requirements varying by size.

Difficulty Level

Elevenses is rated as an intermediate knitting project. This classification reflects the pattern's use of circular needle techniques, multiple needle sizes, and the need for accurate gauge matching. While not a beginner pattern, intermediate knitters with experience in basic increases, decreases, and working with circular needles will find this project manageable. The pattern encourages sizing flexibility, recommending that knitters choose sizes based on actual chest measurements rather than age labels alone, allowing for customization of ease and fit.

Pattern Format

Elevenses is available as a downloadable PDF pattern from Frogginette Knitting Patterns, an independent designer. This format allows immediate access to the complete pattern instructions and sizing charts for all nine sizes in one document.