Loop Edge Cardigan

Loop Edge Cardigan by Sian Brown

What is Being Made

The Loop Edge Cardigan is a children's knitted cardigan designed by Sian Brown, available in seven sizes ranging from age 2 to 3 years through 10 to 11 years. The garment features a distinctive decorative loop edge detail that adds visual interest and texture to the finished piece. This intermediate-level knitting project creates a practical, wearable cardigan suitable for everyday children's wear.

Techniques Used

This cardigan employs several key knitting techniques to achieve its finished design. Stocking stitch forms the primary fabric structure, creating a smooth, classic knit surface. The signature feature involves a specialized loop-making technique that creates decorative loops along the edges of the garment. The pattern uses cast-on and cast-off methods to establish and finish edges, and incorporates increases to shape the garment pieces during construction. Working with circular needles allows for seamless construction in certain sections, while traditional straight needles are used for flat pieces.

Stitches Used

The Loop Edge Cardigan utilizes fundamental knitting stitches appropriate for an intermediate skill level. Knit stitches and purl stitches form the foundation of the stocking stitch fabric. The pattern features a special abbreviation, ML (Make Loop), which involves a multi-step process: knitting one stitch while keeping it on the left-hand needle, creating a loop with the yarn over the left thumb, returning the yarn and knitting the stitch again, then passing stitches over the made loop to secure it. This creates the characteristic decorative loops that define the cardigan's aesthetic.

Materials and Specifications

The Loop Edge Cardigan is designed to be knitted using Debbie Bliss Cashmerino DK yarn in a two-color colorway. The pattern calls for Pink (Color 1) as the primary color, requiring 3 to 5 balls of 50 gm depending on size, and Lilac (Color 2) as the secondary color, requiring 2 to 4 balls of 50 gm. The yarn weight is DK (Double Knitting), a versatile medium weight suitable for children's garments.

Needles required include a pair of size 3.75mm straight needles, a pair of size 4mm straight needles, and a size 3.75mm circular needle. The pattern is worked to a tension of 22 stitches by 30 rows over a 10 by 10 centimeter swatch in stocking stitch using 4mm needles, ensuring proper garment sizing and fit across all seven size options.

Size Range and Finished Measurements

The cardigan accommodates children from age 2 to 11 years, with actual chest measurements ranging from 61 centimeters (24 inches) for the smallest size to 94 centimeters (37 inches) for the largest. Garment length varies from 25 centimeters (9¾ inches) for the 2 to 3 year size to 49 centimeters (21¼ inches) for the 10 to 11 year size. Sleeve length progresses from 18 centimeters (7 inches) to 31 centimeters (12½ inches) across the size range, allowing the pattern to grow with children through multiple years of wear.