Verity Baby Cardigan

Verity Baby Cardigan by Sophie McKane

What is Being Made

The Verity Baby Cardigan is a knitted button-front cardigan designed for babies, available in five sizes ranging from 3 months to 24 months. The garment features a lace pattern detail and is designed to fit chest sizes from 41cm to 51cm with positive ease of 11-14cm for comfortable wear. The sample shown is in the 6-month size.

Techniques Used

This intermediate-level knitting project employs several key techniques. The main body is worked in stockinette stitch with integrated lace patterning. The sleeves are constructed using double-pointed needles (DPNs) for seamless, in-the-round knitting. Edgings are worked on smaller needles to create neat, finished edges around the button bands and hem. The pattern requires careful blocking to ensure the lace opens fully and the button bands remain straight, using blocking pins to achieve professional results.

Stitches and Construction

The cardigan is primarily worked in stockinette stitch (St st) over the main body, with lace pattern sections that add visual interest and texture. The gauge is measured at 27 stitches and 36 rows over 10cm in stockinette stitch on larger needles. The construction method allows for adjustable body length using the provided schematic, making it easy to customize the fit for individual children.

Materials and Yarn Requirements

This project uses Home Farm Wensleydales 4 Ply yarn in the colorway Burford Blue. The yarn is 100% wool with approximately 200 metres per 50-gram skein. Yarn quantities vary by size: 2 skeins are required for the three smallest sizes (3 months, 6 months, and 12 months), while 2 skeins are needed for the 18-month size and 3 skeins for the 24-month size. This equates to approximately 280 to 410 metres of light fingering weight yarn depending on the chosen size.

Needles and Notions

• US 2/2.75mm needles for the main body
• US 1/2.25mm needles for working edgings
• US 2/2.75mm double-pointed needles (DPNs) for knitting sleeves
• 5 stitch markers for tracking pattern repeats and shaping
• 5 buttons, 10mm diameter, for the front closure
• Tapestry needle for weaving in ends and seaming
• Waste yarn or stitch holders for securing stitches

Design Notes

Sophie McKane designed the Verity Baby Cardigan with practical considerations for fit and finishing. The pattern recommends measuring the child's chest and selecting a size based on actual measurements rather than age alone, ensuring a proper fit. The body length can be adjusted as needed using the provided schematic. During blocking, the fronts should be gently stretched to allow the lace pattern to fully open and display its detail, with blocking pins used to maintain straight button bands and an even hem.