1005 Penny Candy - Cardigan Knitting Pattern for Babies in Valley Yarns Montague

1005 Penny Candy – Baby Cardigan Knitting Pattern by Julie Turjoman in Valley Yarns Montague

The Penny Candy cardigan, pattern #1005 designed by Julie Turjoman, is a charming and gender-neutral infant cardigan sized to fit babies from newborn through toddler age. Available in four sizes — 0–6 months, 6–12 months, 12–18 months, and 18–24 months — this pattern is a wonderful choice for knitters who want to create a truly special handmade gift for a new arrival. The sample garment is shown in size 6–12 months, with finished chest measurements ranging from 19½ to 22¼ inches, buttoned, with 1–2 inches of positive ease to allow comfortable movement for active babies.

Design Details and Construction

Penny Candy is worked flat in separate pieces and then seamed together, following a classic bottom-up construction method. This traditional approach gives knitters precise control over shaping and finishing, and makes it easy to try pieces against each other as the project progresses. The cardigan features decorative cables running along the front panels, adding a beautiful textural element that elevates the design beyond a simple baby knit. The cable detailing gives the fronts a sophisticated, heirloom quality while keeping the overall aesthetic sweet and wearable for everyday use.

Techniques Used

• Bottom-up construction — pieces are begun at the lower edge and worked upward toward the shoulders
• Flat knitting — all pieces are worked back and forth in rows rather than in the round
• Seamed finishing — individual pieces are joined using seaming techniques for a neat, structured finish
• Cable knitting — front panels feature cable patterns worked with a cable needle, creating twisted rope-like textures
• Stitch holders or waste yarn — used to hold live stitches during construction

Stitches Used

• Stockinette stitch — the primary body fabric, with a gauge of 19 stitches and 26 rows to 4 inches on larger needles after blocking
• Cable stitches — worked on the front panels to create the signature textured detailing
• Likely ribbing or border stitches at edges and button bands, as is standard for structured infant cardigans of this type

Yarn and Materials

The pattern calls for Valley Yarns Montague, a 100% cotton yarn that is comfortably soft against a baby's delicate skin. Montague comes in 50 g / 110-yard hanks, and the pattern requires 3 (4, 5, 5) hanks depending on the size being knitted. The sample is shown in the color Straw. As a worsted weight yarn, Montague works up quickly while still producing a fabric with beautiful stitch definition — ideal for showcasing the cable panels on the fronts of this cardigan. Cotton is also a practical choice for baby garments, as it is breathable, washable, and gentle on sensitive skin.

Needles and Notions

• US size 7 (4.5 mm) circular needles in both 16-inch and 24-inch lengths (or size needed to achieve gauge) — primary needles for the body
• US size 6 (4.0 mm) circular needles in both 16-inch and 24-inch lengths — for borders, bands, or ribbing at a tighter gauge
• Cable needle — essential for working the front cable panels
• Stitch markers — for tracking pattern repeats and shaping points
• Stitch holders or waste yarn — for holding live stitches
• Tapestry needle — for seaming pieces and weaving in ends
• One ½-inch