Ma Belle

Ma Belle Cardigan by Lindsay Pekny

What is Being Made

Ma Belle is a children's cardigan designed by Lindsay Pekny for Dream in Color Designs. This downloadable knitting pattern is sized for young children, with finished chest measurements ranging from 27 to 33 inches and finished lengths from 11 to 15 inches. The pattern includes four size options: 2, 4, 6, and 8 years, making it suitable for a range of early childhood ages. The cardigan shown in the pattern photographs features the color Gothic Rose in Dream in Color CLASSY Worsted Superwash Merino yarn.

Techniques Used

This intermediate-level knitting project employs several fundamental shaping and decorative techniques. The pattern incorporates lace stitch work, which adds visual interest and texture to the finished garment. Shaping is achieved through strategic increases and decreases, including m1 increases (make one increases worked by lifting the horizontal strand between stitches and knitting through the back loop) and ssk decreases (slip, slip, knit), as well as k2tog decreases (knit two together). These techniques allow the cardigan to be shaped to fit the child's body while maintaining the integrity of the stitch pattern.

Stitches Used

The primary stitch structure is stockinette stitch, which creates a smooth, classic fabric with a defined right side and reverse side. The pattern also features a lace pattern worked over a multiple of 8 stitches, which is detailed in a chart provided at the end of the pattern. The combination of stockinette and lace creates visual dimension while remaining accessible to intermediate knitters.

Materials and Tools

The cardigan is knitted using Dream in Color CLASSY Worsted Superwash Merino yarn in a worsted weight. The yardage requirement varies by size: 2 skeins for the smallest size and up to 3 skeins for the larger sizes. Knitting is worked on US #8 circular needles in two lengths—16 inches and 24 inches—to accommodate different sections of the garment. The gauge is 17 stitches and 24 rows over 4 inches in stockinette stitch, which is essential for achieving the correct finished measurements. Additional notions required include stitch markers for tracking pattern repeats, a tapestry needle for weaving in ends, and scrap yarn for holding stitches.

Pattern Structure

The pattern uses standard knitting abbreviations and includes a detailed key for special techniques. Instructions are provided for right side and wrong side rows, and the lace pattern is presented both in written form and as a chart for visual reference. The use of circular needles allows for seamless construction or flat knitting depending on the designer's preferred method.