Phoebe - Child’s 8ply cardigan in three colours

Phoebe Child's 8ply Cardigan in Three Colours

What is Being Made

Phoebe is a child's cardigan designed by Jennifer Lee, crafted in 8ply (DK weight) yarn using a three-colour colourwork approach. This set-in sleeve cardigan features a round neckline and is suitable for children aged 2 to 8 years, with garment chest measurements ranging from 55cm (21¾ inches) to 70cm (27½ inches). The cardigan includes button front closure and striped sleeves that showcase the multi-colour design element.

Techniques Used

The Phoebe cardigan employs fundamental knitting techniques appropriate for beginners. The pattern utilizes set-in sleeves, which are fitted into the armhole rather than dropped or raglan style, providing a classic tailored silhouette. The design incorporates colour stranding across the striped sleeves, allowing crafters to work with three distinct yarn colours throughout the project. The cardigan features ribbed bands at the neckline, front edges, and cuffs, which require working in the round or back-and-forth ribbing techniques to create neat, stretchy finishes.

Stitches Used

• Stocking Stitch (Stockinette Stitch): The primary stitch used for the main body of the cardigan, creating a smooth, classic knit fabric with a V-textured pattern on the right side
• 1x1 Rib: Used for all ribbed bands including the round neckline, front button bands, and sleeve cuffs, providing elasticity and a neat finish
• Striped Pattern: Created by alternating between the main colour and two contrast colours across the sleeves, adding visual interest and demonstrating basic colour-change techniques

Materials and Specifications

The Phoebe cardigan is worked in Carnival 8ply yarn, a medium-weight yarn that knits at approximately 310 metres per 100g ball. Yarn quantities vary by size: the smallest size (2 years) requires 1 ball of main colour, 1 ball of first contrast colour, and 1 ball of second contrast colour, while the largest size (8 years) requires 3 balls of main colour and 2 balls each of the contrast colours. Knitting is worked on 4.00mm knitting needles (UK size 8, US size 6), with tension set at 22 stitches and 30 rows over 10cm in stocking stitch. Additional materials include a wool needle for sewing seams, a stitch holder for managing stitches during construction, and 7 to 8 buttons depending on the size being made.

Pattern Rating and Suitability

Rated as Easy, the Phoebe cardigan is an excellent beginner knitting project. The straightforward construction, basic stitch vocabulary, and clear sizing options make it accessible to newer knitters while still producing a professional-looking, wearable garment suitable for gifting to young children.