Sakura

Sakura Relaxed Fit Cardigan by JustJussi

What is Being Made

The Sakura is a relaxed fit cardigan designed for infants and young children in sizes 0–6 months, 6–12 months, 2 years, 4 years, and 6 years. The pattern offers versatility with short or long sleeve options, allowing knitters to choose the most suitable version for their project. Chest measurements range from 43 cm (0–6 months) to 62 cm (6 years), accommodating growing children across multiple age ranges.

Knitting Techniques and Construction

This intermediate-level cardigan employs fundamental knitting techniques suitable for knitters with basic experience. The construction uses garter stitch (knitting every row), which creates a textured, reversible fabric with horizontal ridges. The pattern incorporates essential shaping methods including increases and decreases to achieve the relaxed fit silhouette and proper garment proportions across all size ranges.

Stitches Used

The Sakura cardigan utilizes core knitting stitches and abbreviations including:

• Knit (k) – the fundamental stitch forming the fabric base
• Purl (p) – used in combination with knit stitches for textural variation
• Knit two together (k2tog) – a right-leaning decrease used for shaping
• Pass slipped stitch over (psso) – a left-leaning decrease for symmetrical shaping
• Garter stitch – created by knitting every row, forming the primary fabric texture
• Cast off (bind off) – used to secure final stitches and finish edges

Yarn and Materials

The Sakura pattern calls for Aran or heavy worsted weight yarn, providing a substantial, durable fabric suitable for children's wear. The pattern specifies Filatura di Crosa Charly, with each 50g skein yielding 65 meters (71 yards). Main colour (MC) yarn requirements range from 200 meters (219 yards) for the smallest size to 420 meters (460 yards) for the 6-year size, with reduced yardage needed for the short sleeve version. A small amount of contrast colour (CC) yarn—approximately 25 meters (28 yards)—is required for added design detail. Knitters will need appropriate needles for chunky-weight yarn to achieve proper gauge and fabric consistency throughout the cardigan.

Pattern Details

This original knitwear design by Justine Turner (JustJussi) is identified as pattern number JJ1050. The relaxed fit silhouette makes the cardigan comfortable for active children while remaining easy to layer over other garments. The inclusion of both sleeve length options increases the pattern's utility across seasons and personal preference.