Spring flower

Spring Flower Cardigan by Elin Bergsdottir

What is Being Made

The Spring Flower is a children's cardigan designed by Elin Bergsdottir, featuring long sleeves and button closures. This knitted garment is inspired by a child's vision and incorporates decorative floral elements throughout the design. The cardigan is available in five sizes ranging from 2 years (21 inches) to 8 years (27 inches), with sizing based on actual measurements rather than age recommendations.

Construction Method and Techniques

This cardigan is worked from the bottom up, meaning knitting begins at the hem and progresses upward toward the neckline. The pattern includes cable work, requiring either a dedicated cable needle or an extra double-pointed needle to hold stitches while crossing cables. The design incorporates floral motifs integrated into the knitted fabric, adding visual interest and texture to the finished piece.

Stitches and Stitch Details

The primary stitch used throughout the cardigan is stocking stitch, which creates a smooth, classic knit fabric. The gauge for stocking stitch is 27 stitches and 38 rows over 4 inches, providing a standard reference for achieving proper fit and drape. Cable stitches are incorporated as decorative elements, requiring careful attention to the stitch holder technique during construction.

Yarn and Materials

This pattern calls for 3 to 4 balls of 50-gram yarn in fingering weight or 4 ply (14 wraps per inch). The designer uses Trysil babygarn, which is 100% merino wool, making it soft and suitable for children's wear. Merino wool provides natural temperature regulation and breathability.

Needles and Tools Required

• One 3mm circular needle, 60cm length
• 3mm double-pointed needles for working small circumferences
• 3mm crochet hook for finishing details
• One extra double-pointed needle or cable needle for cable work
• Tapestry needle for weaving in ends and seaming
• Four stitch markers or loops of yarn for marking pattern repeats
• Four stitch holders or pieces of yarn for holding stitches
• Three to twelve buttons for closures, depending on personal preference

Difficulty Level

This pattern is rated as intermediate difficulty, making it suitable for knitters with some experience beyond basic techniques. The inclusion of cable work and the bottom-up construction method require solid foundational skills and pattern-reading ability. The designer recommends reading through the entire pattern before beginning to ensure understanding of all steps.

Design Inspiration

The Spring Flower cardigan was created to fulfill a child's specific requests for a long-sleeved, buttoned cardigan featuring floral elements. The yarn color and weight were selected by the designer's daughter, making this a personalized piece that combines technical knitting skill with meaningful design collaboration.