Sugared Violet

Sugared Violet Knit Bolero and Cardigan by Taiga Hilliard Designs

Project Overview

Sugared Violet is a timeless classic knit garment designed for little girls, created by independent designer Taiga Hilliard Designs. This pattern offers versatility with two distinct sleeve options, allowing crafters to customize the finished piece. The garment features a charming ruffle detail at the hem, adding a decorative and feminine touch to this top-down knit construction.

Garment Construction and Techniques

This intermediate-level knitting project is worked from the top down, a popular construction method that allows for easy fitting adjustments and the ability to try on the garment as you progress. The top-down approach begins at the neckline and works downward toward the hem, making it simple to add length or modify fit before binding off. The pattern includes a fun ruffle hem detail that adds visual interest and texture to the finished garment.

Knitting Stitches and Abbreviations

The Sugared Violet pattern utilizes a variety of fundamental and intermediate knitting stitches and techniques:

• K (Knit) and P (Purl) – Basic stitches forming the foundation of the fabric
• K2tog (Knit two stitches together) and SSK (Slip, slip, knit together) – Decrease stitches for shaping
• Kfb (Knit into the front and back of the stitch) – Increase stitches for shaping
• M1L and M1R (Make one left and make one right) – Picked-up increases that pick up the horizontal strand between needles from specific directions for invisible shaping
• YO (Yarn over) – Creates decorative holes, often used in lace or eyelet details
• Pm (Place marker) and Sm (Slip marker) – Techniques for tracking pattern sections and shaping points

Materials and Gauge

The Sugared Violet pattern calls for Cascade 220 Superwash yarn, a durable and washable superwash wool blend ideal for children's garments. Knitters work with US size 7 (4.50 mm) needles for the main fabric, with US size 6 (4.00 mm) needles recommended for ribbing or as needed to achieve proper gauge. The pattern specifies a gauge of 20.0 stitches over 4 inches, which is essential for achieving the correct finished measurements.

Sizing and Yardage

Sugared Violet is available in nine sizes ranging from newborn to children's 10 years old. Yardage requirements scale with size, beginning at 150 yards for the 0-3 months size and increasing to 600-650 yards for the largest 8-10 years size. Corresponding chest measurements range from 14½ inches for the smallest size to 27 inches for the largest, ensuring proper fit across all age ranges.

Notions and Finishing

The pattern requires buttons for closure, with the quantity varying by size from 2 to 10 buttons in a ½-inch size. These notions allow for a functional and adjustable closure, making the garment practical for dressing young children.

Difficulty Level

Rated as an intermediate project, Sugared Violet is suitable for knitters with foundational skills who are ready to tackle garment construction, shaping techniques, and multi-piece assembly. The top-down construction method simplifies fitting adjustments, making it accessible to intermediate-level crafters seeking to expand their garment-making repertoire.