Babies Cross Over Cardigan in Bergere de France Barisienne - 60437-03 - Downloadable PDF

Babies Cross Over Cardigan in Bergere de France Barisienne – Pattern Summary

This downloadable PDF knitting pattern from Bergere de France provides instructions for a charming babies' crossover cardigan, also described as a cache-cœur (wrap-front style cardigan). Designed with a classic overlapping front closure, this little garment is a timeless wardrobe staple for newborns and young babies. The pattern is rated Facile (Easy/Beginner), making it an ideal project for knitters who are new to baby garment construction or looking for a relaxed, satisfying make.

Sizes Available

The pattern covers four sizes to take babies from the earliest weeks through their first year:

• 1 mois (1 month)
• 3 mois (3 months)
• 6 mois (6 months)
• 12 mois (12 months)

Having four size options in a single pattern makes this a versatile purchase, useful for knitting gifts at multiple stages of a baby's growth.

Yarn and Materials

The pattern is written specifically for Bergere de France Barisienne yarn, a DK weight yarn. The colourway referenced in the pattern is Mélisse, and the pattern calls for 2 pelotes (balls) across the sizes listed. As with all knitting patterns, achieving the correct tension swatch before beginning is essential, particularly when knitting for babies where fit and comfort matter greatly.

• Yarn: Bergere de France Barisienne (DK weight), colourway Mélisse
• Needles: 3.5 mm knitting needles
• Notions: 3 press studs (snap fasteners) for the front closure, ecru sewing thread to form 4 belt loops (passants), and a Ruban à Pois Réversible Barisienne ribbon (5 mm wide, 1 metre long, in Beige/Marron, Ref. 53311) for decorative or functional trimming

Construction and Techniques

The crossover cardigan is constructed in separate pieces that are then seamed together, a traditional approach well-suited to beginner knitters as it allows each section to be worked flat and joined neatly at the end.

Stitch Techniques Used

• Garter Stitch (Point Mousse): The sleeves and likely the main body sections are worked in garter stitch — the simplest of all knitting textures, created by knitting every row. Garter stitch produces a squishy, reversible fabric with natural stretch, making it wonderfully soft and practical for baby clothing.
• Neckline Border: The pattern specifies keeping the last 5 stitches for the neckline border, indicating a neat, integrated edging technique worked alongside the main fabric.
• Increases and Decreases: Sleeve shaping is achieved through increases worked 2 stitches from the edge, beginning after 3 cm (12 rows) of straight knitting. Decreases for the sleeve cap (tête de manche) are worked every 2 rows in a stepped sequence — 1 x 2 stitches, then 3 x 1 stitch — with all decreases placed 3 stitches from the edge for a clean, professional finish.
• Cast On and Bind Off: Standard cast-on and cast-off methods are used throughout, including binding off remaining sleeve cap stitches after shaping is complete.

Sleeve Construction

The sleeves are worked flat in garter stitch, beginning with a cast-on of 31–34–36–38 stitches depending on size. After 3 cm of straight knitting, increases are added on each side every few rows. The sleeve is worked to a total height of 15–17–19–22 cm (64–72–80–92 rows) before sleeve cap shaping begins. The shaped sleeve cap is then sewn into the armhole.

Assembly and Finishing

Once all pieces