Product Description
This simple, playful sweater can be worn with the buttons in back (as shown) or in front as a cardigan. The crew neckline is shaped on both front and back for comfort - no matter which way it's worn. A larger button on the contrast band adds to the design and fun. A great way to use some of the one of a kind buttons we all accumulate.
The sweater is worked from the bottom up, with the lower half done in a simple eyelet pattern, the rest of the sweater is done in Stockinette with Garter Stitch hem, contrast band and cuffs. The neckline is shaped on both front and back using short rows. Sleeves are worked from the top down. *yardage is for main color, contrast color in same weight (70-90 yards) will be needed for contrast band. Raid your stash scraps!
Skills needed beyond basics: Yarn over Short row (German short row instructions are included in pattern) Buttonholes (instructions for 2 row included) i-Cord bind off (instructions included)
Blue Swallowtail Cardigan by Flora and Fauna Knitwear Design
What is Being Made
The Blue Swallowtail is a versatile children's cardigan designed by Cindy Newhouse and available as a downloadable PDF pattern. This knitted sweater is inspired by the symbolism of blue butterflies, which represent good luck, joy, and happiness in many cultures. The cardigan features a flexible neckline that can be worn with the opening in the front as a traditional cardigan or reversed to the back as a pullover sweater, offering two styling options from a single pattern.
Garment Specifications
The Blue Swallowtail is sized for babies and toddlers, with finished chest measurements of 22, 24, 25, or 26 inches and hip measurements of 26, 28, 30, or 31 inches respectively. The pattern includes approximately 2 inches of positive ease at the chest for comfortable wear. Finished sizes correspond to approximately 9-12 months, 18 months, 2T, and 3T.
Construction Techniques
This cardigan is worked from the bottom up with top-down sleeves, a construction method that allows for easy fitting adjustments and sleeve length customization. The neckline shaping is worked on both the front and back pieces, contributing to the garment's versatile styling options.
Stitches and Stitch Patterns
The Blue Swallowtail features a decorative Eyelet Pattern that adds visual interest and breathability to the design. The eyelet pattern is worked over 8 rows and includes the following stitches:
- Knit stitches (k)
- Purl stitches (p)
- Knit two together decreases (k2tog)
- Yarn overs (yo)
- Garter Stitch (knit every row for 7 rows at the cast-on edge)
The eyelet pattern creates small decorative holes that repeat across the fabric, contributing to the sweater's delicate aesthetic while maintaining structural integrity.
Yarn and Materials
The Blue Swallowtail pattern calls for 4-ply fingering weight yarn. The recommended yarn is Huntington by Valley Yarns, which is composed of 75% superwash merino and 25% nylon. This fiber blend provides durability, easy care, and gentle comfort suitable for children's garments. Yardage requirements are as follows: Main Color (MC) requires 425, 510, 585, or 660 yards depending on size, and Contrast Color (CC) requires approximately 70-90 yards. The pattern notes that any fingering weight yarn of your choice may be substituted for the recommended yarn.
Skill Level and Difficulty
The Blue Swallowtail is rated as Intermediate difficulty, classified as an Advanced beginner skill level. This rating reflects the pattern's inclusion of eyelet work, shaping techniques, and the construction method of working from the bottom up with top-down sleeves. Knitters with foundational skills and some experience with stitch patterns will find this project accessible and rewarding.
```Specifications
| Brand: | Independent Designer |
| Yarn Weight: | Fingering |
| Pages: | 5 |
| Designer: | Flora and Fauna Knitwear Design |
| Craft: | Knitting |
| Format: | Downloadable PDF |
| Languages: | English |
| Notes: | The pattern shows one larger, decorative button and two-three smaller buttons to match sweater. |
| Number of Patterns: | 1 |
| Skill Level: | Intermediate |
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