Breton-style Striped Baby Cardigan in double knitting yarn

Breton-Style Striped Baby Cardigan in Double Knitting Yarn

What Is Being Made

This is a classic Breton-style striped baby cardigan designed by Pins & Needles, featuring traditional horizontal stripes in two contrasting yarn colors. The cardigan is available in three sizes to fit chest measurements of 46 cm (18"), 51 cm (20"), and 56 cm (22"), with finished lengths ranging from 27 cm (10.5") to 33 cm (13") and adjustable sleeve lengths from 18 cm (7") to 21.75 cm (8.5"). The design includes button closures, with 6 or 7 buttons depending on size.

Techniques Used

This beginner-friendly knitting project employs fundamental knitting techniques suitable for those new to the craft. The cardigan construction utilizes stocking stitch as the primary fabric structure, creating a smooth, classic finish ideal for displaying the striped color work. The horizontal stripe pattern is achieved through color work techniques, alternating between main and contrast yarn shades throughout the piece. The cardigan features button band construction for the front closures and likely includes ribbed edging at the cuffs, hem, and neckline to provide structure and elasticity to the finished garment.

Stitches Used

• Knit stitch (K) – the fundamental stitch forming the primary fabric
• Purl stitch (P) – used in combination with knit stitches
• Stocking stitch – the main stitch pattern created by alternating knit and purl rows, producing the smooth, classic appearance of the cardigan

Materials and Yarn Specifications

This project uses double knitting (DK) weight yarn, a versatile medium-weight yarn ideal for baby garments due to its balance of warmth and breathability. The pattern requires two yarn colors: a main shade and a contrast shade. Yardage requirements vary by size, with the smallest size requiring 210 metres (230 yards) each of main and contrast shades, while the largest size needs 315 metres (345 yards) of main shade and 252 metres (276 yards) of contrast shade. In terms of weight, the smallest size uses 100 grams of each color, the medium size uses 100 grams of main and 100 grams of contrast, and the largest size requires 150 grams of main shade and 120 grams of contrast shade.

Needles and Notions

The pattern calls for two pairs of needles in different sizes to achieve proper fabric tension and structure. Knitters will need a pair of 3.25 mm (UK size 10, US size 3) needles and a pair of 4 mm (UK size 8, US size 6) needles. The smaller needles are typically used for ribbed edgings, while the larger needles are used for the main stocking stitch fabric. The pattern requires 6 or 7 buttons depending on the chosen size, serving as functional closures for the cardigan front.

Tension and Gauge

Achieving the correct tension is essential for this project. The pattern specifies a tension of 22 stitches and 30 rows to 10 cm (4 inches) in stocking stitch using 4 mm needles. Knitters should adjust needle size as needed to achieve this gauge, as proper tension ensures the finished cardigan meets the intended measurements and drapes appropriately on a baby.