Product Description
I designed this cardigan for the child of a friend. I have been knitting for her since before her birth, and for each occasion I try to do something different. I had already made her sweaters with Fair Isle colorwork, lace, Icelandic colorwork, and simple stockinette, so this time I decided to do something with texture. I’ve already used her name for other designs, so this time I used her mum’s maiden name, Chase (which I especially like as it’s not gender-specific, and this isn’t necessarily a girl’s sweater!).
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Chase Cardigan by Bonnie Franz
What Is Being Made
The Chase Cardigan is a hooded set-in sleeve jacket designed for infants and toddlers, available in seven sizes ranging from newborn through 6 years old. This knitted cardigan features finished chest measurements from 20 inches (51 cm) for newborn sizing up to 32 inches (81.5 cm) for the 6-year size, with corresponding length adjustments from 10 inches (25.5 cm) to 19.25 inches (49 cm). The cardigan is shown in two colorway samples: a red newborn version and a green 24-month version.
Design Features and Construction
The Chase Cardigan is knit flat rather than in the round, making it an accessible project for knitters comfortable with seaming. The garment includes a hood integrated into the design and set-in sleeves that provide a tailored, structured fit. The front closure is customizable, allowing makers to choose from toggles, buttons, clasps, ties, zippers, or other fastening options based on personal preference and safety considerations for the intended wearer.
Stitch Pattern and Edging
The cardigan features a dot stitch pattern as the primary textural element throughout the body and sleeves. This stitch creates visual interest while remaining accessible to intermediate-level knitters. The edges are finished with ribbed edging, which provides structure, elasticity, and a polished appearance to the neckline, front bands, cuff edges, and hem.
Techniques Used
- Flat knitting (worked back and forth on straight needles rather than in the round)
- Set-in sleeve construction, requiring careful shaping and seaming
- Ribbed edging techniques for neckline, front bands, and cuffs
- Hood integration into the garment structure
- Gauge-dependent sizing across multiple age ranges
- Seaming and finishing techniques to join garment pieces
Yarn and Materials
The Chase Cardigan is designed for worsted weight yarn (Medium/4 weight), representing an adaptation of a design originally published in CastOn magazine in DK weight. The pattern requires between 268 yards (245 meters) for the smallest newborn size and 760 yards (695 meters) for the largest 6-year size. The sample garments were knitted using Caron Simply Soft for the red version and Caron Cakes for the green version, both worsted-weight options suitable for baby garments.
Gauge and Skill Level
Achieving the correct gauge is essential for proper fit across the multiple sizes offered. The pattern specifies 18 stitches and 23 rows to 4 inches (10 cm) over pattern stitch. This intermediate-level project requires knitters to be comfortable with reading pattern instructions, managing multiple size options, and executing set-in sleeve shaping. The pattern designer strongly recommends reading through the entire pattern and highlighting or circling numbers specific to your chosen size before beginning, given the extensive sizing information throughout the instructions.
Pattern Format
The Chase Cardigan is available as a downloadable PDF pattern, making it accessible for immediate digital access and printing for reference during the knitting process.
```Specifications
| Brand: | Independent Designer |
| Yarn Weight: | Aran |
| Pages: | 5 |
| Designer: | Bonnie Franz |
| Craft: | Knitting |
| Format: | Downloadable PDF |
| Languages: | English |
| Notes: | The accessories you need depend on the closures you choose- toggles, buttons, zipper, self tie, etc. |
| Number of Patterns: | 1 |
| Skill Level: | Intermediate |
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