Corlyna Cardigan

Corlyna Cardigan by Fyberspates

What is Being Made

The Corlyna Cardigan is a lovely little knitted cardigan designed by Belinda Boaden for independent designer Fyberspates. This downloadable PDF pattern is suitable for babies and young children, with sizes ranging from 6 months to 24 months. The cardigan features a beautiful sea-shell cluster stitch pattern adorning the yoke, making it an elegant and decorative piece perfect for special occasions or everyday wear.

Techniques Used

This intermediate-level knitting project employs several fundamental knitting techniques that create both structure and visual interest. The pattern requires increasing and decreasing to shape the garment pieces and achieve proper fit across the range of sizes. Picking up stitches is used to create the button bands and finish edges. The signature design element involves working cluster stitches, which are decorative stitches that create the distinctive sea-shell pattern on the yoke. These techniques combine to produce a garment with professional shaping and ornamental detailing.

Stitches Used

The primary stitch structure is stockinette stitch (st st), which forms the main fabric of the cardigan and provides a smooth, classic knitted surface. The yoke is embellished with cluster stitches, defined in the pattern as "Cluster 5." This special stitch involves slipping five stitches from the left needle to the right needle purlwise while dropping extra loops, then slipping them back to the left needle and working (K1, P1, K1, P1, K1) into those stitches. This creates the characteristic sea-shell texture and visual pattern that distinguishes the cardigan's design.

Materials and Gauge

The Corlyna Cardigan is designed to be knitted with Fyberspates Scrumptious 4ply/Sport yarn, a luxurious blend of 45% silk and 55% superwash merino wool. This yarn composition provides both softness and durability, making it ideal for delicate baby garments. Depending on the size being made, the pattern requires between 1 and 2 skeins of 100g each. The cardigan shown in the pattern is available in two colorways: Oyster (303) for the 6-month size and Slate (307) for the 12-month size.

Knitting needles in two sizes are required: 3.25mm [UK 10/US 3] and 3.5mm [UK 10-9/US 4] needles. The pattern is worked to a tension of 26 stitches and 34 rows to 10cm over stockinette stitch on 3.5mm needles. Additional notions include stitch holders for managing stitches during construction, 5 to 6 buttons approximately 1.25cm [1/2 inch] in diameter for closure, and an optional crochet hook for any finishing techniques.

Size Range and Finished Measurements

• 6 months: To fit chest 41cm (16in); Actual chest 50cm (19.5in); Length 27.5cm
• 12 months: To fit chest 43cm (17in); Actual chest 53cm (21in); Length 29.5cm
• 18 months: To fit chest 46cm (18in); Actual chest 56cm (22in); Length 31.5cm
• 24 months: To fit chest 48cm (19in); Actual chest 58cm (23in); Length 33.5cm
• 24 months (larger): To fit chest 51cm (20in); Actual chest 61cm (24in); Length 35.5cm