Fianna Cardigan

Fianna Cardigan by Katy Farrell

What is Being Made

The Fianna Cardigan is a lacy top-down cardigan designed for infants and young children, available in 6 sizes ranging from newborn to age 7 years. This seamless knit garment features a classic cardigan silhouette with button closures, making it a versatile layering piece for babies and toddlers.

Construction Method and Techniques

This cardigan is knit seamlessly in one piece from the neck down, eliminating the need for seaming. The yoke features a raglan construction with 8 increases worked on each right side row, creating the characteristic sloped shoulder line of a raglan yoke. This top-down approach allows for easy customization of length and provides a comfortable fit through the shoulders and upper body.

The button and buttonhole band edges are constructed using 3 selvedge edges (3ES) technique, which creates neat, finished edges along the front bands. This professional finishing technique requires careful attention to the pattern abbreviations and instructions to achieve clean, polished button bands.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The primary stitch used throughout the garment is stocking stitch (stockinette stitch), which creates a smooth, classic fabric base. The lacy elements that define this design are incorporated into the pattern, adding visual interest and breathability to the finished cardigan.

Sizing and Fit

The Fianna Cardigan is offered in the following sizes:

• Size 1: Age 0–6 months, to fit 41cm (16") chest, actual chest 47cm (18"), back length 21cm (8"), sleeve length 11cm (4")
• Size 2: Age 6–12 months, to fit 46cm (18") chest, actual chest 51cm (20"), back length 23cm (9"), sleeve length 13cm (5")
• Size 3: Age 1–2 years, to fit 51cm (20") chest, actual chest 56cm (22"), back length 26cm (10"), sleeve length 15cm (6")
• Size 4: Age 2–3 years, to fit 56cm (22") chest, actual chest 60cm (24"), back length 30cm (12"), sleeve length 18cm (7")
• Size 5: Age 4–5 years, to fit 61cm (24") chest, actual chest 67cm (26"), back length 34cm (13"), sleeve length 21cm (8")
• Size 6: Age 6–7 years, to fit 66cm (26") chest, actual chest 71cm (28"), back length 38cm (15"), sleeve length 25cm (10")

The garment is designed with approximately 2 inches of ease built in, providing comfortable room for movement and layering. Knitters should consider this ease when selecting their size.

Yarn and Materials

The Fianna Cardigan is worked in DK weight yarn, a versatile mid-weight that offers excellent stitch definition for lace patterns. The yardage requirements vary by size, ranging from 2 balls (50g each) for the smallest size to 6 balls (50g each) for the largest size. The sample garment shown was knit in Donegal Wool, a traditional Irish yarn known for its durability and subtle texture.

Gauge and Difficulty

The pattern calls for a gauge of 22 stitches and 30 rows over 10cm (4 inches) in stocking stitch. Achieving the correct gauge is essential for proper fit, particularly in a top-down design where adjustments are made during construction. This is an intermediate level pattern, suitable for knitters with experience in seamless garment construction, raglan shaping, and lace techniques.