Maristella Cardigan

Maristella Cardigan by Katy Farrell

What is Being Made

The Maristella Cardigan is a seamless, top-down yoked cardigan designed for everyday wear across multiple children's sizes. This downloadable knitting pattern includes directions for six size ranges: 0–6 months, 6–12 months, 1–2 years, 2–3 years, 4–5 years, and 6–7 years. The garment features two sleeve length options—cap sleeves or ¾ length sleeves—allowing knitters to customize the finished piece for different seasons and preferences. The design incorporates approximately 1–2 inches of ease for comfortable everyday wear.

Knitting Techniques and Construction

The Maristella Cardigan is constructed using the top-down seamless method, meaning the entire garment is knit in one continuous piece beginning at the neckline. This approach eliminates the need for seaming and allows for easy adjustments during the knitting process. The yoke features a lace pattern, which contributes to the intermediate skill level rating. The sleeves are knit in the round using circular needles or double-pointed needles, providing a smooth, professional finish without visible seams. The cardigan closes with three buttons, each 1 centimeter in diameter, positioned along the front opening.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The primary stitch used throughout the body and sleeves is stockinette stitch, which creates a smooth, classic fabric. The yoke incorporates a lace pattern, adding visual interest and texture to the upper portion of the garment. The lace pattern on the yoke is the primary technical element that elevates this design to intermediate difficulty. Stitch markers are used during construction to help track pattern repeats and shaping increases, particularly in the yoke and sleeve sections.

Materials and Yarn Specifications

The Maristella Cardigan is designed for double knitting (DK) weight yarn. Yarn requirements vary by size and sleeve length: the cap sleeve version requires 2–4 balls of 50-gram yarn depending on size, while the ¾ length sleeve version requires 3–6 balls. The sample garments were knit using Lana Gross Solo Lino and Patons Linen Shadow DK, both of which are DK-weight options that work beautifully for this design.

Tools and Notions

• 4mm circular knitting needles for the main construction
• 4mm double-pointed needles (DPNs) (optional) for sleeve cap shaping
• 4mm crochet hook (optional) for finishing techniques such as button bands or edge refinement
• 3 buttons, each 1 centimeter in diameter
• 2 stitch markers to track pattern sections and shaping

Gauge and Sizing Information

The pattern is worked at a gauge of 22 stitches and 28 rows per 10 centimeters in stockinette stitch. Achieving the correct gauge is essential for proper fit, particularly across the yoke and sleeve cap. Because the garment includes 1–2 inches of ease, knitters should carefully select the appropriate size based on desired finished measurements rather than the child's current age alone.

Skill Level and Pattern Format

The Maristella Cardigan is rated as an intermediate project, primarily due to the lace pattern featured on the yoke. Knitters should be comfortable reading lace charts, managing yarn overs and decreases, and working seamless construction techniques. The pattern is provided as a downloadable PDF, making it accessible for immediate use and allowing knitters to print and annotate as needed during the project.