216 Sweet Sabina Child's Cardigan - Knitting Pattern for Kids in Valley Yarns Longmeadow

216 Sweet Sabina Child's Cardigan – Knitting Pattern for Kids in Valley Yarns Longmeadow by Marion Halpern

About This Pattern

The Sweet Sabina Child's Cardigan is a charming knitted cardigan designed specifically for babies and toddlers by Marion Halpern. Published as pattern #216, this design is worked in Valley Yarns Longmeadow, a DK weight yarn, and is sized to fit children from 6–12 months, 1–2 years, and 2–3 years. With finished chest measurements of 22", 24", and 26" and lengths of 11½", 13", and 15", this cardigan is a wonderfully practical and adorable addition to any little one's wardrobe. It is rated as a beginner-level project, making it an excellent choice for knitters who are building their skills while still wanting to create something truly special.

Construction Method

This cardigan is constructed using a bottom-up, worked flat, and seamed approach. Working flat means each piece is knitted back and forth in rows rather than in the round, and the finished pieces are then sewn together to create the final garment. This traditional construction method is ideal for beginner knitters because it breaks the project into manageable sections — body, fronts, sleeves, and bands — each completed separately before assembly. The seamed finish also lends structure and durability to the finished cardigan, which is especially valuable in children's clothing that sees frequent wear and washing.

Garment Pieces and Shaping

The Sweet Sabina Cardigan is made up of several distinct pieces that are worked and then joined:

• Lower Body: The cardigan begins at the lower edge and is worked upward, establishing the stitch pattern from the very start.
• Right Front and Left Front: Each front panel is worked separately. The right front begins with 27 (29, 30) stitches placed on the needle. Armhole shaping is achieved by decreasing 1 stitch at the armhole edge every row, 3 times, resulting in 24 (26, 27) stitches. The left front shaping is mirrored on the right front, with all shaping reversed for a symmetrical finish.
• Sleeves (make 2): Each sleeve is cast on with 31 (35, 39) stitches using the smaller needle and begins with an edging section worked over 8 rows, matching the lower body edging. After switching to the larger needle, stitches are increased at both ends of the 3rd row and then every 4th row 9 (10, 11) times, building to 51 (57, 63) stitches. Sleeves are worked even until they measure 7 (8, 8½) inches or the desired length. Cap shaping begins by binding off 3 (4, 5) stitches at the beginning of the next 2 rows, followed by decreasing 1 stitch at each end for 3 rows, finishing with 1 even row before binding off. Finished sleeve lengths are 7½", 8½", and 9" across the three sizes.
• Front Bands (make 2): Two front bands are worked separately with the smaller needle, picked up along the front edges to create a neat, finished border on both sides of the cardigan opening.

Stitches and Techniques Used

The Sweet Sabina Cardigan uses a stitch pattern that runs consistently throughout the body and sleeves, giving the fabric a cohesive and decorative texture. An edging stitch pattern is worked over 8 rows at the lower body and sleeve cuffs using the smaller needle, creating a distinct border that adds a polished, finished look to the garment's edges. Key techniques include:

• Cast on (CO) and bind off (BO) for starting and finishing each piece
• Increases at the beginning and end of rows to shape the sleeves
• Decreases for armhole and sleeve cap shaping
• Working flat in rows on straight or circular needles
• Seaming to join the finished pieces into the complete garment