Baby Badger Cardigan

Baby Badger Cardigan by Laura Dupuis

What is Being Made

The Baby Badger Cardigan is a knitted cardigan designed for infants and young toddlers, available in seven sizes ranging from newborn to 24 months. This pattern was created as a smaller-scale version of the Honey Badger Cardigan, allowing for coordinating pieces when making both designs. The cardigan features a classic button-front construction suitable for babies and features the distinctive colorwork styling inspired by badger markings.

Knitting Techniques and Construction

This intermediate-level knitting project employs several fundamental techniques appropriate for knitters with some experience. The pattern utilizes magic loop construction for knitting the sleeves in the round, which is an efficient method for working smaller circumferences without requiring multiple needle sizes. The cardigan is constructed using circular needles for the body and sleeves, allowing for seamless or minimal-seam construction depending on the pattern's specific instructions.

The design incorporates two-color knitting to create the badger-inspired pattern details, with a primary color (colour A) forming the main body and a contrasting secondary color (colour B) used for accent work. This colorwork technique adds visual interest while remaining accessible to intermediate knitters.

Stitches Used

While specific stitch abbreviations are not detailed in the provided pattern excerpt, the intermediate difficulty level suggests the use of standard knitting stitches including stockinette stitch for the main fabric, ribbing for cuffs and button bands, and potentially other textured or decorative stitches common to cardigan construction. The two-color work indicates the use of stranded knitting or similar colorwork techniques.

Materials and Yarn Requirements

The Baby Badger Cardigan calls for Aran weight or Heavy Worsted weight yarn, which provides a substantial fabric suitable for baby garments. The yardage requirements vary by size:

• Colour A (Main): 200 to 540 yards depending on size, with the pattern specifically recommending KnitPicks City Tweed in Lemon Curd for the pictured version
• Colour B (Contrast): 45 to 75 yards for the accent colorwork

The pattern specifies Size US 7/4.5mm circular needles measuring 24 inches (60 centimeters) in length, which are suitable for magic loop construction on the sleeves. The needle size is appropriate for the Aran weight yarn, creating a fabric with good drape and durability for a baby garment.

Designer and Pattern Source

This pattern is created by Laura Dupuis under the brand White Willow Wearables. The designer notes that the cardigan was inspired by and designed as a companion to the Honey Badger Cardigan, making it an excellent choice for coordinating baby and adult garments within the same design family.