Product Description
This pattern comes from a booklet published by P&B in the 1950s. I still have the original pattern, which belonged to my great-aunt Joyce. Over the years, I have knitted many of these sweet cardigans, for baby boys and girls. The pattern is worked up in five pieces, and the raglan seams are then braided together, before finishing the neckline. There is a decorative band along the bottom edge and a seed stitch border around the cardigan. I’ve edited the original pattern and added the extra size.
The pattern has two sizes - 6-12 months and 12-18 months. The gauge for the larger size is 11 sts and 14 rows (stockinette) = 2 inches.
Two balls of 1.75 oz (50 g) yarn is generally enough to finish one sweater.
Braided Raglan Cardigan by Wendi Cusins
What Is Being Made
The Braided Raglan Cardigan is a classic infant cardigan designed to fit babies aged 6-18 months. This charming garment is available in two sizes: a smaller size to fit 6-12 month-old infants with a chest measurement of approximately 17"-19" and a center back length of 10½", and a larger size to fit 12-18 month-old infants with a chest measurement of approximately 20"-24" and a center back length of 11½". The smaller size features sleeve seams measuring 4½", while the larger size has sleeve seams of 5¼". This pattern originates from a vintage 1950s booklet and has been edited and updated by designer Wendi Cusins, who has knitted many of these cardigans over the years for both baby boys and girls.
Construction and Techniques
The Braided Raglan Cardigan is constructed using a five-piece knitting method, which involves knitting separate pieces that are later assembled. The most distinctive feature of this cardigan is the braided raglan seams, which are created by braiding the raglan seams together before finishing the neckline. This decorative technique adds visual interest and structural integrity to the garment. The cardigan includes a decorative band along the bottom edge and a seed stitch border that runs around the entire cardigan, providing a refined and polished finish to the design.
Stitches and Stitch Details
The pattern incorporates seed stitch as a key design element, used for the border that frames the cardigan opening and edges. Seed stitch creates a textured, bumpy fabric surface that is both decorative and functional, helping to prevent curling at the edges. The braiding technique used on the raglan seams adds another layer of textural interest to the finished garment.
Materials and Yarn Information
The Braided Raglan Cardigan is worked in DK weight yarn, a light-weight yarn that is ideal for creating delicate garments suitable for infants. The pattern requires approximately 3½ ounces of DK weight yarn for both the smaller and larger sizes. Suggested yarn options include Berroco Comfort® DK and Plymouth Yarn® Dreambaby DK, both of which are appropriate choices for this infant cardigan project. Standard knitting needles appropriate for DK weight yarn are required to complete this project.
Difficulty Level
This pattern is rated as intermediate difficulty, making it suitable for knitters with some experience who are comfortable working with multiple pattern pieces and assembly techniques. The braiding of raglan seams requires attention to detail and understanding of construction methods beyond basic knitting.
```Specifications
| Brand: | Independent Designer |
| Yarn Weight: | DK | Light Worsted |
| Pages: | 9 |
| Designer: | Wendi Cusins |
| Craft: | Knitting |
| Format: | Downloadable PDF |
| Languages: | English |
| Notes: | An additional knitting needle is needed for the braiding. Instead of transferring stitches to yarn strings, 8 stitch holders can be used. |
| Number of Patterns: | 1 |
| Skill Level: | Intermediate |
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