Carabe Kid

Carabe Kid Knitting Pattern by Justyna Lorkowska

What Is Being Made

Carabe Kid is a seamless striped cardigan designed for children, available in six sizes ranging from 12 months to 10 years. The finished chest measurements (buttoned) span from 49.5 cm (19.75") for the 12-month size up to 76 cm (30.25") for the 10-year size. This garment is intended to be worn with 2.5–5 cm (1–2") of positive ease, meaning you should select a size approximately 2.5–5 cm (1–2") larger than your child's actual chest measurement rather than relying solely on age.

Construction Method and Design Features

Carabe Kid is constructed using a top-down seamless knitting method, which means the cardigan is knit in one piece beginning at the neckline and working downward toward the hem. This approach eliminates the need for seaming and creates a smooth, continuous garment. The pattern employs the contiguous method of shaping set-in sleeves, a specialized technique developed by Suzie M. that allows for elegant sleeve cap shaping while maintaining the seamless construction throughout the piece.

Striped Design

The cardigan features a striped colorwork pattern created using two contrasting yarn colors designated as the main color (MC) and contrast color (CC). The striping is worked throughout the body and sleeves, creating visual interest and dimension in the finished garment.

Stitches and Techniques

While the pattern description emphasizes the top-down seamless construction and the contiguous method for set-in sleeve shaping, specific stitch abbreviations and detailed row-by-row instructions are contained within the full PDF pattern. The contiguous sleeve method is a sophisticated shaping technique that allows knitters to achieve professional-looking set-in sleeves without interrupting the seamless construction of the garment.

Yarn Requirements

Carabe Kid is designed to be knit in DK weight yarn using two colors. The approximate yardage requirements vary by size:

• Size 12m: 85 meters (95 yards) CC; 335 meters (365 yards) MC
• Size 2y: 105 meters (115 yards) CC; 420 meters (460 yards) MC
• Size 4y: 125 meters (135 yards) CC; 485 meters (530 yards) MC
• Size 6y: 145 meters (160 yards) CC; 575 meters (625 yards) MC
• Size 8y: 165 meters (180 yards) CC; 650 meters (710 yards) MC
• Size 10y: 185 meters (205 yards) CC; 740 meters (810 yards) MC

The sample cardigan was knit in Rozetti First Class, which is now discontinued. Recommended alternative DK weight yarns include Madelinetosh DK Twist, Malabrigo Rastita, Tanis Fiber Arts Yellow Label DK, and Colour Adventures.

Needles and Tools

As a seamless top-down cardigan, this pattern requires circular needles appropriate for DK weight yarn. Specific needle sizes and types are detailed within the full pattern PDF.

Skill Level

Carabe Kid is rated as a beginner-level knitting pattern, making it an excellent choice for knitters who are new to garment construction or who are learning seamless knitting techniques for the first time.