Cardigan and Sweater in Stylecraft Wondersoft Merry Go Round - 9636 - Downloadable PDF

Cardigan and Sweater in Stylecraft Wondersoft Merry Go Round

What Is Being Made

This downloadable PDF pattern contains instructions for two coordinating children's garments: a cardigan and a sweater, both designed in Stylecraft Wondersoft Merry Go Round yarn. The pattern offers five size options ranging from 6 months to 7 years, with chest measurements from 46cm to 66cm (18 inches to 26 inches). The cardigan features a classic button-front closure, while the sweater provides a pullover alternative. Both designs are suitable for young children and feature matching stitch patterns for a coordinated look.

Techniques Used

The cardigan is constructed using a seamless method, with the back and fronts worked in one piece up to the armholes on a circular needle. This technique reduces finishing work and creates a more polished garment. The circular needle is used in the same manner as straight needles, turning at the end of each row to accommodate the large stitch count. The pattern employs shaping techniques including increases and decreases to create fitted garment pieces. Stitch pattern rows vary in stitch count during rows 1 to 4, with stitches increased back to the original number on row 5, creating a textured, dynamic fabric.

Stitches Used

The pattern utilizes fundamental knitting stitches appropriate for intermediate-level knitters. Key stitches include:

• Knit stitch (K) – the basic foundation stitch
• Slip stitch (sl1) – used for decreasing and creating textured effects
• Slip, knit, pass slipped stitch over (sl1-k1-psso) – a left-leaning decrease
• Knit two together (k2tog) – a right-leaning decrease

The pattern rows demonstrate a lace or textured stitch pattern created through the strategic placement of decreases and knit stitches, with the sequence K1, *sl1-k1-psso, k9, k2tog; rep from * to last st, k1 creating a repeating motif across the row.

Materials and Specifications

Yarn: Stylecraft Wondersoft in the Merry Go Round colorway, a double knitting (DK) weight yarn suitable for creating lightweight, breathable garments ideal for children.

Needles: 4mm circular needle is specified for casting on and working the cardigan pieces. The circular needle accommodates the large number of cast-on stitches (ranging from 158 to 210 stitches depending on size) while maintaining the flexibility to work flat in rows.

Difficulty Level: Intermediate – suitable for knitters with foundational skills who are comfortable working with stitch patterns, shaping techniques, and managing larger stitch counts on circular needles.

Format: Downloadable PDF pattern, allowing immediate access to complete instructions for both garment designs across all five size options.