Jenna - babies 8ply lace cardigan

Jenna - Babies 8ply Lace Cardigan by Jennifer Lee

What is Being Made

Jenna is a charming babies cardigan designed by Jennifer Lee, crafted in 8ply yarn weight and suitable for newborns through 12-month-old infants. This downloadable knitting pattern features a round neckline with set-in sleeves and is available in four graduated sizes: 0 months, 3 months, 6 months, and 12 months. The cardigan fits chest measurements ranging from 35cm (13¾ inches) for newborns to 58cm (23 inches) for 12-month-olds, with corresponding lengths from 22cm (8¾ inches) to 33cm (13 inches). The garment is photographed in the 0-month size.

Techniques and Construction

This babies cardigan employs a straightforward yet elegant lace stitch pattern that creates visual interest while remaining accessible to knitters. The pattern incorporates careful shaping techniques, with a specific note that knitters must coordinate yarn-forward increases with their corresponding decreases—ensuring that every 'yfwd' (yarn forward) has a matching 'sl 1, K2tog, psso' (slip one, knit two together, pass slipped stitch over) decrease. This balanced approach maintains pattern integrity and fabric structure throughout the garment.

The cardigan features 1x1 rib bands at the edges, which provide a neat, professional finish and help the garment maintain its shape. Set-in sleeves are used rather than drop sleeves, giving the cardigan a well-fitted, tailored appearance appropriate for a babies garment.

Stitches Used

• Lace stitch: The primary stitch pattern, described as gorgeous yet easy to work, creating an openwork design
• 1x1 ribbing: Used for the neckband, front bands, cuff bands, and hem edges to create elasticity and a finished look
• Yarn forward (yfwd): Increases that create the openwork eyelets in the lace pattern
• Slip one, knit two together, pass slipped stitch over (sl 1, K2tog, psso): A centered double decrease used to balance the yarn-forward increases

Materials and Specifications

Yarn: The pattern calls for Lincraft Superwash 8ply yarn in 100g balls, with each ball containing approximately 190 meters of yardage. Yarn quantities vary by size: 2 balls for sizes 0, 3, and 6 months, and 3 balls for the 12-month size. The designer notes that quantities may vary depending on individual knitting tension and yarn characteristics.

Needles: A pair of 4.00mm knitting needles (UK size 8, US size 6) are required for the main fabric. A wool needle is needed for sewing up seams and finishing.

Additional Requirements: Knitters will need a stitch holder for managing stitches during construction, and buttons in quantities of 4 for the smaller sizes (0, 3, and 6 months) or 5 to 6 buttons for the 12-month size, depending on the specific size being knitted.

Tension and Difficulty

The pattern specifies a tension of 21 stitches and 30 rows to 10cm (4 inches) measured over the lace pattern using 4.00mm needles. Achieving correct tension is important for proper garment fit. Despite the lace stitch appearing delicate, the pattern is rated as Easy to Intermediate difficulty, making it accessible to knitters with some experience who are comfortable working with lace and managing yarn-forward and decrease pairs.