Leaves

Leaves Cardigan by Isabel Demarchais

What Is Being Made

The Leaves Cardigan is a top-down knit cardigan designed for babies in sizes 3, 6, 12, and 24 months. This garment features a classic button-front closure and is constructed using seamless knitting techniques. Finished chest measurements range from 18.25 inches (46.5 cm) for the 3-month size to 22.75 inches (57.5 cm) for the 24-month size, with 2.25 to 2.75 inches (6.5 to 7 cm) of positive ease built into the design for comfortable wear.

Construction Method

The Leaves Cardigan employs a top-down seamless construction method, which is a popular approach in modern knit design. This technique begins at the neckline and works downward toward the hem, allowing for easy adjustments and the ability to try on the garment as it progresses. The seamless construction eliminates the need for seaming, resulting in a smooth, comfortable finish ideal for delicate baby garments.

Knitting Stitches and Techniques

The primary stitch used in this cardigan is reverse stockinette stitch, which creates a textured, bumpy fabric surface on the right side of the work. This stitch is achieved by purling on right-side rows and knitting on wrong-side rows when working flat, or by knitting on right-side rounds and purling on wrong-side rounds when working in the round. The reverse stockinette stitch provides visual interest and a distinctive aesthetic that complements the cardigan's design.

Additional techniques employed in this pattern include:

• Circular needle knitting: Used for seamless construction in the round
• Double-pointed needles (DPNs): Utilized for smaller circumference sections such as sleeves and neckbands
• Stitch markers: Five markers are used to track pattern repeats and shaping points throughout the garment
• Waste yarn holders: Employed to hold stitches temporarily during construction
• Button bands: Integrated into the front edges for the cardigan closure

Gauge and Sizing

The pattern is worked at a gauge of 25 stitches and 36 rows per 4-inch (10 cm) square using 3 mm needles in reverse stockinette stitch. Achieving the correct gauge is essential for proper fit, and knitters are advised to adjust needle size if necessary to match the specified gauge before beginning the project.

Yarn and Materials

The Leaves Cardigan is designed for fingering-weight yarn (14 wraps per inch), which is a thin, delicate yarn ideal for baby garments. The pattern is shown worked in Lang Baby Alpaca, a luxurious 100% alpaca fiber that offers softness and breathability suitable for sensitive baby skin. Yardage requirements vary by size: the 3-month and 6-month sizes require 2 skeins each, while the 12-month and 24-month sizes require 3 skeins each. Each skein contains 50 grams and 185 yards (170 meters) of yarn.

The pattern accommodates both sport-weight and 4-ply yarn options, providing flexibility for yarn substitution while maintaining the intended gauge and drape of the finished garment.

Needles and Notions

The following needles are required:

• Circular needles: 3 mm (US 2.5) and 2.5 mm (US 1.5), both 60 cm (24 inches) in length
• Double-pointed needles: 3 mm (US 2.5) and 2.5 mm (US 1.5)

Additional notions include 5 stitch markers, waste yarn for holding stitches, and buttons in quantities suited to each size: 5 buttons for the 3-month size, 6 buttons for the 6-month size, and 7 buttons for both the 12-month and 24-month sizes.

Difficulty Level

The Leaves Cardigan is rated as an intermediate difficulty project. This classification reflects the combination of seamless top-down construction, stitch marker management, and the precision required to maintain gauge and shaping throughout the garment.