Olivia cardigan

Olivia Cardigan by Liudmyla Babintseva

What is Being Made

The Olivia cardigan is a knitted children's cardigan designed by independent designer Liudmyla Babintseva. This garment is crafted for young children and comes in seven size options ranging from 1.5–2 years through 13–14 years, with chest circumferences spanning from 52.0 cm (20.5 inches) to 80.0 cm (31.5 inches). The cardigan is an ideal beginner-friendly knitting project suitable for crafters new to garment construction.

Knitting Techniques and Construction

The Olivia cardigan employs fundamental knitting techniques appropriate for beginner-level makers. The garment is worked in stockinette stitch, a classic knit fabric created by alternating knit rows on the right side with purl rows on the wrong side. This stitch produces a smooth, polished fabric with a distinctive V-textured appearance on the front and horizontal bumps on the reverse.

The pattern incorporates increase techniques to shape the garment, including purl front-back (pfb) increases, where a stitch is purled twice—once through the front loop and once through the back loop—to create one new stitch from the original. Additional shaping employs M1L (make one left) increases, a method for creating new stitches that leans directionally and blends seamlessly into the fabric. These increases are strategically placed to achieve proper fit and silhouette across the various size ranges.

The cardigan is designed to be worked flat on straight needles and features button closures, requiring finishing techniques such as seaming with a tapestry needle and button attachment.

Stitches Used

• Stockinette stitch: The primary stitch throughout the garment, created by knitting all stitches on right-side rows and purling all stitches on wrong-side rows
• Purl front-back (pfb) increase: Used for targeted increases within the fabric
• M1L (make one left) increase: Directional increase method for shaping

Yarn and Materials

The Olivia cardigan is designed to be knitted with Zegna Baruffa Gold, a premium yarn composed of 100% merino wool. This yarn is held with two strands together throughout the project, creating a lace-weight fabric with excellent drape and breathability—ideal for children's garments. The yardage requirement varies by size: the smallest size (1.5–2 years) requires 170 grams (6.0 ounces), while the largest size (13–14 years) requires 440 grams (15.5 ounces). At its standard yardage of 650 meters per 100 grams, Zegna Baruffa Gold provides sufficient yardage for all size options.

Needles and Gauge

The pattern calls for two needle sizes: 3.00 mm (US 2.5) needles and 3.5 mm (US 4) needles. The smaller needles are typically used for ribbed cuffs or edgings, while the larger needles are used for the main body fabric. The recommended gauge is 24 stitches and 33 rows over 10 centimeters (4 inches) in stockinette stitch, measured on 3.5 mm (US 4) needles after blocking. Achieving proper gauge is essential for obtaining the correct finished measurements across all size ranges.

Additional materials include stitch markers for tracking pattern repeats and shaping points, buttons for the cardigan closure, and a tapestry needle for weaving in ends and seaming garment pieces together.

Pattern Features

This downloadable PDF pattern is formatted for personal use only and includes comprehensive sizing information, detailed abbreviations, and step-by-step instructions. The beginner-friendly difficulty level makes the Olivia cardigan an excellent introduction to children's garment knitting, combining basic stitches with essential shaping techniques that build fundamental skills.