Orlando Baby Cardigan

Orlando Baby Cardigan by Sophie McKane

What is Being Made

The Orlando Baby Cardigan is a knitted button-front cardigan designed for infants and toddlers, available in five sizes ranging from 3 months to 24 months. The garment is sized to fit chest measurements from 21 to 26 inches (53.5 to 66 cm) and features a classic cardigan construction with long sleeves, a buttoned front closure, and cable pattern detailing. The sample shown is in the 12-month size.

Techniques Used

This intermediate-level knitting project employs several key techniques to construct the finished cardigan. The body is worked primarily in stockinette stitch as the main fabric base, with cable pattern elements integrated throughout the design for visual interest and texture. Sleeves are worked in the round using double-pointed needles (DPNs), a common method for seamless sleeve construction in top-down or bottom-up cardigan patterns. The design includes edgings that are worked separately on smaller needles, a technique that creates refined, professional-looking borders around the front openings and neckline. The pattern also incorporates stitch markers to help track pattern repeats and shaping increases or decreases. Blocking is an essential finishing step, with specific guidance to gently stretch the front panels to allow the cable patterns to open and display their full definition.

Stitches Used

The primary stitch structure combines stockinette stitch (knit on right-side rows, purl on wrong-side rows) as the foundational fabric with cable patterns as decorative elements. The gauge is measured over stockinette stitch and the cable pattern on the larger needles, indicating that cables are a prominent feature of the design. The edgings are worked on smaller needles, likely using garter stitch or a similar compact stitch to create neat, non-curling borders typical of cardigan front bands and necklines.

Materials

The Orlando Baby Cardigan is designed to be worked in Home Farm Wensleydales 4 Ply yarn, a 100% wool fingering weight yarn with approximately 200 meters (220 yards) per 50-gram skein. Yardage requirements vary by size: the 3-month size requires approximately 290 meters (320 yards), while the 24-month size requires approximately 410 meters (450 yards). The pattern calls for US 2/2.75mm needles for the main body and sleeves, with US 1/2.25mm needles reserved for working the edgings, allowing for a tighter, more refined finish on borders. Additional notions include US 2/2.75mm double-pointed needles for working sleeves in the round, six stitch markers to track pattern repeats and shaping, waste yarn for holding stitches, a tapestry needle for seaming and weaving in ends, and five 10mm buttons for the front closure.

Pattern Notes and Sizing Guidance

The pattern is designed with 5 to 6 inches (11 to 14 cm) of positive ease, meaning the finished cardigan will be slightly larger than the child's actual chest measurement for comfortable wear and layering. The designer emphasizes choosing a size based on the child's measured chest rather than age alone, as children grow at different rates. The schematic provided allows for adjustments to the body length to customize the fit. Gauge is critical for this project: 25.5 stitches and 36 rows over 4 inches (10 cm) measured in stockinette stitch and cable pattern on the larger needles ensures the finished garment will fit as intended.