Parsley Cardigan

Parsley Cardigan by Martin Storey

What is Being Made

The Parsley Cardigan is a baby cardigan designed by Martin Storey, featured in the collection Special Knits for Babies. This is a downloadable knitting pattern available in five size options to fit babies from newborn through 18 months old. The cardigan is designed as a classic layering piece for infants, with finished chest measurements ranging from 50 cm (19¾ inches) for the smallest size to 58 cm (22¾ inches) for the largest size.

Finished Sizes and Measurements

• Size 0-3 months: Chest 50 cm (19¾ in), Length to shoulder 24 cm (9½ in), Sleeve length 12 cm (4¾ in)
• Size 3-6 months: Chest 52 cm (20½ in), Length to shoulder 25 cm (9¾ in), Sleeve length 14.5 cm (5¾ in)
• Size 6-9 months: Chest 54 cm (21¼ in), Length to shoulder 26 cm (10¼ in), Sleeve length 17 cm (6¾ in)
• Size 9-12 months: Chest 56 cm (22 in), Length to shoulder 28 cm (11 in), Sleeve length 19 cm (7½ in)
• Size 12-18 months: Chest 58 cm (22¾ in), Length to shoulder 31 cm (12¼ in), Sleeve length 21 cm (8¼ in)

Knitting Techniques and Stitches

The Parsley Cardigan employs fundamental knitting techniques suitable for an intermediate-level knitter. The pattern uses a combination of knit and purl stitches to create textured stitch patterns. Knit stitches are worked on the right side while purl stitches are worked on the wrong side in sections marked as A, with variations in sections marked as B.

The cardigan features a charted patterned design that repeats across the width of the garment. The pattern repeat consists of 7 stitches, worked repeatedly across the body and sleeves. Knitters follow a stitch-by-stitch chart, working the pattern repeat multiple times per row—approximately 19 to 23 times depending on the size being knitted. This repetitive charted pattern creates visual interest while remaining accessible to intermediate knitters who have experience reading knitting charts.

Yarn Options and Materials

The Parsley Cardigan pattern provides flexibility in yarn selection, offering three distinct yarn options, all in the 4 ply weight category. This lightweight yarn weight is ideal for baby garments, providing softness and breathability while remaining easy to work with.

Yarn Option 1: Rowan Superfine Merino 4 Ply – This merino wool option requires 2 to 3 x 50g balls of Sky 262 (color A, the main color), plus 1 x 50g ball each of Cream 262 (color B) and Marble 269 (color C) for contrast details. The quantity varies by size, with smaller sizes requiring 2 balls of the main color and larger sizes requiring 3 balls.

Yarn Option 2: Rowan Summerlite 4 Ply – This alternative option uses 2 to 3 x 50g balls of Periwinkle 424 (color A), plus 1 x 50g ball each of Ecru 436 (color B) and Still Grey 422 (color C). Like the merino option, yardage requirements scale with size.

Yarn Option 3: Patons 100% Cotton 4 Ply – For a fully breathable summer option, this 100% cotton yarn requires 1 to 2 x 100g balls of Lilac 01701 (color A), plus 1 x 100g ball each of Raffia 01714 (color B) and Cream 01692 (color C). The cotton option uses larger ball weights, so fewer balls are needed despite the same yardage requirements.

All three yarn options are 4 ply weight, making them suitable for the fine gauge required by this baby cardigan pattern. Knitters should select needles appropriate to their chosen yarn and desired gauge, following the pattern's gauge specifications to ensure proper fit across all five size options.

Difficulty Level