Patches child

Patches Child Cardigan by Christiane Burkhard

What is Being Made

The Patches Child Cardigan is a versatile knitted garment designed for children in sizes 2, 3, 4, 6, and 8, with finished chest measurements ranging from 24 to 30 inches. This cardigan features a distinctive patchwork aesthetic created through the strategic use of self-striping yarn worked in strips that are joined as you progress through the project. The design is suitable for both boys and girls, offering flexibility in construction with neckline options including crew neck or V-neck styling.

Techniques Used

The Patches Child Cardigan employs several key knitting techniques to achieve its unique appearance and structure. The primary construction method involves working yarn in strips that are joined during the knitting process, creating the characteristic patchwork look that defines this garment. The pattern utilizes stockinette stitch as the foundation fabric, worked at a gauge of 5 stitches and 6 rows per inch. Knitters have the option to customize the finished appearance by selecting different colors for each strip, making this an excellent stash-busting project for those with multiple yarn colors available.

Stitches Used

The Patches Child Cardigan is primarily constructed using stockinette stitch, which provides a smooth, classic fabric base for the patchwork design. The pattern includes standard abbreviations and techniques such as cast on (CO), bind off (BO), and make one (M1) increases worked by lifting the strand between needles with the left needle tip. Additional finishing options may involve crochet techniques depending on the knitter's choice of closure method.

Materials Required

• Yarn: Approximately 370 to 690 yards of worsted weight or aran weight yarn, depending on size. The pattern features self-striping yarn, with the pictured sample using Noro Taiyo. Knitters may substitute with solid colors for each strip to create varied color combinations.
• Needles: US size 6 (4 mm) knitting needles for the main fabric, or the size needed to obtain the specified gauge. A circular needle one size smaller than the body needle is also required for certain construction elements.
• Notions: 1 to 5 buttons depending on the chosen finishing style. A crochet hook is optional, depending on the knitter's preference for finishing methods.

Difficulty Level

This cardigan is rated as an intermediate knitting project, suitable for knitters with foundational skills who are ready to tackle strip-based construction and garment assembly techniques.