Portia - child's lacy cardigan

Portia Child's Lacy Cardigan by Jennifer Lee

What is Being Made

Portia is a child's lacy cardigan jacket designed by Jennifer Lee, available in four sizes to fit children ages 2 through 8 years. The cardigan features a round neckline, set-in sleeves, and ribbed bands at the cuffs and hem. This intermediate-level knitting project creates a delicate, elegant garment suitable for young children.

Sizes and Measurements

The pattern includes four size options:

• Size 2 years: Fits chest 55cm (21¾ ins), actual measurement 63cm (25 ins), length 40cm (15¾ ins), sleeve length 23cm (9 ins)
• Size 4 years: Fits chest 60cm (23½ ins), actual measurement 69cm (27 ins), length 44cm (17¼ ins), sleeve length 28cm (11 ins)
• Size 6 years: Fits chest 65cm (25½ ins), actual measurement 74cm (29 ins), length 48cm (19 ins), sleeve length 33cm (13 ins)
• Size 8 years: Fits chest 70cm (27½ ins), actual measurement 79cm (31 ins), length 52cm (20½ ins), sleeve length 38cm (15 ins)

Lace Stitch and Techniques

The cardigan is constructed using a beautiful 8-row lace stitch pattern throughout, creating an open, delicate fabric ideal for a child's garment. The lace stitch requires careful attention during shaping; knitters must ensure that every yarn forward (yfwd) has a corresponding decrease (either sl 1, psso or K2tog), and vice versa. This maintains the integrity of the lace pattern while shaping the garment. The cardigan features set-in sleeves and rib bands at the neckline, cuffs, and hem for a polished, fitted finish.

Yarn and Materials

Portia is worked in DK weight yarn. The pattern calls for Miss Tricot Filati Mon Amour yarn in 50g balls at 135 meters per ball. Yarn quantities required are 4 balls for size 2, 5 balls for sizes 4 and 6, and 6 balls for size 8. The pattern notes that quantities may vary depending on individual knitting tension and yarn type.

Needles and Notions

The cardigan is knitted on 4.00mm knitting needles (UK size 8, US size 6). Additional requirements include a stitch holder for managing stitches during construction and a wool needle for sewing seams. The pattern calls for 7 buttons for sizes 2 and 4, and 8 buttons for sizes 6 and 8, to close the front of the cardigan.

Tension and Difficulty

The pattern requires a tension of 20 stitches and 28 rows to 10cm (4 inches) over the lace pattern using 4.00mm needles. Portia is rated as an intermediate-level knitting project, suitable for knitters with experience in lace work and garment shaping. The careful attention required to maintain the lace pattern while shaping makes this an engaging project for intermediate knitters.