Rainy Day Cardigan (knit)

Rainy Day Cardigan by Catherine Waterfield

What is Being Made

The Rainy Day Cardigan is a children's knitted cardigan designed by Catherine Waterfield, available in five size options to fit ages 4 through 12 years. The garment features a classic cardigan construction with a fitted yoke, long sleeves, and button closure. Chest circumference ranges from 64.5cm for the smallest size to 78cm for the largest size, with total length varying from 38cm to 48cm depending on the chosen size.

Techniques Used

This intermediate-level knitting project employs several fundamental and intermediate knitting techniques. The cardigan begins with a yoke-down construction method, which allows for seamless shaping and custom fit adjustments. The pattern incorporates colorwork elements using seven different yarn colors to create visual interest, though the exact colorwork pattern details are not fully specified in the provided content. Ribbed edgings are used for structure and elasticity, as evidenced by the rib stitch pattern shown in the initial rows. The pattern requires working with both straight needles and double-pointed needles or circular needles for different sections, demonstrating versatility in needle choice.

Stitches Used

The Rainy Day Cardigan utilizes essential knitting stitches appropriate for an intermediate project. The primary stitch throughout the body is stockinette stitch (st st), which creates a smooth, classic fabric. Ribbing stitches appear in the edgings and cuffs, created through alternating knit and purl stitches in a 1x1 pattern. The pattern notation indicates rows beginning with purl stitches on the right side and combinations of knit and purl stitches, suggesting the use of basic stitch manipulation for shaping and texture variation.

Materials

Yarn: The Rainy Day Cardigan is worked in Rico Essentials Soft Merino Aran weight yarn, which is 100% wool with a yardage of 100 meters per 50-gram ball. The main color (MC) is Azure 27, requiring 4 to 7 balls depending on size. Six contrast colors (CC1 through CC7) are used for colorwork accents: Red 8, Orange 73, Yellow 67, Emerald 51, Aubergine 10, Berry 11, and Natural 60. Only approximately 10 to 30 grams of each contrast color is needed, making this an excellent project for using yarn scraps or small quantities.

Needles and Notions: The pattern requires both 3.5mm and 4mm straight needles for the main construction, with 3.5mm and 4mm double-pointed needles or circular needles as alternatives for certain sections. Additional tools include a tapestry needle for weaving in ends and seaming, 7 to 9 buttons depending on size for the cardigan closure, waste yarn or stitch holders for managing stitches, and at least one stitch marker for tracking pattern repeats.

Gauge and Sizing Information

The pattern specifies a tension of 18 stitches and 24 rows to 10 centimeters (4 inches) measured over stockinette stitch using the larger 4mm needles. Achieving the correct gauge is essential for proper fit, particularly in a children's garment where sizing accuracy is important. The pattern provides five distinct size options with graduated measurements for chest circumference, total length, and arm length, allowing customization for different ages and growth stages.