Sammie

Sammie Cardigan by Terri Kruse

What is Being Made

Sammie is a charming children's cardigan designed by Terri Kruse, inspired by the classic ice cream sandwich. This knitted sweater celebrates the contrast between rich chocolate and creamy vanilla through its color work and stitch patterns. The design is available in eight sizes ranging from 6 months through size 8, with finished chest measurements from 19.5 inches to 28.5 inches and lengths from 11.25 inches to 18.5 inches. The cardigan features a playful waffle pattern accented by vanilla-colored stripes and is finished with a cozy 2x2 ribbed shawl collar, making it an ideal layering piece for fall and winter wear.

Techniques Used

This intermediate-level knitting project employs several key techniques to achieve its ice cream sandwich aesthetic. The design incorporates color work through striping and a waffle stitch pattern, which creates visual texture and dimension. The shawl collar is constructed using a 2x2 ribbed stitch, a classic technique that provides stretch and a refined neckline finish. The cardigan demonstrates fundamental shaping methods appropriate for children's garments, including increases and decreases to create proper fit across multiple size ranges. Finishing techniques include binding off and likely seaming to construct the garment pieces into a cohesive whole.

Stitches Used

• Stockinette Stitch: The primary stitch throughout the body, creating a smooth, classic knit fabric with a gauge of 20 stitches and 26 rows per 4 inches when washed and dried
• 2x2 Ribbing: Used for the shawl collar to create elasticity and a polished edge
• Waffle Pattern: A textured stitch pattern that references the ice cream sandwich theme and adds visual interest to the chocolate-colored sections
• Knit Front and Back (kfb): An increase technique used for shaping the cardigan to fit different sizes
• Striping: Alternating rows or sections of the main color and contrast color to create the vanilla stripe accents

Materials

Sammie is designed to be knitted with Malabrigo Rios, a premium yarn composed of 100% Superwash Merino wool. This worsted-weight yarn offers 210 yards per 100 grams, making it ideal for creating durable, soft children's garments that can withstand frequent washing. The pattern requires Coco (the main chocolate color) in quantities of 2 to 3 skeins depending on size, and Natural (the vanilla contrast color) in 1 skein for all sizes. All yarn quantities include a 10% bumper for gauge adjustment and potential frogging. The pattern specifies that gauge should be measured after washing and drying, ensuring accurate finished measurements for this children's cardigan.