Sonnet Cardigan

Sonnet Cardigan by Fox and Folk

What is Being Made

The Sonnet Cardigan is a children's knitted cardigan designed by Fox and Folk, available in sizes 2, 4, 6, and 8 years. This garment features a yoke construction and comes in two sleeve length options: short sleeves or full-length sleeves. The cardigan is fastened with 4-5 buttons, making it a practical layering piece for young children.

Knitting Techniques Used

This intermediate-level knitting project employs several fundamental and intermediate techniques. The cardigan utilizes yoke construction, a popular method for creating fitted garments that begin at the neckline and expand downward. The pattern incorporates increases and decreases to shape the yoke and body, as well as button bands for the front closures. Knitters will work both flat and in the round, using straight needles for certain sections and circular needles or double-pointed needles for others.

Stitches Used

The Sonnet Cardigan is primarily constructed in stockinette stitch, the foundational stitch that creates a smooth, classic fabric. The pattern incorporates several shaping stitches and techniques, including:

• Knit (K) and purl (P) stitches as the base
• Yarn overs (YO) for decorative or structural increases
• Knit two together (K2tg) for right-leaning decreases
• Slip, slip, knit (SSK) for left-leaning decreases
• Make 1 right (M1R) and make 1 left (M1L) increases for invisible shaping
• Purl front and back (Pfb) and purl 2 together (P2tg) for purl-side shaping
• Slip stitches (S1K) for edge definition

Materials and Specifications

The Sonnet Cardigan is knitted with worsted weight yarn, a medium-weight yarn that works up quickly and creates a durable fabric suitable for children's wear. Yardage requirements vary by sleeve length: the short-sleeved version requires 500-700 yards of main color yarn, while the full-length sleeved version requires 595-820 yards of main color yarn. An accent color is used for all sleeve lengths and sizes, requiring approximately 30 yards.

Knitting needles required are US size 7 (4.5 mm), available in both straight and circular options, along with US size 7 (4.5 mm) double-pointed needles (DPNs) for working small circumferences such as sleeves. Additional notions include a yarn needle for weaving in ends, stitch markers for tracking pattern repeats and shaping points, a measuring tape for gauge and fit verification, 4-5 buttons measuring 15mm in diameter, and stitch holders or spare yarn for holding stitches temporarily.

Gauge and Finishing

The pattern specifies a gauge of 10 stitches and 13 rows per 2 inches (5 cm) in stockinette stitch, blocked. Achieving the correct gauge is essential for proper fit in a children's garment, making gauge swatching and blocking an important step before beginning the project.