The Pink Pixie

The Pink Pixie Cardigan by Margot Taylor

What is Being Made

The Pink Pixie is a knitted cardigan designed by Margot Taylor, available in three sizes to fit 3 months, 6 months, and 9 months old babies. This is a button-front cardigan featuring decorative eyelet patterning throughout the garment, making it an elegant and delicate piece suitable for infants.

Knitting Techniques Used

This intermediate-level knitting project employs several fundamental and decorative techniques. The cardigan features eyelet lace patterning, created through the strategic use of yarn forwards and decreases to form small openings in the fabric. The construction involves seamless or minimal seaming methods typical of top-down or flat knitting approaches, with button bands incorporated into the design. The pattern requires understanding of shaping techniques including cast-offs at the beginning of rows to create armholes, allowing the garment to fit properly on an infant's frame.

Stitches Used

The Pink Pixie cardigan utilizes classic knitting stitches appropriate for creating a structured yet delicate garment:

• Knit stitch (K) – forms the foundation of the fabric
• Purl stitch (P) – creates reverse stockinette sections and contributes to texture
• Yarn forward (ywfd) – creates the eyelet holes that are central to the pattern's decorative appeal
• Knit 2 together (K2tog) – a right-leaning decrease used alongside yarn forwards to form the lace pattern
• Increases (inc) – used for shaping the garment during construction

Materials and Specifications

The pattern is designed to be worked with DK weight yarn (8ply), specifically Bendigo Woollen Mills Classic 8ply knitting wool. Each size requires 1 ball of main color yarn and 1 ball of contrast color yarn, each weighing 200g, allowing for creative color combinations. The project is worked on 4.00mm knitting needles and requires a tension of 22 stitches over 10 centimeters to achieve the correct finished measurements. Additional materials include 2 buttons measuring 1.5 cm in diameter (or more if desired, as the pattern accommodates variable buttonhole placement), and a tapestry needle for finishing and weaving in ends.

Pattern Construction Details

The cardigan is constructed using a repeating 4-row pattern that creates the signature eyelet lace design. The back piece begins with a cast-on of 55, 57, or 66 stitches depending on size, with the lace pattern established from the first rows. The body is worked to specific lengths—15, 18, or 19 centimeters—before armhole shaping is introduced through strategic cast-offs. The neckline is shaped by casting off a central group of stitches, with the remaining stitches worked separately to create the front shoulders and button bands. This intermediate project is suitable for knitters with foundational skills who are ready to tackle lace patterning and garment shaping.