Wisteria

Wisteria Open Cardigan by Taiga Hilliard Designs

What Is Being Made

Wisteria is an open cardigan and shrug designed by Taiga Hilliard Designs, suitable for infants and toddlers from newborn through 4T-5T sizes. This versatile garment works equally well as a layering piece over formal dresses or casual outfits like jeans. The cardigan features a charming textured trim along the hem and cuffs, adding visual interest to an otherwise simple silhouette.

Knitting Techniques

This intermediate-level knitting project employs a top-down construction method, which allows knitters to try on the garment as they work and easily adjust the length. The sleeves are knit in the round using circular needles, creating seamless tubular sections. The decorative edging is picked up from the finished garment and knit flat, a technique that adds a professional finishing touch to the hem and cuff areas.

Stitches and Stitch Abbreviations

Wisteria uses fundamental knitting stitches appropriate for an intermediate crafter:

• K – Knit stitch
• P – Purl stitch
• K2tog – Knit two stitches together (decrease)
• Psso – Pass the slipped stitch over (decrease)
• Kfb – Knit into the front and back of the stitch (increase to two stitches)
• Pfb – Purl into the front and back of the stitch (increase to two stitches)
• Sm – Slip marker
• Pm – Place marker

These stitches create the textured trim detail while maintaining the open, flowing nature of the cardigan design.

Materials and Gauge

Wisteria is knit using Malabrigo Silky Merino yarn in the Wisteria colorway. This blend provides a soft, lustrous finish ideal for a delicate children's garment. The pattern requires three needle sizes:

• US 7 (4.50 mm) – Primary needle for the main body and sleeves
• US 9 (5.50 mm) – Larger needle for gauge adjustment if needed
• US 6 (4.00 mm) – Smaller needle for detailed edging work

The pattern is worked to a gauge of 20.0 stitches over 4 inches, which is essential for achieving the correct finished measurements. Yardage requirements range from 175 yards for newborn size to 450 yards for the largest 4T-5T size, accommodating all eight size options with chest measurements from 17 inches to 23¾ inches.

Size Range

This downloadable PDF pattern includes eight sizes: Newborn, 3 months, 6 months, 12 months, 18 months, 2T, 3T, and 4T-5T, making it a practical choice for gift-giving across multiple ages or for growing children.