Free Knitting Pattern for Besties, a Striped Garter Stitch Cardigan for Babies and Children, featuring a simple construction and I-cord edging.
This adorable cardigan is designed for babies and children, sizes 3 months to 6 years. It’s worked in a simple garter stitch with two-color stripes, making it a great project for showcasing favorite color combinations. The cardigan is constructed from the bottom up, with minimal seaming. The sleeves are picked up and worked in the round, and the button bands and neck edging are also picked up and worked flat. A contrasting I-cord edging provides a polished finish.
The design, mostly in Garter stitch, is a simple design, rated easy.
This pattern is rated as easy. While the construction is straightforward (bottom-up, mostly garter stitch), it does involve picking up stitches, working in the round (for sleeves), creating buttonholes, and working a 2-stitch I-cord bind-off.
Skill Level: Easy (Garter stitch, picking up stitches, working in the round, buttonholes, I-cord bind-off)
Finished Measurements:
- Chest Circumference (buttoned): 17½ (18½, 20, 22, 23½, 25½) inches
- Length: 9 (10½, 12, 13½, 15½, 16½) inches
Materials Used:
- Rico Design Baby Dream DK Uni (50% polyacrylic, 50% polyamide; 50g/126 yds): 2 (2, 2, 3, 3, 3) balls in color 02 Powder (Main Color – MC)
- Rico Design Baby Dream DK (50% polyacrylic, 50% polyamide; 50g/126 yds): 2 (2, 2, 2, 2, 3) balls in color 009 Pastel Mix (Contrast Color – CC)
- US Size 6 (4 mm) straight needles and set of double-pointed needles (DPNs) (or size needed to obtain gauge)
Notions:
- 5 (5, 6, 6, 6, 6) buttons (⅝ inch)
- Tapestry needle
- Stitch holder or waste yarn
- Stitch marker
Pattern Considerations:
- Gauge: 20 sts x 40 rows = 4 inches in garter stitch. Accurate gauge is important for correct sizing.
- Yarn Substitution: The original pattern used a discontinued yarn (Adore). Rico Design Baby Dream DK and Baby Dream DK Uni are the recommended substitutes. Any soft, DK-weight yarn that achieves the specified gauge can be used.
- Stripe Sequence: The pattern includes instructions for both flat and in-the-round stripe sequences. Carry the unused yarn up the side when working flat.
- Construction: The cardigan body is worked flat from the bottom up. The fronts and back are separated at the armholes. Shoulders are joined using the three-needle bind-off method.
- Sleeves: Sleeve stitches are picked up around the armhole and worked in the round from the top down.
- Button Bands: Buttonholes are worked on the right button band. Instructions are provided, including how to handle the double yarn overs.
- I-Cord Edging: A 2-stitch I-cord edging is worked around the button bands and neckline for a neat finish. Instructions for the 2-stitch I-cord bind-off are included.
- Abbreviations: Familiarize with knitting abbreviations.
- Blocking: Gently wash and block.
