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Hand Dyed Diva

Basic Elements™ Baby Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Basic Elements™ Baby Cardigan Knitting Pattern

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This is a downloadable pattern.  Pattern will be delivered electronically upon completed purchase. Purchases of pattern downloads are not refundable and cannot be exchanged.  All sales of pattern downloads are final.

 

A simple cardigan is a most useful garment for a baby. It adds a cozy layer of warmth without the fuss of pulling a sweater over the head. Wrap your new little one in love with this classic design. This sweater is knit in one piece from the neck down with raglan shaping in the yoke. After the yoke is complete, the sleeves are worked flat to the cuffs. Then the sleeve seams are sewn, and the body continues down to the hem. The button bands are worked from stitches picked up along the front edges.

While this is a great first sweater project for a beginner, this is also a pattern you can turn to again and again. Make the sweater in plain stockinette stitch to show off a special yarn or add a simple lace or texture panel down each side of the front (instructions for these variations are included!) Once you’re comfortable with the basic construction, use this pattern as a blank canvas for your own creative expression. Use your stash of leftovers to add stripes. Try different stitch patterns. 

 

MATERIALS

Yarn: 400 (450, 500, 550) yds DK weight yarn

The sample was made with the following: 2 skeins Hand Dyed Diva DK (100% Superwash Merino Wool; 250 yds / 228 m / 115 g)

Needles:  US 5 (3.75 mm) circular knitting needles, 24" long, or size needed to obtain the correct gauge.

US 3 (3.25 mm) circular knitting needles, 24" long, or two sizes smaller than size used to obtain the correct gauge.

Notions: Stitch markers, stitch holders or scrap yarn, tapestry needle, five buttons 1⁄2" diameter

GAUGE

22 sts and 30 rows = 4" in Stockinette stitch using larger needles, after blocking.

Save time by taking time to check gauge.

FINISHED MEASUREMENTS

To fit baby sizes 0-6 mos (6-12 mos, 12-18 mos, 18-24 mos)

Chest: 18 1/4 (19 1/2, 21, 22 1/2", buttoned Length: 9 (9 1/2, 10, 11)"
Intended to fit with 1-2" ease.
Sample shown is size 12-18 months.

Est. Knitting Yarn Requirements

Please note that the following information is for estimation purposes only. Please refer to pattern details for your project for specific information regarding accurate yardage/meterage requirements.

Adult Hat:

Fingering Weight Yarn: Approximately 200-400 yards (180-370 meters)

Sport Weight Yarn: Approximately 150-300 yards (140-280 meters)

DK Weight Yarn: Approximately 125-250 yards (115-230 meters)

Worsted Weight Yarn: Approximately 100-200 yards (95-185 meters)

Bulky Weight Yarn: Approximately 80-150 yards (75-140 meters)

Super Bulky Weight Yarn: Approximately 50-100 yards (50-95 meters)

 

Adult Sweater:

Fingering Weight Yarn: Approximately 1500-2500 yards (1370-2295 meters)

Sport Weight Yarn: Approximately 1200-2000 yards (1100-1830 meters)

DK Weight Yarn: Approximately 1000-1700 yards (915-1555 meters)

Worsted Weight Yarn: Approximately 1000-1800 yards (920-1650 meters)

Bulky Weight Yarn: Approximately 800-1500 yards (735-1375 meters)

Super Bulky Weight Yarn: Approximately 600-1200 yards (550-1100 meters)

 

Adult Pair of Socks:

Fingering Weight Yarn: Approximately 350-500 yards (325-460 meters)

Sport Weight Yarn: Approximately 300-450 yards (275-415 meters)

DK Weight Yarn: Approximately 250-400 yards (230-365 meters)

 

Baby Blanket:

Fingering Weight Yarn: Approximately 1000-1500 yards (920-1370 meters)

Sport Weight Yarn: Approximately 800-1200 yards (735-1100 meters)

DK Weight Yarn: Approximately 700-1100 yards (640-1005 meters)

Worsted Weight Yarn: Approximately 700-1000 yards (640-920 meters)

Bulky Weight Yarn: Approximately 600-800 yards (550-735 meters)

Super Bulky Weight Yarn: Approximately 400-600 yards (370-550 meters)

 

Baby Cardigan:

Fingering Weight Yarn: Approximately 400-800 yards (370-735 meters)

Sport Weight Yarn: Approximately 300-600 yards (275-550 meters)

DK Weight Yarn: Approximately 250-500 yards (230-460 meters)

Worsted Weight Yarn: Approximately 200-500 yards (185-460 meters)

Bulky Weight Yarn: Approximately 150-400 yards (140-370 meters)

Super Bulky Weight Yarn: Approximately 100-300 yards (95-280 meters)

 

Adult Cowl:

Fingering Weight Yarn: Approximately 300-500 yards (275-460 meters)

Sport Weight Yarn: Approximately 250-400 yards (230-365 meters)

DK Weight Yarn: Approximately 200-350 yards (185-320 meters)

Worsted Weight Yarn: Approximately 150-300 yards (140-275 meters)

Bulky Weight Yarn: Approximately 100-200 yards (95-185 meters)

Super Bulky Weight Yarn: Approximately 75-150 yards (70-140 meters)

 

Adult Afghan:

Fingering Weight Yarn: Approximately 3000-5000 yards (2740-4570 meters)

Sport Weight Yarn: Approximately 2500-4000 yards (2300-3660 meters)

DK Weight Yarn: Approximately 2000-3500 yards (1830-3200 meters)

Worsted Weight Yarn: Approximately 2000-3500 yards (1830-3210 meters)

Bulky Weight Yarn: Approximately 1500-3000 yards (1375-2740 meters)

Super Bulky Weight Yarn: Approximately 1000-2500 yards (920-2295 meters)

 

Adult Shawl:

Fingering Weight Yarn: Approximately 400-800 yards (370-735 meters)

Sport Weight Yarn: Approximately 300-600 yards (275-550 meters)

DK Weight Yarn: Approximately 250-500 yards (230-460 meters)

Worsted Weight Yarn: Approximately 200-500 yards (185-460 meters)

Bulky Weight Yarn: Approximately 150-400 yards (140-370 meters)

Super Bulky Weight Yarn: Approximately 100-300 yards (95-280 meters)

About Our Bases

We are proud dyers of Shaniko wool and wool blend yarns and fibers available through our stockists and collaborators.  As a helpful reference, here is information on the bases readily available.  Additional blends including Merino/Silk and Merino/Silk/Cashmere, and sparkly yarns in several bases available by special order through yarn shops. When you buy this yarn you are supporting the American wool industry and our region's milling industry!

All of the wool in our yarn and fiber comes from Shaniko Wool Co., and is certified under the Responsible Wool Standard.  That means the people, land, and animals associated with production of this yarn and fiber are all treated fairly and ethically.

Click here to learn more about the Responsible Wool Standard.

Note:  Weights and yardage amounts may vary ever so slightly.  Gauges are approximate, and crafters are strongly encouraged to swatch before embarking on a project. 

HOMEGROWN FINGERING (100 g skein)
Made from 100% USA raised and processed blend of Shaniko Superwash Merino and Rambouillet wools. Milled, spun, and hand dyed in North Carolina.  Great for shawls, hats, dress socks, mittens and gloves, and more!
FIBER CONTENT: 100% USA raised and processed, and NC milled superwash Merino
YARDAGE: 437 yds / 399 m / 100 g
GAUGE: 21-32 sts/4” (10 cm)
NEEDLES: US 1-3 (2.25-3.25 mm)

HOMEGROWN SOCK (100 g skein)
Softness in abundance with 80% USA raised and processed, and North Carolina milled, fully traceable Shaniko Merino and Rambouillet and 20% USA made Nylon. This incredible yarn is great for socks, shawls, tops, hats, as a carry-together yarn, and for anything requiring next-to-skin softness. 
FIBER CONTENT: 80% USA raised and processed and NC milled Shaniko Superwash Merino and 20% USA made Nylon
YARDAGE: 424 yds / 366 m / 100 g
GAUGE: 26-30 sts/4” (10 cm)
NEEDLES: US 1-3 (2.25-3.25 mm)

HOMEGROWN FINGERING MINIS (25 g mini skein)
Made from a 100% USA raised and processed Shaniko Superwash Merino wool, processed, spun, and hand dyed in North Carolina.  Minis are just perfect for small projects, making ornaments, embellishing larger projects, and using for colorwork! They're also great if you just want to try out a color!
FIBER CONTENT: 100% USA raised and processed, and NC milled Shaniko Superwash Merino
YARDAGE: Approximately 109 yds / 99 m / 25 g
GAUGE: 21-32 sts/4”(10cm)
NEEDLES: US 1-3 (2.25-3.25 mm)

HOMEGROWN SPORT (100 g skein)
Sport weight yarn is lighter than DK, but slightly heavier than sock. It's perfect for sweaters, accessories, and anything else you can dream up, and especially good for slightly warmer climates where you might be hesitant to use a heavier yarn. Made from 100% USA Shaniko Superwash Merino/Rambouillet wool milled in our home state of North Carolina, just minutes from Hand Dyed Diva studio. 
FIBER CONTENT: 100% USA raised and processed, and NC milled Shaniko Superwash Merino
YARDAGE: 300 yds / 274 m / 100 g
GAUGE: 23-24 sts/4 ” (10 cm)
NEEDLES: US 3-4 (3.75-4.0 mm) 

HOMEGROWN WORSTED (100 g skein)
Made from 100% USA raised and processed Shaniko Superwash Merino wool. Milled, spun, and dyed in North Carolina.  This is a delicious, squishy worsted wonderful for hats, sweaters, scarves, and anything else you can dream up.
FIBER CONTENT: 100% USA raised and processed, and NC milled superwash Merino
YARDAGE: 228 yds / 208 m / 100 g
GAUGE: 19-20 sts/4”(10 cm)
NEEDLES: US 6-7 (4.00-4.50 mm) 

HOMEGROWN DK (115 g skein)
Made from 100% USA raised and processed Shaniko Superwash Merino wool.  Milled, spun, and dyed in North Carolina.  We love 
Great for sweaters and all sorts of accessories.
FIBER CONTENT: 100% USA raised and processed, and NC milled Shaniko Superwash Merino
YARDAGE: 250 yds / 228 m / 115 g
GAUGE: 21-22 sts/4”(10cm)
NEEDLES: US 5-6 (3.75-4.0 mm)

NON-SW USA SHANIKO MERINO COMBED TOP (4 oz per bump/braid)
Super soft, 100% USA raised and processed NON-Superwash Shaniko Merino wool! This fiber will definitely felt! Can be dyed in most of our colorways. As with all fiber, resulting yarn varies with dye lot and spinning techniques.

SW USA SHANIKO MERINO COMBED TOP (4oz per bump/braid)
Super soft, 100% USA raised and processed Superwash Merino wool. Can be dyed in most of our colorways. As with all fiber, resulting yarn varies with dye lot and spinning techniques.

 

A Note about Hand Dyed Yarn

Hand dyeing yarn and fiber is a mix of chemistry and artistry. Something as seemingly simple as a change made to the water supply by the local water authority can have a pretty surprising effect on color. Please note that while we make every effort to be consistent in our dyeing, we do not guarantee matching from dye lot to dye lot. Additionally, we make every effort to represent our colorways accurately through product photos - but please be aware that the technology used to view our photos may not translate the color accurately. If we can be of assistance, please email us at hello@wooltribeyarn.co. Thank you.

Care Instructions

We take great care in hand dyeing the yarn and fiber we offer. With handmade projects and wearables, unless otherwise specified, we recommend they be hand washed and dried flat.

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Heirlooms

Items made with hand dyed yarn, hand selected materials, reclaimed, repurposed, and even completely recycled materials become heirlooms we can all be proud of.

  • Custom

    Contact us to commission handmade works for you for your wardrobe or home. We welcome the opportunity to bring your creative vision to life.