Whispering Pines Baby Cardigan Free Pattern
Finished Measurements: Chest: 17 (19) [21] inches; Length: 9 (10) [11] inches from underarm.
Abbreviations
Familiarize yourself with these standard knitting abbreviations:
- k = knit
- p = purl
- yo = yarn over
- k2tog = knit two together (decrease)
- ssk = slip, slip, knit (decrease)
- pm = place marker
- sm = slip marker
- m1L = make one left (increase)
- m1R = make one right (increase)
- RS = right side
- WS = wrong side
Special Stitch Pattern – Pine Lace Panel (worked over 9 stitches)
This delicate lace panel is the signature of the cardigan, mimicking pine needles. Work it as follows:
- Row 1 (RS): k2, yo, ssk, k1, k2tog, yo, k2
- Row 2 and all WS rows: purl all stitches
- Row 3: k1, yo, ssk, k3, k2tog, yo, k1
- Row 5: yo, ssk, k5, k2tog, yo
- Row 7: k1, k2tog, yo, k3, yo, ssk, k1
- Row 9: k2tog, yo, k5, yo, ssk
- Row 10: purl
Repeat rows 1-10 for the pattern.
Yoke
With circular needle and MC (Spruce), cast on 62 (66) [70] stitches. Do not join; work back and forth for button bands.
Row 1 (WS): k all stitches (this creates a garter ridge).
Row 2 (RS): k5 (button band), pm, k8 (left front), pm, k1 (raglan), pm, k8 (left sleeve), pm, k1 (raglan), pm, k20 (back), pm, k1 (raglan), pm, k8 (right sleeve), pm, k1 (raglan), pm, k8 (right front), k5 (button band). (Total: 62 (66) [70] sts)
Increase Row (RS): k5, sm, k to 1 st before marker, m1R, k1, sm, k1, sm, m1L, k to 1 st before next marker, m1R, k1, sm, k1, sm, m1L, k to 1 st before next marker, m1R, k1, sm, k1, sm, m1L, k to 1 st before next marker, m1R, k1, sm, k1, sm, m1L, k to marker, sm, k5. (8 increases)
Work increase row every RS row 8 (9) [10] times total, then every 4th row 2 (2) [3] times. After all increases, you should have 142 (154) [170] stitches.
Divide for Body and Sleeves
Next RS row: k5, sm, k to first raglan marker (left front), remove marker, place next 34 (38) [42] sleeve stitches on waste yarn, remove marker, cast on 4 (4) [6] stitches underarm, pm, k to next raglan marker (back), remove marker, place next 34 (38) [42] sleeve stitches on waste yarn, remove marker, cast on 4 (4) [6] stitches underarm, pm, k to end (right front), k5. (Body stitches: 82 (88) [98])
Body
Continue in stockinette stitch (knit RS, purl WS) with button bands in garter (knit every row) until body measures 6 (7) [8] inches from underarm, ending with a WS row.
Pine Lace Panel Insertion
On next RS row, work as follows: k5, pm, work Pine Lace Panel over next 9 stitches, pm, knit to last 14 stitches, pm, work Pine Lace Panel over next 9 stitches, pm, k5.
Continue in this pattern, working the lace panels as established, for 2 (2) [3] inches, ending with a WS row.
Bottom Border
Knit 4 rows garter (knit every row) across all stitches. Bind off loosely on RS.
Sleeves
Place sleeve stitches from waste yarn onto double-pointed needles. Pick up and knit 4 (4) [6] stitches from underarm cast-on, pm for beginning of round. Total sleeve stitches: 38 (42) [48].
Knit in stockinette (knit every round) for 1 inch. Then decrease round: k1, k2tog, knit to last 3 stitches, ssk, k1. Repeat decrease round every 4th round until 30 (34) [38] stitches remain. Continue even until sleeve measures 5 (6) [7]
