Flutterbye Cardigan

The Flutterbye Cardigan is a DK weight children’s pattern knit seamlessly from the top down. No need to go back and pick up stitches for the neckline and button bands when it feels like the project should be done as the as the i-cord neckline is the first thing you knit and the button bands are integrated into the main body of the garment. After the sleeve split, the body is knit straight until the waist where a neat lateral braid (also known as the Vikkel or Estonian braid) separates the peplum ‘skirt’. The whole design is finished off by a super fluttery frilled cast off, making this a fun wardrobe edition to any little ones wardrobe!

Sizing and Schematic

6m (1yr, 2yrs, 4yrs) (6yrs, 8yrs, 10yrs, 12yrs).

Ages are provided as a guide only. Due to deviations in children’s body shapes, choose a size based on the actual chest measurement. 3” (7.5cm) positive ease is recommended, allowing for plenty of growing room. However, a more fitted cardigan would look equally as sweet. Therefore, depending on fit preference, pick a size approximately 1-3” (2.5-7.5cm) larger than the actual chest measurement. If choosing a size with less ease, do ensure that the rest of the measurements will also fit.

A. Chest circumference.

B. Yoke depth

C. Underarm to bottom hem

D. Upper arm circumference

E. Underarm to wrist

The first sample modelled by my daughter, Pippa. She is wearing age 6yrs with 3” (7.5cm) positive ease. The yarn is Quack Yarn Superwash Merino Nylon Stellina 212m (232yds) per 100g in the Colourway ‘Funky Facts’.

Any DK yarn with approximately 212m (232yds) per 100g should work. This is a standard specification for a hand dyed sparkle base so have a look at what your favourite indie dyer has to offer and treat yourself and your knit-worthy recipient!

I knit my second sample from Drops Cotton Light,105m (115yds) per 50g in the colourway ‘Ice Blue’. This, with short sleeves, has created a beautiful little summer cardi and benefits from being extra easy to care for! There are plenty of hard wearing, purse friendly yarns available from more commercial sources so whatever your requirements are, go for it! Just remember, if you are substituting, that yarns vary greatly so please swatch to not only check gauge but also that you are happy with the fabric properties.

Required Meterage

6m (1yr, 2yrs, 4yrs) (6yrs, 8yrs, 10yrs, 12yrs)

350 (415, 500, 595) (715, 885, 1020, 1100) m / 385 (455, 550, 650) (785, 970, 1115, 1205) yds.

This equates to 2 (2, 3, 3) (4, 5, 5, 6) skeins of Superwash Merino Nylon Stellina 212m (232yds) per 100g.

OR 4 (4, 5, 6) (7, 9, 10, 11) balls of Drops Cotton Light 105m (115yds) per 50g.

The stated meterage (yardage) is the estimated quantity needed to create both the garment and swatch.

Gauge

20 stitches and 24 rows = 4x4in (10x10cm) in stockinette stitch using 4.5mm (US size 7mm) OR size needed to obtain gauge, after blocking.

Needles

Notions

• A crochet hook of any size for the provisional cast on
• 6 stitch markers
• 3/4” (19mm) buttons

All techniques listed are explained and video aids can be found on my ‘technique demonstrations‘ page.

• Provisional cast on
• I-cord / i-cord cast off
• Lateral braid (also known as Vikkel or Estonian braid).
• RLI (right lifted increase) and LLI (left lifted increase)
• Frilled cast off