This simple, short-sleeved cardigan is knitted a little differently to reduce the amount of sewing up. You begin at the left front, then knit the right front before joining the pieces together to work down the back. The only seams to sew are the sleeves and sides – no picking up stitches required!

To keep the garter stitch beautifully even when joining the fronts to the back, I’ve included instructions to knit along one front while slipping the stitches of the other. It might sound a little unusual, but it’s easy once you get going – and a really fun knit for a new arrival.

If you love garter stitch and not picking up stitches, you might also enjoy the Leighton Jacket or the Higgins Cardigan. And if you’re ready to try picking up stitches, the Cherry Tree Cardigan is a lovely next step.

CONSTRUCTION
The two fronts are knitted flat from the bottom up with the sleeves cast on, the live stitches are then knitted onto one needle to then knit down the back. The only seams are the side and under sleeve seam. There is one buttonhole.

TECHNIQUES USED
Cast on, knit, decreasing at neck shaping, casting on. Joining seams. Optional but recommended to create the feeling of joy when joining your pieces: mattress stitch.

YARN
2(2:2:3:3) 100g hanks of WYS Bluefaced Leicester DK.
100% British Bluefaced Leicester wool, 225m/246yds per 100g

SUGGESTED KNITTING NEEDLES
4mm.

NOTIONS
One button.

GAUGE (tension)
22 stitches and 40 rows to 10cm/4ins square over narrow rib pattern. I obtained this gauge with 4mm needles.
It is important to obtain the correct gauge so do work a swatch before you start the pattern and change your needle size to achieve the correct gauge if you need to.

FINISHED MEASUREMENTS

To fit age (suggested)
0-1, (1-2, 3-4, 5-6, 7-8)years

Chest circumference
45, (54, 58, 69, 74)cm
17¾, (21¼, 22¾, 27¼, 29¼)ins

Length (from top of shoulder to cast on edge)
29, (32, 36, 40, 44)cm
11½, (12½, 14¼, 15¾, 17½)ins

sleeve length (from underarm to cast on edge)
5, (5, 7, 7, 7)cm
2, (2, 2¾, 2¾, 2¾)ins

NEED HELP?
I am here for you! Pop into the Skipton studio, send an email, or check out the Purl &Jane YouTube channel for tips, inspiration and guidance including handy resources like gauge (tension) guides and how to tutorials.