Flutterbye Cardigan

This pattern is now available as a fully customisable OPAF pattern.

Open Pattern Format is a comprehensive file format aimed at yarn based crafts. OPAF patterns have the ability to store dynamic information making it possible to create truly customisable patterns.

This pattern allows you to pick a size, add a custom row gauge and choose between long or short sleeves. You can even enter a finished sleeve measurement and underarm to waist measurement, if you wish!

Payhip customers: download the OPAF pattern after checkout and visit openpatternformat.com to get the app!

Ravelry or LoveCrafts customers – click or scan the QR code in your PDF pattern to claim.

Sizing Overview

**Please scroll to the end of this listing to find full sizing information 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.

Chest Circumference (actual size)
20 (21, 24, 26) (28, 29.5, 31, 33) inches
OR
51 (53.5, 61, 66) (71, 75, 78.5, 84) centimetres

Yarn Requirements

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’.

The short sleeved version was knit in Drops Cotton Light,105m (115yds) per 50g in the colourway ‘Ice Blue’. This version has created a beautiful little summer cardi and benefits from being extra easy to care for!

Suggested Yarns

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/Yardage

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

4mm (US size 6) and 4.5mm (US size 7) circular needles OR size needed to get gauge.
Length dependent on your knitting style:
24”+ (60cm+) circular for magic loop in both sizes for neckline, sleeves and sleeve cuffs.
OR double pointed needles in both sizes.
16” (40cm) circular for yoke/body.

Notions

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

Required Techniques

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

Sizing and Schematic

A. Chest circumference

B. Yoke depth (measured at the back)

C. Underarm to bottom hem

D. Upper arm circumference

E. Underarm to wrist

Sizing in inches

Sizing in centimetres

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.