Pattern Debut: Chanchito Cardigan
Happy Halloween! I hope you enjoy this treat: a new pattern!
Introducing Chanchito, a cozy cardigan perfect for boys and girls alike. Knit in DK weight to create the perfect layer to fend off fall’s chill. Simple cables frame the button bands and decorate the waistline. The body is knit in one piece from the top down, so it’s nearly seamless, and a simple rolled collar finishes it off.
My sweater model grew faster than I could knit--I started knitting the 12-18 month size for him in the spring, and by the time I finished it and was ready to take photos, I had a 21 month old on my hands. Fortunately, he was a pretty good sport about squeezing into his too-small cardigan.
I used two different yarns for my samples, and was pleased with both. Verdant Gryphon Traveller comes in a beautiful array of colors, and 2 skeins are enough for any size. Wandering Wool Heights DK is delightfully squishy, and just 1 skein is enough for the newborn size (0-3).
Frustrated with the limited number of knitting patterns suitable for boys, I set out to create a unisex cardigan that would work for babies and toddlers of all sexes, shapes and sizes, and I'm quite happy with the result.
Remember when selecting a size to knit that babies and toddlers rarely fit into neat "size" boxes and grow notoriously fast. Measure when you can, and when in doubt, knit a larger size for the little one to grow into.
The Chanchito cardigan pattern is now available for $6. Purchase in the SHOP, or buy on Ravelry.
$6.00
Details:
Finished Sizes: 0-3mo (3-6mo, 6-12mo, 12-18mo, 18-24mo, 2T, 4T); 17 (18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 24)” / 43 (45 ½, 48, 51, 53, 56, 61) cm chest circumference
To be worn with 1” / 2.5 cm or more positive ease.
Yarn: Approximately 250 (300, 350, 400, 450, 500, 550) yards / 230 (275, 320, 365, 410, 460, 500) meters DK weight yarn.
Samples show in:
Wandering Wool Heights DK, 100% Superwash Merino Wool, 231 yd / 210 m; 1 skein in Gray Matter (0-3 month sample)
Verdant Gryphon Traveller, 100% Superwash Merino wool, 280 yd / 256 m; 2 skeins in Oaxaca (12-18 month sample)
Needles:
US 6 / 4 mm 24” / 60 cm circular needle
US 6 / 4 mm double point needles, or preferred needles for knitting small circumferences
Or size needed to obtain gauge
Notions:
Cable needle
2 stitch markers in Color A
4 stitch markers in Color B
4-6 ½” / 15 mm buttons
Gauge: 22 sts and 30 rows = 4” / 10 cm in st st