Easy Knit Baby to Toddler Button Up Cardigan.

This is a very easy basic button up cardigan. Easy and quick to knit with very little shaping this cardigan will make an ideal gift for a baby or toddler. Knit in a plain colour, multi  or variegated yarn it is suitable for boy or girl.

Directions are for size 12 months. Changes for sizes 18 months, 24 months, and 4 years are in parentheses.

To Fit: 18 (19, 20, 23)”

Finished Chest: 23 (24, 25, 26)”

Finished Length: 11 (12, 13, 14)”

You will need:

Worsted weight yarn 100 grms – 2(2,3,3) balls

Knitting Needles: 5 mm (US 8) straight needles, 

Stitch markers,

5 (5,6,6) ¾” button,

yarn needle.

GAUGE: 18 sts = 4”; 24 rows = 4” in St st (knit on Right Side, purl on Wrong Side).

CHECK YOUR GAUGE. Use any size needles to obtain the gauge.

Special Abbreviation:

M1 = Make 1 (Increase) – Lift strand between needles to left-hand needle and work strand through the back loop, twisting it to prevent a hole, (knit or purl as indicated by pattern st).

ABBREVIATIONS:

k = knit

k2tog = knit next 2 sts together

p = purl

yo = yarn over

Back

Cast on 50 (54, 55, 60) sts.

Work in k2, p2, rib until piece measures 1.5” from beginning, end with a Wrong Side row.

Next Row (Right Side): Knit.

Next Row (Wrong Side): Purl.

Repeat last 2 rows, for St st (knit on Right Side, purl on Wrong Side), until piece measures 11 (12, 13, 14)” from beginning, end with a Wrong Side row.

Cast off.

Left Front

Cast on 26 (28, 30, 30) sts.

Work same as back ribbing until piece measures 1.5” from beginning, end with a Wrong Side row.

Work even in Stockinette st until piece measures 8 (9, 10,11)” from beginning, end with a Right Side row.

Shape Neck

Next Row (Wrong Side): Cast off 4 sts (neck edge), purl to end of row—22 (24, 26, 26) sts.

Next Row (Right Side): Knit.

Next Row: Cast off 2 sts, purl to end of row—20 (22, 24, 24) sts.

Next Row: Knit.

Repeat last 2 rows 2 (2, 3, 3) more times—16 (18, 18,18) sts.

Next Row: Cast off 1 st, purl to end of row—15 (17, 17,17) sts.

Next Row: Knit.

Repeat last 2 rows 2 (2, 1, 0) more time(s)—13 (15, 16, 17) sts remain.

Work even in St st, until piece measures same as back.

Cast off.

Right Front

Cast on 26 (28, 30, 30) sts.

Work same as back ribbing until piece measures 1.5” from beginning, end with a Wrong Side row.

Work even in Stockinette st until piece measures 8 (9, 10, 11)” from beginning, end with a Wrong Side row.

Shape Neck

Next Row (Right Side): Cast off 4 sts (neck edge), knit to end of row—22 (24, 26, 26) sts.

Next Row (Wrong Side): Purl.

Next Row: Cast off 2 sts, knit to end of row—20 (22, 24, 24) sts.

Next Row: Purl.

Repeat last 2 rows 2 (2, 3, 3) more times—16 ( 18, 18, 18) sts.

Next Row: Cast off 1 st, knit to end of row—15 ( 17, 17, 17) sts.

Next Row: Purl.

Repeat last 2 rows 2 (2, 1, 0) more time(s)—13 (15, 16,17) sts remain.

Work even in Stockinette st, until piece measures same as back.

Cast off.

Sleeves (Make 2)

Cast on 26 (28, 28, 30) sts.

Work same as back ribbing until piece measures 1.5” from beginning, end with a Right Side row.

Next Row (Wrong Side): Purl.

Next Row: Knit.

Next Row: Purl.

Next Row: K1, M1, knit to last st, M1, k1—28 (30, 30, 32) sts.

Repeat last 4 rows 9 (10, 11, 11) more times—46 (50, 52, 54) sts.

Work even in Stockinette st until piece measures 8 (8½, 9,10)” from beginning.

Cast off.

FINISHING

Sew shoulder seams.

Place markers on side edges of fronts and back, 5 (5½, 5½, 6)” from shoulder seam. Sew top of sleeves between markers.

Sew side and sleeve seams.

Neckband

Row 1: With Right Side facing and circular needle,

beginning at right front edge, pick up and k60 (62, 64, 66) sts evenly spaced across neck edge.

Work 4 rows in K2, P2 rib

Cast off in ribbing pattern.

Buttonband

Cast on 8 sts and work in K2, P2 rib until band reaches length required to reach top of neck ribbing when slightly stretched.

Buttonhole band

Cast on 8 sts work in K2, P2, rib and working evenly space button holes in your favourite method. If you are unsure  see an earlier blog post on recomended buttonholes

Sew button to right

front edge opposite buttonhole. Weave in ends.