Child's Striped ‘V’ Neck Top Down Cardigan 2-10yrs

Child's Striped 'V' Neck Top Down Cardigan 2-10 Years

What is Being Made

This is a classic children's cardigan designed by Leanna Booth, available in four size options ranging from 2T to 10 years old. The cardigan features a distinctive V-neckline and is constructed using a top-down knitting method, which allows for easy fitting adjustments and seamless construction. The design incorporates horizontal stripes created by alternating between a main color yarn and a contrasting color yarn throughout the piece. The cardigan closes with buttons (either 4 or 5 depending on size) and is suitable for everyday wear for young children.

Sizes and Measurements

The pattern accommodates four distinct size ranges:

• Size 2-4 years: 61cm (24 inches) chest, 27cm (10.5 inches) sleeve length, 24cm (9.5 inches) length from armhole
• Size 5-6 years: 63.5cm (25 inches) chest, 28cm (11 inches) sleeve length, 25cm (10 inches) length from armhole
• Size 7-8 years: 69cm (27 inches) chest, 29cm (11.5 inches) sleeve length, 26cm (10.5 inches) length from armhole
• Size 9-10 years: 74cm (29 inches) chest, 32cm (12.5 inches) sleeve length, 29cm (11.5 inches) length from armhole

Techniques Used

This cardigan employs top-down construction, a popular knitting method that begins at the neckline and progresses downward toward the hem. This technique offers several advantages: it allows knitters to try on the garment as it develops, provides flexibility for custom length adjustments, and eliminates the need for seaming body pieces together. The pattern uses increases strategically placed to shape the garment, creating the proper fit across the chest and shoulders. The V-neckline is formed through deliberate stitch decreases that create the characteristic angled opening at the front.

Stitches and Stitch Techniques

The pattern utilizes fundamental knitting stitches appropriate for a beginner-level project:

• Knit stitch (K): The primary stitch forming the fabric base
• Make 1 (M1): An increase technique performed by picking up the loop between stitches and knitting through the back of the loop, used to add stitches for shaping
• Yarn Over (YO): A decorative and functional increase that creates a small eyelet hole, often used in lace or textured sections
• Stripe pattern: Created by alternating between main color and contrast color yarn at regular intervals throughout the knitting

The pattern also references standard knitting abbreviations including RS (Right Side) and WS (Wrong Side) to indicate which side of the fabric is being worked, PM (Place Marker) and MM (Move Marker) for tracking stitch positions and pattern repeats.

Materials and Yarn Requirements

This cardigan is designed to be knitted with DK weight yarn (also called 8Ply), a medium-weight yarn that creates a fabric with good drape and structure suitable for children's garments. Yarn quantities vary by size:

• Size 2-4 years: 1.5 balls main color, 1 ball contrast color (100g balls)
• Size 5-6 years: 2.5 balls main color, 1 ball contrast color (100g balls)
• Size 7-8 years: 3 balls main color, 1 ball contrast color (100g balls)
• Size 9-10 years: 3.5 balls main color, 1 ball contrast color (100g balls)

Needles and Gauge

The pattern requires two needle sizes: 3.5mm and 4mm, available in either straight or circular configurations. For circular needles, the cable length should be at least 30