Wee Wonderland Cardigan

Wee Wonderland Cardigan by Melissa LaBarre

What Is Being Made

The Wee Wonderland Cardigan is a baby cardigan designed by Melissa LaBarre for infants ranging from newborn through 24 months. This knitted garment features a whimsical design suitable for little ones, with sizing options across five different age ranges to accommodate growth from 0-6 months through 24 months old.

Craft and Primary Technique

This project is created using the knitting craft. The Wee Wonderland Cardigan is classified as an intermediate-level knitting pattern, making it suitable for knitters with some experience beyond the basics. The pattern employs both circular needle and double-pointed needle techniques to construct the garment.

Stitches and Stitch Techniques Used

The cardigan utilizes several fundamental and intermediate knitting stitches and techniques:

• Stockinette stitch – the primary fabric stitch creating a smooth, classic knit appearance
• Raglan construction – a shaping method using raglan markers to create the sleeve cap and body shaping
• Lattice panel – a decorative textured element worked with dedicated stitch markers
• Make one left (M1l) – an increase technique worked from the front, lifting the loop between stitches and knitting through the back loop
• Make one right (M1r) – an increase technique worked from the back, lifting the loop between stitches and knitting into the front loop
• Knit two together (K2tog) – a decrease technique for shaping
• Slip marker (Slm) – a technique for moving stitch markers as you work in the round

Materials: Yarn and Needles

Yarn: The pattern calls for Frabjous Fibers Mad Hatter in sport-weight yarn. Yardage requirements vary by size: 340 yards for the smallest size (0-6 months), increasing to 530 yards for the largest size (24 months). The yarn is available in the colorway "un-birthday." One to two skeins are required depending on the size being knitted, with each skein containing 344 yards (315 meters) and weighing 113 grams (3.99 ounces).

Needles: Construction requires one 29-inch circular needle in size US 4 (3.5mm) for the main body work, plus one set of double-pointed needles also in size US 4 (3.5mm) for working smaller circumferences. Needle size may be adjusted as needed to achieve the correct gauge.

Additional Notions and Gauge

Beyond yarn and needles, the project requires 6 stitch markers total – 4 markers of one color or style for marking the raglan increases, and 2 markers of a different color or style for the lattice panel. You will also need 2 lengths of scrap yarn and a blunt needle for weaving in ends.

The pattern is worked to a gauge of 24 stitches and 32 rows over 4 inches (10 centimeters) in stockinette stitch. Achieving this gauge is essential for proper fit across all five size options.