James Cardigan - Knitting Pattern for Boys in Willow & Lark Poetry

James Cardigan - Knitting Pattern for Boys by Willow & Lark

Project Overview

The James Cardigan is a double-breasted cardigan designed for baby boys, created by Willow & Lark in their Poetry collection. This intermediate-level knitting pattern produces a classic, structured cardigan suitable for infants ranging from newborn through 18 months of age. The pattern is available as a downloadable PDF and offers four size options to accommodate growing babies.

Garment Details & Sizing

The James Cardigan is sized to fit ages 0-3, 3-6, 6-12, and 12-18 months, with corresponding chest measurements of 41cm, 46cm, 51cm, and 56cm (16in, 18in, 20in, and 22in respectively). The finished cardigan measurements range from 46cm to 63cm in chest width (18in to 24¾in), with lengths from 20cm to 32cm measured to the back neck (8in to 12½in). Sleeve seams vary from 13cm to 26cm (5in to 10¼in) across the size range, allowing the pattern to grow with your child.

Knitting Techniques & Construction

This cardigan is worked flat on straight needles, meaning pieces are knitted individually and then seamed together to create the finished garment. The pattern incorporates buttonholes and button closures as functional design elements, with five buttons used to fasten the double-breasted front. The double-breasted construction adds visual interest and provides extra warmth through overlapping front panels.

Stitches & Stitch Patterns

The primary stitch used throughout the James Cardigan is stocking stitch (also called stockinette stitch), which creates a smooth, classic fabric with a neat appearance on the right side and bumpy texture on the wrong side. Stocking stitch is achieved by alternating knit rows and purl rows when working flat, producing the traditional look expected in tailored cardigans.

Yarn & Materials

The James Cardigan is designed to be knitted using Willow & Lark Poetry yarn in Baby Blue, a DK-weight yarn available through LoveCrafts. The pattern requires 50g balls of yarn, with yardage needs varying by size: 2 balls for the smallest size (0-3 months), increasing to 3 balls for sizes 3-6 and 6-12 months, and 4 balls for the largest size (12-18 months). The DK weight provides a lightweight, breathable fabric ideal for baby garments.

Tools & Needles

• 3.75mm (US 5) knitting needles - used for ribbing or edging sections
• 4.00mm (US 6) knitting needles - primary needles for working the main body in stocking stitch
• Five buttons for the double-breasted front closure

Tension & Gauge

The pattern specifies a tension of 22 stitches and 30 rows to 10cm (4in) measured over stocking stitch using 4mm (US 6) needles. Achieving the correct gauge is essential for the cardigan to fit properly; the designer notes that Willow & Lark cannot accept responsibility for the finished garment if yarn other than the recommended Poetry yarn is substituted, as different yarns may produce different gauge results.

Skill Level & Pattern Complexity

Rated as an intermediate-level pattern, the James Cardigan requires knitters to be comfortable with fundamental techniques including casting on, knit and purl stitches, buttonhole construction, and seaming. The flat construction and straightforward stocking stitch base make it accessible to experienced beginners, while the double-breasted shaping and button placement add moderate complexity suitable for developing knitters.