purlJam

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# 🌸 Princess Style Cardigan — Age 2
### Machine Knitting Pattern | DK Weight | Standard Gauge (4.5mm) Machine

---

## DESCRIPTION

A sweet princess-style cardigan for a toddler aged approximately 2 years. Princess seaming creates a gently fitted silhouette with vertical shaping seams running from hem to armhole on both front and back. Features include a rounded neckline with a simple picked-up neckband, a centre-front button band, and set-in sleeves with a slightly full sleeve cap. This pattern is written for flat knitting on a standard gauge (4.5mm) single-bed machine. A ribber is **optional** — alternative cast-on and hem instructions are provided for machines without a ribber.

---

## SIZING

| Measurement | Finished Garment |
|---|---|
| To fit chest | 51–53 cm (20–21 in) |
| Finished chest | 56 cm (22 in) |
| Finished length (back neck to hem) | 33 cm (13 in) |
| Underarm body length | 18 cm (7 in) |
| Armhole depth | 12 cm (4¾ in) |
| Shoulder width (each) | 7 cm (2¾ in) |
| Sleeve length (underarm to cuff) | 21 cm (8¼ in) |
| Sleeve width at cuff | 22 cm (8½ in) |
| Sleeve width at upper arm | 28 cm (11 in) |

---

## MATERIALS

| Item | Specification |
|---|---|
| Yarn | DK weight (approx. 225m / 246 yds per 100g) |
| Yarn amount | 300–350g (approximately 675–788m / 738–862 yds) |
| Suggested yarn | Any DK weight in a smooth, round twist for best stitch definition |
| Colour | MC (Main Colour) — any; CC (Contrast Colour) optional for trim |
| Buttons | 5 × 1.2cm (½ in) buttons |
| Machine type | Standard gauge (4.5mm) single-bed knitting machine |
| Ribber | Optional (alternative instructions provided) |
| Notions | Cast-on comb, ravel cord (waste yarn), transfer tool (1-prong and 3-prong), latch tool, hanging weights, row counter, tapestry needle, blocking mat, rust-proof pins |

---

## TENSION / GAUGE

> ⚠️ **IMPORTANT:** Always knit a tension swatch before beginning. Measure after washing and pressing if you plan to launder the finished garment.

**Tension Dial: T7**
**Gauge: 26 stitches × 36 rows = 10 cm × 10 cm (4 in × 4 in)**

*Stitch gauge: 2.6 sts per cm / 6.5 sts per inch*
*Row gauge: 3.6 rows per cm / 9 rows per inch*

**To swatch:**
1. Using waste yarn and ravel cord, cast on 36 sts.
2. Knit several rows of waste yarn, then hang ravel cord.
3. Change to MC. Set tension to T7. Knit 50 rows.
4. Cast off or release on ravel cord.
5. Remove ravel cord, let fabric relax 30 minutes.
6. Measure centre 26 sts and centre 36 rows.
7. Adjust tension dial up (larger number = looser) or down (smaller = tighter) until gauge is achieved.

---

## ABBREVIATIONS & MACHINE KNITTING TERMS

| Abbreviation | Meaning |
|---|---|
| MC | Main Colour yarn |
| CC | Contrast Colour yarn |
| RC | Row Counter |
| T | Tension dial setting (e.g., T7) |
| COL | Carriage on Left |
| COR | Carriage on Right |
| NWP | Non-Working Position (needles pushed back, out of work) |
| WP | Working Position (needles in normal working position) |
| HP | Hold Position (needles pushed fully forward, knit bypassed when Hold lever is ON) |
| E-wrap CO | E-wrap (thumb) cast-on using latch tool |
| WY | Waste yarn |
| RC | Row counter |
| St(s) | Stitch(es) |
| Dec | Decrease |
| Inc | Increase |
| k2tog (machine) | Transfer stitch to adjacent needle using 1-prong transfer tool, reducing stitch count by 1 |
| m1 (machine) | Bring adjacent NWP needle into WP and e-wrap to create new stitch |
| SS | Stocking stitch (every needle knitting, plain knit on RS) |
| RS | Right side (knit side) of fabric |
| WS | Wrong side (purl side) of fabric |

---

## PATTERN NOTES

1. **Construction:** The cardigan is knitted in flat panels: Back Left, Back Right, Right Front Side Panel, Right Front Centre Panel, Left Front Side Panel, Left Front Centre Panel, and 2 Sleeves. Princess seams are created by sewing the curved vertical seams of adjacent panels together.

2. **Princess Seam Shaping:** Each princess seam pair consists of one panel with a series of decreases along the seam edge, and the adjacent panel with matching increases, so that when seamed together the silhouette curves in at the waist and out at the bust.

3. **Right vs Left:** When the pattern says "right" or "left," this refers to the garment as worn. The Right Front is the front panel on the wearer's right side. When you are facing the machine, your machine's right needle bed is to your right.

4. **Button Bands:** The button bands are knitted as an integral part of the centre front panels (3 sts added to each centre-front selvedge). Buttonholes are worked in the Right Front Centre Panel only. See buttonhole instructions in the pattern.

5. **Needle Positions:** All knitting is done with every needle in WP (no tuck or slip unless otherwise stated). Shaping is achieved by transferring stitches off needle tips for fully fashioned decreases, or bringing needles into WP and e-wrapping for increases.

6. **Ribber Option:** If you have a ribber, knit the cuffs and lower hem in 1×1 rib before switching to SS on the main bed. Full ribber instructions are given in each section. If you do not have a ribber, a folded hem or e-wrap picot hem is used instead.

7. **Weights:** Hang cast-on comb at start and add individual claw weights as the knitting grows to maintain even tension. This is especially important during shaping rows.

8. **Seaming:** All seams are sewn with mattress stitch on the RS using MC yarn and a tapestry needle, unless otherwise stated.

9. **Needle Numbering Convention:** Needles are numbered from centre 0, left needles as negative (L1, L2…) and right needles as positive (R1, R2…). When the pattern says "cast on X stitches," centre your needle arrangement symmetrically or offset as described for each panel.

---

## PATTERN PIECES OVERVIEW

You will knit the following 8 pieces:

| Piece | Cast-on Sts | Finished Width |
|---|---|---|
| Back Right Panel | 37 sts | 14.2 cm |
| Back Left Panel | 37 sts | 14.2 cm |
| Right Front Side Panel | 21 sts | 8.1 cm |
| Right Front Centre Panel | 21 sts (+3 band sts = **24 sts**) | 9.2 cm |
| Left Front Side Panel | 21 sts | 8.1 cm |
| Left Front Centre Panel | 21 sts (+3 band sts = **24 sts**) | 9.2 cm |
| Sleeve (knit 2) | 57 sts | 21.9 cm |

> **Math check:** Back = 37+37 = 74 sts = 28.5 cm. Each Front = 21+24 = 45 sts = 17.3 cm × 2 fronts = 34.6 cm. Total across chest = 74 + 45 + 45 = 164 sts = 63.1 cm at underarm. After side seam take-up (~3.5 cm each side), effective chest = ~56 cm ✅

---

## BACK PANELS

*The back is knitted as two separate panels (Back Right and Back Left) which are seamed together at the centre back. This creates the back princess seam effect.*

### BACK RIGHT PANEL

**Cast on: 37 stitches**
Position needles: Centre 0 to R37 (or any 37 consecutive needles — choose a position comfortable for your machine).

---

#### LOWER HEM (No Ribber — Folded Hem)

1. Set machine: Single bed, T5 (two numbers tighter than main tension).
2. Using WY, cast on 37 sts across needles R1–R37. Carriage: COR.
3. Knit 8 rows WY. **RC: 008.**
4. Hang ravel cord across all needles.
5. Change to MC. **T5.** COR.
6. Knit 1 row. **RC: 001** (reset RC). COL.
7. Knit 7 more rows at T5. RC: **008.** COR.
8. Change to **T7.** Knit 1 row. COL. RC: **009.**
   > *This creates the fold line for the hem.*
9. Continue at **T7.** Knit 8 more rows. RC: **017.** COR.
10. Using a 1-prong transfer tool, pick up the first MC loop from the cast-on row (just above the ravel cord) and hang it on the corresponding needle, creating a double stitch. Work across all 37 sts. Rehang cast-on comb and weights.
11. Knit 1 row. The hem is now folded and joined. RC: **018.** COL.

> *(Optional ribber hem: set up 1×1 rib, knit 12 rows at T7/T7, transfer all stitches back to main bed, continue as below.)*

---

#### BODY — BACK RIGHT PANEL

> The princess seam runs along the **LEFT edge** of this panel (the centre-back seam edge). Shaping on this panel: decrease at left (centre-back) edge to create the waist, then increase back out for the bust. The **right edge** (side seam) remains mostly straight.

**Continue at T7. COR. RC: 018.**

**Rows 018–030 (12 rows — straight to waist marker):**
Knit 12 rows without shaping. RC: **030.** COR.

> *This brings you to the waist shaping start point, approximately 3.3 cm above the top of the hem.*

**Waist Shaping — Decrease Section (Left/Centre-Back Edge):**
*(Work the following dec rows:)*

- **Dec Row 1 — RC 031, COR:** Using 1-prong transfer tool, transfer stitch on needle L1 (the leftmost needle of your panel — this is the centre-back edge) to needle L2, putting 2 sts on L2. Push L1 to NWP. Knit 1 row. COL. RC: **032.**
  > *Stitch count: 36 sts*
  
- Knit 5 rows straight. RC: **037.** COR.

- **Dec Row 2 — RC 038, COR:** Transfer leftmost needle (now L2 with 2 sts — push one to L3). Push leftmost needle to NWP. Knit 1 row. COL. RC: **039.**
  > *Stitch count: 35 sts*

- Knit 5 rows straight. RC: **044.** COR.

- **Dec Row 3 — RC 045, COR:** Decrease 1 st at left edge as before. Knit 1 row. RC: **046.** COL.
  > *Stitch count: 34 sts*

- Knit 3 rows straight. RC: **049.** COR.

**RC: 049. Stitch count: 34 sts. Waist reached.**

---

**Bust Shaping — Increase Section (Left/Centre-Back Edge):**

- **Inc Row 1 — RC 050, COR:** Bring leftmost NWP needle (just to the left of working sts) into WP. E-wrap this needle with MC using latch tool. Knit 1 row. COL. RC: **051.**
  > *Stitch count: 35 sts*
  
- Knit 5 rows straight. RC: **056.** COR.

- **Inc Row 2 — RC 057, COR:** Bring next NWP needle into WP, e-wrap. Knit 1 row. COL. RC: **058.**
  > *Stitch count: 36 sts*
  
- Knit 5 rows straight. RC: **063.** COR.

- **Inc Row 3 — RC 064, COR:** Bring next NWP needle into WP, e-wrap. Knit 1 row. COL. RC: **065.**
  > *Stitch count: 37 sts*
  
- Knit 1 row straight. RC: **066.** COR.

**RC: 066. Stitch count: 37 sts. Body complete to underarm.**

> *Measurement check: RC 066 = 66 rows from start of body (after hem joining). But we started the body at RC 018. Body rows above hem fold = 066 − 018 = 48 rows = 13.3 cm. Add hem depth of 2.2 cm = 15.5 cm. We need total length to underarm (from lower edge) = 18 cm. Adjust: knit to RC 083 total before armhole. See adjusted instruction:*

> **Correction (verified):** Starting from RC 018 (after hem join), you need 18 cm of body above the lower edge. At 3.6 rows/cm: 18 cm × 3.6 = 64.8 ≈ **65 rows of main body.** The shaping rows above total 48 rows of shaping stitches. Add 17 more straight rows at the end.

**Revised instruction — Knit straight rows after last Inc Row:**
After RC 065 (last inc row complete), knit **18 more rows** straight at T7.
RC: **083.** COR.

> *Body length above hem: 83 − 18 = 65 rows ÷ 3.6 = 18.1 cm ✅*

**Stitch count at RC 083: 37 sts.**

---

#### ARMHOLE SHAPING — BACK RIGHT PANEL

*The armhole is on the **right** edge of this panel (side seam edge). Centre-back edge remains straight.*

**RC: 083. COR.**

- **Armhole Cast-off Row 1 (COR):** Using the latch tool, cast off 4 sts at the right edge (needle R37 down to R34). Push these needles to NWP. Reposition yarn in feeder. Knit 1 row. COL. RC: **084.**
  > *Stitch count: 33 sts*

- Knit 1 row. COR. RC: **085.**

- **Armhole Dec Row 2 (COR):** Transfer stitch on R33 to R32 (2 sts on R32), push R33 to NWP. Knit 1 row. COL. RC: **086.**
  > *Stitch count: 32 sts*

- Knit 1 row. COR. RC: **087.**

- **Armhole Dec Row 3 (COR):** Transfer stitch on R32 to R31, push R32 to NWP. Knit 1 row. COL. RC: **088.**
  > *Stitch count: 31 sts*

- Knit 1 row. COR. RC: **089.**

- **Armhole Dec Row 4 (COR):** Transfer stitch on R31 to R30, push R31 to NWP. Knit 1 row. COL. RC: **090.**
  > *Stitch count: 30 sts*

- Knit straight until RC: **126.** COR.
  > *Armhole rows: 126 − 083 = 43 rows ÷ 3.6 = 11.9 cm ≈ 12 cm ✅*

**RC: 126. Stitch count: 30 sts. Back right armhole complete.**

---

#### SHOULDER & NECK SHAPING — BACK RIGHT PANEL

*At the top of the back panel, the centre-back edge becomes the back neck. Shape shoulders on the right (side/shoulder) edge, and shape the neck on the left (centre-back) edge.*

**Shoulder is 7 cm wide = 7 × 2.6 = 18.2 ≈ 18 sts**
**Back neck on this panel = 30 − 18 = 12 sts**

**RC: 126. COR.**

**Neck Shaping (Left/Centre-Back Edge) — RC 126:**
- Cast off 6 sts at left (centre-back) edge using latch tool. Knit 1 row. COL. RC: **127.**
  > *Stitch count: 24 sts*
- Cast off 3 sts at left edge. Knit 1 row. COR. RC: **128.**
  > *Stitch count: 21 sts*
- Cast off 3 sts at left edge. Knit 1 row. COL. RC: **129.**
  > *Stitch count: 18 sts*

**Shoulder remains: 18 sts.**

Knit 2 rows straight. RC: **131.** COR.

**Shoulder Cast-off:**
Using latch tool, cast off all 18 remaining sts.

> *The back neck curves are shaped by casting off 6-3-3 sts at the centre-back edge over 3 rows. This creates a gentle curve for the neckline seam.*

---

### BACK LEFT PANEL

Knit as a **MIRROR IMAGE** of Back Right Panel.

- Cast on 37 sts. Position needles: L37 to centre 0 (or L1–L37).
- **All references to left/right edges are reversed:**
  - Princess seam shaping (waist dec/inc) is on the **RIGHT edge** (centre-back).
  - Side seam (straight) is on the **LEFT edge.**
  - Armhole shaping cast-offs are at the **LEFT edge** (COR = cast off at left by knitting to COL direction first: begin armhole shaping when COL).
  - Neck shaping cast-offs are at the **RIGHT edge** (centre-back).

> **Tip for beginners:** It may be easiest to knit both back panels at the same RC by keeping a second row counter or notes sheet alongside. Lay both pieces together RS facing after each shaping step to ensure they mirror each other correctly.

**Princess seam shaping schedule — Back Left Panel (RIGHT edge):**
Identical row numbers to Back Right Panel, but using transfer tool on the rightmost needle (R side of panel) for decreases, and bringing rightmost NWP needle into WP for increases.

**Armhole shaping — Back Left Panel:**
With COL (carriage on left), cast off 4 sts at left edge. Work decreases at left edge on alternate rows as described above (mirroring Back Right).

**Shoulder and neck shaping — Back Left Panel:**
With COR, cast off neck stitches at right (centre-back) edge: 6 sts, then 3 sts, then 3 sts as above.

---

## FRONT PANELS

*Each front is made up of two panels: a Side Panel (outer) and a Centre Panel (inner, with button band). The princess seam joins these two panels together.*

### RIGHT FRONT — SIDE PANEL (Outer/Underarm Side)

**Cast on: 21 stitches**
Position needles: R16–R36 (21 needles) — or any 21 consecutive needles.

---

#### LOWER HEM — RIGHT FRONT SIDE PANEL

Work folded hem exactly as Back Right Panel:
- T5, WY, ravel cord.
- 7 rows at T5 in MC. Fold row at T7. 8 rows at T7.
- Pick up hem loops, knit 1 row to join. RC: **018.** COL.

---

#### BODY — RIGHT FRONT SIDE PANEL

**Continue at T7. COL. RC: 018.**

*The right (outer) edge is the side seam — mostly straight.*
*The left (inner) edge is the princess seam — receives shaping mirroring the Centre Panel.*

**Side Panel Waist Shaping — Decrease at LEFT (princess seam) edge:**

- Knit 12 rows straight. RC: **030.** COL.

- **Dec Row 1 — RC 031, COL:** Transfer leftmost needle stitch to next needle right. Push leftmost to NWP. Knit 1 row. COR. RC: **032.**
  > *Stitch count: 20 sts*
  
- Knit 5 rows. RC: **037.** COL.

- **Dec Row 2 — RC 038, COL:** Dec 1 at left edge. Knit 1 row. COR. RC: **039.**
  > *Stitch count: 19 sts*
  
- Knit 5 rows. RC: **044.** COL.

- **Dec Row 3 — RC 045, COL:** Dec 1 at left edge. Knit 1 row. COR. RC: **046.**
  > *Stitch count: 18 sts*
  
- Knit 3 rows straight. RC: **049.** COL.

**RC: 049. Stitch count: 18 sts.**

**Side Panel Bust Shaping — Increase at LEFT (princess seam) edge:**

- **Inc Row 1 — RC 050, COL:** Bring next NWP needle at left into WP, e-wrap. Knit 1 row. COR. RC: **051.**
  > *Stitch count: 19 sts*
  
- Knit 5 rows. RC: **056.** COL.

- **Inc Row 2 — RC 057, COL:** Inc 1 at left edge. Knit 1 row. COR. RC: **058.**
  > *Stitch count: 20 sts*
  
- Knit 5 rows. RC: **063.** COL.

- **Inc Row 3 — RC 064, COL:** Inc 1 at left edge. Knit 1 row. COR. RC: **065.**
  > *Stitch count: 21 sts*

- Knit 18 rows straight. RC: **083.** COL.

**RC: 083. Stitch count: 21 sts.**

---

#### ARMHOLE SHAPING — RIGHT FRONT SIDE PANEL

*Armhole is at the RIGHT (outer/side seam) edge.*

**RC: 083. COL.**

- **Armhole Cast-off Row 1 (COL):** Cast off 4 sts at right edge using latch tool. Knit 1 row. COR. RC: **084.**
  > *Stitch count: 17 sts*
  
- Knit 1 row. COL. RC: **085.**
- Dec 1 at right edge. Knit 1 row. COR. RC: **086.**
  > *Stitch count: 16 sts*
- Knit 1 row. COL. RC: **087.**
- Dec 1 at right edge. Knit 1 row. COR. RC: **088.**
  > *Stitch count: 15 sts*
- Knit 1 row. COL. RC: **089.**
- Dec 1 at right edge. Knit 1 row. COR. RC: **090.**
  > *Stitch count: 14 sts*

Knit straight until RC: **126.** COR.

**RC: 126. Stitch count: 14 sts.**

---

#### NECK & SHOULDER SHAPING — RIGHT FRONT SIDE PANEL

*The Side Panel does not extend to the neck edge on a princess cardigan — the Centre Panel carries the neck shaping. Therefore, the side panel top simply forms part of the armhole edge and is cast off as follows:*

**Shoulder shaping — Side Panel contributes 14 sts to the shoulder.**

Knit 2 rows straight. RC: **128.** COR.
Cast off all 14 sts using latch tool.

> *This panel will seam along its top to the shoulder seam. The neckline curve is entirely formed by the Centre Panel.*

---

### RIGHT FRONT — CENTRE PANEL (Inner/Button Band Side)

**Cast on: 24 stitches** *(21 sts body + 3 sts button band)*
Position needles: Centre 0 to L24 (or R1 to R24 — use a position adjacent to Side Panel).

> *The 3 outermost stitches on the centre-front edge (the LEFT edge of this panel as you face the machine) form the button band. They are knitted as part of every row.*

---

#### BUTTONHOLE PLACEMENT PLAN

5 buttons spaced evenly. Lower button at approximately 4 cm from hem. Top button at approximately 2 cm below neckline start. 3 buttons evenly spaced between.

- **Finished button spacing:** 5 buttons over approximately 18 cm body
- **Spacing:** 4 cm between buttons = 4 × 3.6 = 14.4 ≈ **14–15 rows between buttonholes**

**Buttonhole rows (from RC 018 body start):**
- Buttonhole 1: RC **033**
- Buttonhole 2: RC **048**
- Buttonhole 3: RC **063**
- Buttonhole 4: RC **078**
- Buttonhole 5: RC **108** (in armhole/neck section)

---

#### LOWER HEM — RIGHT FRONT CENTRE PANEL

Work folded hem as for other panels, 24 sts. RC: **018.** COL.

---

#### BODY — RIGHT FRONT CENTRE PANEL

**Continue at T7. COL. RC: 018.**

*The LEFT edge is the button band/centre-front selvedge (3 band sts).*
*The RIGHT edge is the princess seam — receives OPPOSITE shaping from the Side Panel (increases at waist, decreases at bust) to create the fitted curve when seamed.*

> **Princess seam logic for the Centre Panel:**
> The Side Panel decreases at the seam edge going toward waist → the Centre Panel **increases** at its seam edge to compensate, so the combined width at every row remains consistent.
> The Side Panel increases toward the bust → the Centre Panel **decreases** at its seam edge at the same rows.
> This paired shaping creates the characteristic princess seam curve.

**Centre Panel Waist Shaping — INCREASE at RIGHT (princess seam) edge:**

- Knit 12 rows straight. RC: **030.** COL.

- **Inc Row 1 — RC 031, COL:** Bring rightmost NWP needle into WP, e-wrap. Knit 1 row. COR. RC: **032.**
  > *Stitch count: 25 sts*
  
- Knit 4 rows. RC: **036.** COL.
  > *(Note: Buttonhole 1 at RC 033 — see buttonhole method below)*

- **Inc Row 2 — RC 037, COL:** Inc 1 at right edge. Knit 1 row. COR. RC: **038.**
  > *Stitch count: 26 sts*
  
- Knit 5 rows. RC: **043.** COL.

- **Inc Row 3 — RC 044, COL:** Inc 1 at right edge. Knit 1 row. COR. RC: **045.**
  > *Stitch count: 27 sts*
  
- Knit 4 rows. RC: **049.** COL.

**RC: 049. Stitch count: 27 sts.**

**Centre Panel Bust Shaping — DECREASE at RIGHT (princess seam) edge:**

- **Dec Row 1 — RC 050, COL:** Transfer rightmost stitch to next needle left. Push rightmost to NWP. Knit 1 row. COR. RC: **051.**
  > *Stitch count: 26 sts*
  
- Knit 5 rows. RC: **056.** COL.

- **Dec Row 2 — RC 057, COL:** Dec 1 at right edge. Knit 1 row. COR. RC: **058.**
  > *Stitch count: 25 sts*
  
- Knit 5 rows. RC: **063.** COL.
  > *(Buttonhole 3 at RC 063)*

- **Dec Row 3 — RC 064, COL:** Dec 1 at right edge. Knit 1 row. COR. RC: **065.**
  > *Stitch count: 24 sts*

- Knit 18 rows straight. RC: **083.** COL.

**RC: 083. Stitch count: 24 sts.**

---

#### BUTTONHOLE METHOD (for RC 033, 048, 063, 078, 108)

Work buttonholes in the **band sts (leftmost 3 sts)** of the Right Front Centre Panel:

At the designated RC, with COR:
1. Using a 1-prong transfer tool, transfer the **middle band stitch** (2nd from left edge) one needle to the left, creating a double stitch on the left band needle.
2. Push the now-empty middle band needle to NWP.
3. Knit 1 row. COL.
4. Bring the empty needle back to WP. E-wrap it with a latch tool.
5. Knit the next row. COR.
> *This creates a small 1-stitch eyelet buttonhole suitable for 1.2 cm (½ in) buttons.*

---

#### ARMHOLE SHAPING — RIGHT FRONT CENTRE PANEL

*Armhole is at RIGHT edge (outer/side panel seam edge for this piece actually — note: the centre panel sits inward, so its armhole is worked differently).*

> *Actually, on the Centre Panel, the armhole edge is the same as the princess seam edge (right side). Once the two front panels are seamed together at the princess seam, the combined armhole edge = right edge of Side Panel + a small section of Centre Panel neck area. For simplicity at beginner level: the Centre Panel armhole shaping begins at RC 083 and only takes 2 sts off at the top right edge before transitioning directly to neck shaping.*

**RC: 083. COL.**

- Cast off 2 sts at right (armhole) edge. Knit 1 row. COR. RC: **084.**
  > *Stitch count: 22 sts*
  
- Dec 1 at right edge. Knit 1 row. COL. RC: **085.**
  > *Stitch count: 21 sts*

Knit straight for 16 rows. RC: **101.** COR.

**RC: 101. Stitch count: 21 sts.**

---

#### NECK SHAPING — RIGHT FRONT CENTRE PANEL

*The neck is shaped on the LEFT (centre-front/band) edge.*

> *Front neck depth: 7 cm = 7 × 3.6 = 25.2 ≈ 25 rows of neck shaping.*
> *The neck starts at RC 101 and shoulder is at RC 126 — that's 25 rows ✅*
> *Stitches to remove for neck: 21 − 18 (shoulder) = 3 sts for shoulder width check.*
> *Wait — re-check: we need to verify shoulder width.*
> *At this point the Centre Panel has 21 sts. The Side Panel has 14 sts. Total sts = 35.*
> *Combined front width at shoulder = (21+14) sts / 2.6 = 13.5 cm. Back shoulder = 18 sts / 2.6 = 6.9 cm ≈ 7 cm.*
> *Front panels combined shoulder area: 35 − neck shaping sts = shoulder sts. The front shoulder needs to match the back shoulder of 18 sts.*
> *Side panel = 14 sts (full width — see above, side panel cast off at shoulder). Centre panel shoulder sts = 18 − 14 = 4 sts remaining after neck.*
> *Neck removes: 21 − 4 = 17 sts from Centre Panel over 25 rows.*

**Neck Cast-off Schedule — RC 101 onward, COL:**

- **RC 102, COR:** Cast off 5 sts at left (neck) edge. Knit 1 row. COL. RC: **103.**
  > *Stitch count: 16 sts*
- **RC 104, COR:** Cast off 4 sts at left edge. Knit 1 row. COL. RC: **105.**
  > *Stitch count: 12 sts*
- **RC 106, COR:** Cast off 3 sts at left edge. Knit 1 row. COL. RC: **107.**
  > *Stitch count: 9 sts*
- **RC 108:** Work buttonhole 5 here in remaining band sts if applicable. 
  Dec 1 at left edge. Knit 1 row. RC: **109.**
  > *Stitch count: 8 sts*
- **RC 110, COR:** Dec 1 at left edge. RC: **111.**
  > *Stitch count: 7 sts*
- **RC 112, COR:** Dec 1 at left edge. RC: **113.**
  > *Stitch count: 6 sts*
- **RC 114, COR:** Dec 1 at left edge. RC: **115.**
  > *Stitch count: 5 sts*

Knit straight from RC 115 to RC **126.** COR.

**RC: 126. Stitch count: 5 sts. Shoulder edge.**

*Combine with Side Panel 14 sts for total shoulder = 14 + 5 = 19 sts ≈ 7.3 cm ✅ (matches back shoulder of 18 sts within acceptable tolerance for seaming)*

Cast off all 5 sts using latch tool.

---

### LEFT FRONT PANELS

Knit as **mirror images** of the Right Front panels.

**Left Front Side Panel:** Mirror of Right Front Side Panel.
- Shaping at RIGHT edge (princess seam, inner side).
- Armhole shaping at LEFT edge.
- No buttonholes.

**Left Front Centre Panel:** Mirror of Right Front Centre Panel.
- 3 button-**band** sts on RIGHT edge (centre-front, facing sts only, no buttonholes).
- Princess seam shaping at LEFT edge (opposite direction from Right Centre Panel).
- Neck shaping at RIGHT edge.

> **Tip:** For the left centre panel, the band sts are on the opposite edge. Work all shaping in mirror of the right instructions, reversing all "left" and "right" edge references.

---

## SLEEVES (Knit 2 — Identical)

**Cast on: 57 stitches**
Position needles: Centre the needles symmetrically around centre 0, e.g., L28 to R29 (57 needles).

---

### CUFF HEM — SLEEVE

**No ribber — folded hem:**
1. WY, ravel cord, 8 rows WY.
2. MC at T5. 7 rows. Fold row: T7, 1 row. T7, 8 rows.
3. Pick up hem loops and rehang across all 57 sts. Knit 1 row to join hem. RC: **018.** COR.

*(Ribber option: 1×1 rib 12 rows at T7/T7, transfer to main bed.)*

---

### SLEEVE BODY

**Continue at T7. COR. RC: 018.**

Upper arm width: 28 cm = 2.6 × 28 = 72.8 ≈ **73 sts**
Increase from 57 sts to 73 sts = **16 sts to add** (8 sts each side)
Sleeve length rows: 21 cm × 3.6 = 75.6 ≈ **76 rows of main sleeve body** (RC 018 to RC 094)

**Increase rate:** 76 rows ÷ 8 inc points = every 9.5 rows → increase **every 9–10 rows** (alternating) at each end.

**Sleeve Increase Schedule (1 st each end, alternating every 9 and 10 rows):**

| Inc # | Inc at Row (body rows above hem join) | RC (from RC 018) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Row 9 | RC 027 |
| 2 | Row 19 | RC 037 |
| 3 | Row 29 | RC 047 |
| 4 | Row 39 | RC 057 |
| 5 | Row 49 | RC 067 |
| 6 | Row 58 | RC 076 |
| 7 | Row 67 | RC 085 |
| 8 | Row 76 | RC 094 |

**At each increase row (e.g., RC 027, COR):**
1. Bring 1 needle at each end into WP (one on far right, one on far left).
2. E-wrap both new needles with MC using latch tool.
3. Knit the row.

> *After 8 paired increases: 57 + (8 × 2) = 57 + 16 = 73 sts ✅*

**After last increase (RC 094):** 73 sts. 
Knit 0 rows additional (upper arm reached exactly at RC 094).

---

### SLEEVE CAP SHAPING

*Sleeve cap height: approximately 10 cm = 10 × 3.6 = 36 rows*
*Cast off at base of cap (to match armhole depth of 12 cm minus straight section):*
*Standard sleeve cap begins by casting off 4 sts each side (matching armhole cast-off).*

**RC: 094. COR. 73 sts.**

**Base Cast-off:**
- **RC 095, COR:** Cast off 4 sts at right edge. Knit 1 row. COL. RC: **096.**
  > *Stitch count: 69 sts*
- **RC 097, COL:** Cast off 4 sts at left edge. Knit 1 row. COR. RC: **098.**
  > *Stitch count: 65 sts*

**Cap Decreases (Dec 1 st each end, every RS row):**

- Dec 1 at right end (COR): transfer rightmost st to next needle, push to NWP. Knit 1 row.
- Dec 1 at left end (COL): transfer leftmost st to next needle, push to NWP. Knit 1 row.
- Repeat this paired decrease sequence.

**Work paired dec every other row for 24 rows (12 dec rows, removing 2 sts per dec row = 24 sts total):**

| Dec group | Rows worked | RC at end |
|---|---|---|
| 12 × (dec 1 each end + 1 straight row) | 24 rows | RC **122** |

> *Stitches after cap decs: 65 − 24 = 41 sts*

**Final cap cast-offs (gather remaining sts):**

- **RC 123, COR:** Cast off 3 sts at right edge. Knit 1 row. COL. RC: **124.**
- **RC 125, COL:** Cast off 3 sts at left edge. Knit 1 row. COR. RC: **126.**
- **RC 127, COR:** Cast off 3 sts at right edge. Knit 1 row. COL. RC: **128.**
- **RC 129, COL:** Cast off 3 sts at left edge. Knit 1 row. COR. RC: **130.**

> *Remaining sts: 41 − 12 = 29 sts*

Cast off all remaining 29 sts using latch tool.

> *Total sleeve cap height: RC 094 to RC 130 = 36 rows ÷ 3.6 = 10 cm ✅*

---

## FINISHING

### Step 1 — Steam Block All Pieces

Before seaming, lay each piece flat on blocking mat, RS down. Pin to measurements listed in the sizing chart. Gently steam (do not press down with iron; hover approximately 2 cm above fabric). Allow to dry completely before removing pins.

---

### Step 2 — Seam Princess Seams

**Back princess seam (joining Back Right and Back Left panels):**
1. Place Back Right and Back Left panels RS together, centre-back edges aligned.
2. Using MC and tapestry needle, sew with mattress stitch from hem to neck.
3. Press seam gently from WS.

**Front princess seams (joining Side Panel to Centre Panel for each front):**
1. Place Right Front Side Panel and Right Front Centre Panel RS together, princess seam edges aligned.
2. The shaped edges should create a gentle S-curve when seamed — pin carefully, easing any excess.
3. Sew with mattress stitch. Press from WS.
4. Repeat for left front.

---

### Step 3 — Shoulder Seams

1. Place back and front pieces RS together, shoulder edges aligned.
2. Sew shoulder seams with mattress stitch.
3. Each shoulder seam joins approximately 18–19 sts on each side ✅.

---

### Step 4 — Set in Sleeves

1. With RS together, match the sleeve cap to the armhole opening.
2. Match centre of sleeve cap to shoulder seam. Pin in place.
3. Ease the sleeve cap around the armhole — the slight fullness creates a princess puff effect.
4. Sew with mattress stitch, working from the sleeve side to control ease.
5. Repeat for second sleeve.

---

### Step 5 — Side and Sleeve Seams

1. With RS together, pin side seams from hem to underarm.
2. Continue pinning along underarm sleeve seam from underarm to cuff.
3. Sew in one continuous line with mattress stitch.
4. Repeat on other side.

---

### Step 6 — Neckband

*Pick up sts around neckline and knit a simple rolled or folded neckband.*

**Neckline stitch count:**
- Back neck: approximately 24 sts
- Each front neck curve: approximately 20 sts
- Total neckline: approximately 64 sts

**Pick up sts using latch tool directly on machine, or using a transfer comb:**

1. With RS facing, pick up approximately **64 sts** evenly around the neckline, placing them on consecutive needles.
2. Set tension to **T6** (1 number tighter than main tension).
3. Knit 8 rows.
4. Change to **T8** (2 numbers looser) for 1 fold-row.
5. Return to **T6.** Knit 8 rows.
6. Cast off all sts using latch tool OR release on ravel cord.
7. If released on ravel cord: fold neckband to inside, hand-stitch cast-on row loops to WS of neckline using slip stitch.

---

### Step 7 — Attach Buttons

1. Try the cardigan on a doll or use the child's measurements to check fit.
2. Mark button positions on Left Front Centre Panel to align with buttonholes on Right Front.
3. Sew on 5 buttons securely with matching thread or yarn.

---

### Step 8 — Final Pressing and Inspection

1. Weave in all yarn ends securely on WS using tapestry needle.
2. Block the finished cardigan: pin to measurements, steam gently, allow to dry.
3. Check all seams are secure. Re-press seams from WS.

---

## SCHEMATIC (Text Diagram)

```
BACK PANEL (Right + Left joined at centre back)
     ┌──────────────────┐
     │   BACK NECK      │ ←24 sts / 9.2 cm
     │  ╲            ╱  │
     │   ╲          ╱   │ ← Shoulder shaping
     │    ─────────     │ ← 18 sts each shoulder = 6.9 cm
     │    ARMHOLE ↑    │
     │    43 rows       │ 12 cm
     │    BUST SHAPING  │
     │                  │
     │   WAIST SHAPING  │ ← Princess seams
     │                  │
     └──────────────────┘
       ← 28 cm / 73 sts →
       (two 37 st panels)

FRONT (each side — Side + Centre Panel combined)
     ┌──────────┐
     │  NECK    │
     │ curve    │
     │──────────│ ← shoulder ~19 sts / 7.3 cm
     │ ARMHOLE  │ 12 cm
     │          │
     │ Princess │
     │  seam    │
     │          │
     └──────────┘
      ← 14 cm →
      (21 + 24 sts)

SLEEVE
        ╱────────╲
       ╱  73 sts  ╲  ← upper arm 28 cm
      ╱  sleeve    ╲
     ╱   body       ╲
    ╱   76 rows      ╲  21 cm
    ────────────────── ← 57 sts / 22 cm cuff
```

---

## QUICK REFERENCE — KEY MEASUREMENTS AND STITCH COUNTS

| Section | Sts | cm | Rows |
|---|---|---|---|
| Back (total width) | 74 | 28.5 | — |
| Each back panel (cast-on) | 37 | 14.2 | — |
| Front total each side | 45 | 17.3 | — |
| Front Side Panel (CO) | 21 | 8.1 | — |
| Front Centre Panel (CO) | 24 | 9.2 | — |
| Body length (underarm) | — | 18 | 65 |
| Armhole depth | — | 12 | 43 |
| Sleeve cast-on (cuff) | 57 | 21.9 | — |
| Sleeve upper arm | 73 | 28.1 | — |
| Sleeve body length | — | 21 | 76 |
| Sleeve cap height | — | 10 | 36 |

---

## GAUGE REMINDER

> **26 sts × 36 rows = 10 cm × 10 cm at T7**
> *If your swatch is larger, tighten tension (lower number). If smaller, loosen tension (higher number).*

---

*Pattern designed for standard gauge (4.5mm) single-bed knitting machine. All rights reserved. For personal use only.*