Lilly Cardigan Knitting Pattern - 8 Ply
📥📬 Available as Digital Download or Printed Copy (choose option below)
Lilly Cardigan Knitting Pattern - 8 Ply
A button-front cardigan with lace detail and garter-stitch borders, designed for children from approximately 6–12 months to 7–8 years.
Designer: The Kiwi Stitch & Knit Co. This purchase is a knitting pattern; yarn, needles, accessories and finished items are not included.
Construction
The fronts and back are worked flat together from the lower edge to the armholes, then divided for the upper body. Sleeves are worked separately and sewn in; the shoulders are joined with a three-needle cast-off.
Yarn choices
Use DK/8ply yarn, worked with a single strand. Touch Yarns NZ Merino 8ply is an original designer-recommended yarn for this pattern. The metre allowances below come from the original pattern; use metres when choosing yarn and check your tension.
Sizes and yarn requirements
| Approx. age | Finished chest (cm) | Back length (cm) | Sleeve length (cm) | Cardigan yarn (m) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6–12 months | 56 | 29 | 20 | 300 |
| 1–2 years | 60 | 33 | 22 | 400 |
| 3–4 years | 65 | 38 | 24 | 500 |
| 4–5 years | 70 | 41 | 27 | 600 |
| 5–6 years | 75 | 45 | 31 | 700 |
| 7–8 years | 80 | 49 | 34 | 800 |
Metre allowances are approximate. Where the original gives purchasing quantities rather than used metres, these have been converted using its stated yarn length. Swatch, wash and block before starting; allow extra for length changes and differences in tension.
Tension
22 stitches and 30 rows to 10 cm in stocking stitch on 4 mm needles.
Needles and notions
3.75 mm and 4 mm needles; 6 stitch holders; 2 stitch markers. For the full button option use 5 buttons for the first two sizes and 6 for the remaining sizes, or choose the 3-button option. Buttons: 15–20 mm.
Before you begin
You will use knit and purl stitches, lace increases and decreases, shaping, buttonholes, holding stitches, a three-needle cast-off and seaming. Some experience following lace repeats is helpful.
Pattern format
📥📬 Available as Digital Download or Printed Copy (choose option below). Select Digital PDF – Emailed for a PDF, or Printed Pattern – Posted for a physical copy. Instructions are in English.
Frequently asked questions
Can I choose a shorter button opening?
Yes. The pattern includes a full button-front option and an alternative using three buttons.
More knitting ideas
Browse Kiwi Stitch & Knit Co patterns or try Jessie Jacket & Hat Knitting Pattern - 8 Ply. For help with yarn choices, see our Yarn Substitution Calculator.