Here's a quick, stylish cardigan to knit now! It's worked from the top down, which minimizes seaming, as well as giving you the option of different sleeve and body lengths! It's boxy shape and raglan sleeve shaping are suitable for girls and boys.

The body and sleeves are knit in a basic St st with Garter st and 1x1 ribbing detailing. If you're adventurous, you can add a little lace panel or try a textured stitch pattern instead. Or, add stripes in a different color or yarn…

The Girl's Version shown here has 3/4 length sleeves, which are easily converted to the hip short-sleeve length (which you are seeing everywhere this season!) by folding up the garter stitch cuffs. It is knit to hit the top of the hip, but could easily be worked to a more cropped length or to a longer tunic length, if desired.

The yarn used is Brown Sheep Lamb's Pride Bulky, which comes in 79 gorgeous colors (at last count!).

This pattern includes the Girl's Version with the 2 buttons and 3/4 length sleeves, as well as the Boy's Version with buttons all the way down and full-length sleeves. Eight Infant/Toddler to Child Sizes are included, from 6-12 months to 9-10 yrs old.

This is a pattern you will use again and again!

Women's Top-Down Short-Sleeved Cardigan Knitting Pattern is available as well.
"Katherine, Just wanted to tell you how much I love the sweaters that I did from the children's top down cardigan pattern. They came out so cute. I work at a shop and had them in there looking for buttons and got compliments all day. I sent several people to your website.

I had never done a top-down before, but your pattern was so clear and understandable. It was great. Thanks again."
-- Sheila from Aurora, CO (who works at the Strawberry Tree in Denver, CO)

For the OPTIONAL Top-Down Cardigan Techniques PDF Download, please visit this page. Written instructions are included in this pattern, but the OPTIONAL download may be helpful to some.

Fave/Queue this pattern on Ravelry.

Finished Knit Measurements: Written for sizes 6-12 months (1-1 yrs, 2-3 yrs, 3-4 yrs, 4-5 yrs, 6-7 yrs, 8-9 yrs, 9-10 yrs). Finished Knit Chest Size from 22" [56 cm] for smallest size to 37" [94 cm] for largest size.

Skill Level: Pattern is written for Intermediate level knitters, but an Easy level knitter may download the separate Techniques PDF, which has full-color photos of all the special techniques used in the pattern.

Yarn Used: Brown Sheep Company Lamb's Pride Bulky (85% Wool/15% Mohair); 4 oz/113 g [125 yds/114 m] per skein): 2 (2, 3, 3, 4, 4, 5, 6) skeins in RPM Pink #M-105 for GIRL'S VERSION (3/4 length sleeves) OR 3 (3, 4, 4, 5, 5, 6, 7) skeins for BOY'S VERSION (Full length sleeves).

Gauge(s):
Pattern Gauge: 8 stitches = 3" [7.5cm] and approx. 17 rows = 4" [10 cm] in Stockinette Stitch on Size 11 [8mm] needles.
Yarn Label Gauge and Information: A bulky weight yarn in a soft wool/mohair blend
a gauge of 3 stitches = 1" on size 10-1/2 [6.5mm] needles..

Total Yardage Required: Approximately 250 (250, 375, 375, 500, 500, 625, 750) yds [228 (228, 342, 342, 456, 456, 570, 684) m] for GIRL'S VERSION (3/4 length sleeves) or 375 (375, 500, 500, 625, 625, 750, 825) yds [342 (342, 456, 456, 570, 570, 684, 798) m] for BOY'S VERSION (full-length sleeves).

Some suggested yarn substitutes to try:
If you have a yarn substitute to suggest for this project, email us!

Knitting Needles Used: 24 to 32" long (or longer) circular needle in Size 11 [8mm] OR SIZE TO OBTAIN GAUGE (there are too many stitches to knit on straight needles).

Please note: SweaterBabe.com patterns are authorized for home use only and are not to be knit/crocheted for resale. All pattern sales are final.