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BANDIT COLLECTION

This pattern has also been graded for adults in 10 sizes with finished bust circumference of 36-72”/90-180cm If you add this pattern and the adult pattern to your cart and purchase both at the same time, you will receive a $3 discount. Please note that this promotion will not work if you purchase both patterns separately at different times.

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DESCRIPTION

BABY BANDIT is a whimsical cardigan for the playful thief in all of us. The design was inspired by Beatrix Potter’s timeless illustrations, featuring subtle gathers around the collar and cuffs, and named for Peter Rabbit, the daring childhood hero who knew how to claim a carrot that was rightfully his. With a seamless yoked top-down construction knit mostly in stockinette and unique folded hems for the collar and cuffs, this design is meant to be a comfort project, both in the making and wearing. The pattern includes 9 sizes, from newborn through 12 years, and 7 video tutorials to walk you through the unique finishing details.

→ Click here to download a free preview with all the pattern details, including sizing information, yarn requirements, gauge and needles, and a full schematic.

→ This pattern is lovely when finished with a fabric button band, which I wrote a step-by-step tutorial for here!

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SIZING

Young people grow at different rates, so it is always better to size based on measurements rather than on the age of your intended recipient. I recommend picking a size that is 2-6”/5-15cm larger than their chest circumference and adjusting body/sleeve length as needed.

In the photos, Genevieve (maroon) is wearing an 8 yr size with 2.5”/6cm of positive ease at the chest, body length to pattern, and 1”/2.5cm extra length in the sleeves, and Nora (olive) is wearing a 2 yr size with 1”/2.5cm positive ease at the chest and 4”/10cm less length in the body and sleeves.

Sizes by finished chest circumference:
In inches: (18.25, 19.25, 20.25) [22.25, 24, 26.25] {28, 30.25, 32}
In centimeters: (45.5, 48, 51) [55.25, 60, 65.5] {70, 75.5, 80}

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GAUGE, NEEDLES, NOTIONS

Gauge: 22 sts and 32 rows over 4”/10cm in stockinette after blocking

Recommended needles: US 4 (3.5 mm) 32”/80 cm circular, smaller circular or DPNs or sleeves and cuffs if not using magic loop

Recommended crochet hook: Size E or F (for provisional cast on and optional edging on button band)

Notions: stitch markers, locking stitch markers, darning needle, extra circular needle in any size smaller than main needles (for joining folded hems), stitch holders, scrap yarn, 5-9 15mm buttons

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YARN

This cardigan is designed for a sport weight wool/wool blend. I used Little Skein in the Big Wool’s Harvest Sport (312 yds / 285 meters / 100 g), a non-superwash domestic Merino & Rambouillet wool blend. This yarn is made with 3 plies and a tight twist, which creates a round and bouncy fabric. It is super soft, at 21 microns, with a slight sheen and drape. It holds its shape and does not grow too much when blocking (unlike superwash merino wool).

Yarn requirements
Skeins: (1, 2, 2) [2, 2, 3] {3, 3, 3}
Yards: (310, 375, 425) [500, 575, 650] {725, 800, 900}
Meters: (285, 345, 390) [460, 525, 595] {665, 730, 825}

Other suitable yarns:

$
Knit Picks Wool of the Andes Sport
Briggs & Little Sport
Brown Sheep Nature Spun Sport

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Harrisville Designs FlyWHEEL
Sincere Sheep Cormo Sport
Retrosaria Vovó

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The Farmers Daughter Fibers Recollect
Little Skein in the Big Wool Harvest
La Bien Aimée Helix (held double)

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SHARING

See pictures of other Baby Bandit sweaters and share pictures of your own progress on Instagram with the hashtag #BabyBanditCardigan. Be sure to tag @jaqcieslak too!