This v-neck cardigan with its patterned front and sleeves is a stylish take on a cool weather sweater. There’s a surprise on the back - your choice of a small coloured rectangle inserted below the neck line or a long stripe of pattern up the solid-coloured back. Due to popular demand this pattern, which is an updated version of one first seen on Knitty.com, now comes in six sizes - from preemie to 4-yr-old. The changes I’ve incorporated into the design make this hit sweater even better now.

This v-neck cardigan is worked bottom up, in pieces and seamed. It has modified set-in sleeve with a short sleeve cap. Shoulders are joined using three needle bind off. A decorative detail is worked on the back using intarsia. Stitches are picked up along the front edges and neckline and a rolled, reverse stocking stitch edging is worked.

This knitting pattern includes written directions, detailed yardage requirements for each intarsia bobbin/section, instructions for both male and female button placement, front and back images, a schematic with measurements, and thoughtful details.

Sizes/Finished Measurements
3-5 lb preemie (0-6 mo, 6-12 mo, 12-24 mo, 2T, 4T)
Finished chest: 16 ½ (21 ¼, 24 ½, 26 ¾, 29 ¾, 32 ½)“ / 42 (54, 62, 68, 75.5, 82.5) cm
Back length: 8 ½ (10, 12, 13 ¾, 15, 16 ½)” / 21.5 (25.5, 30.5, 35, 38, 42) cm
Designed for a roomy fit with 2 ½ to 9” (6.5 to 22.5 cm) positive ease, with more ease for larger sizes.

Yardage
Sock yarn (fingering weight)
Self-Patterning: 200 (302, 408, 496, 624, 735) yd / 185 (279, 377, 458, 576, 679) m
Solid Colour: 124 (176, 239, 294, 347, 414) yd / 114 (163, 220, 272, 321, 382) m

Substitution Notes
Any self-patterning sock weight or fingering yarn paired with a coordinating solid-coloured yarn may be used. Choose a yarn with easy care instructions. Superwash wool and sock yarns (whether wool or cotton blends) will work wonderfully. The self-patterning yarn may be substituted with a solid colour, a variegated yarn or a gradient yarn.

Techniques
Working intarsia from written instructions, increases/decreases, three needle bind off, basic modified set-in sleeve sweater construction, worked flat, bottom up, seaming, picking up stitches, buttonholes and sewing on buttons.

Helpful Links
Raised Increases video tutorial
Raised Increases photo tutorial
SSK & SSP Decreases video tutorial