Is it possible to knit a cardigan for a newborn if all you have of suitable colour is one complete ball of 4-ply plus another not-quite-complete ball? Yes, it’s possible.

This 4-ply (fingering-weight) first-size baby cardigan was designed to use up 50 g of background colour and less than 30 g of contrast – which was what I had available to knit a gift for a friend’s grandson, at a time when a visit to the shops was impossible.

The modified drop-shoulder cardigan is worked flat, back and forth, from the hem up. It is divided at the armholes, and the back and fronts are completed separately. The sleeves are also worked flat, back and forth.

Elephants in a contrasting colour walk round the bottom of the cardigan; the sleeves are worked in stripes, for ease of dressing.

And I’m told the recipient was happy!