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Pattern fully revised and updated March 2021. Tech edited by Amelia Hodson of the Lightwork Collective.

Check out my other stranded colourwork designs here, and my baby patterns here.

I felt so lucky when I joined ravelry and managed to snag the username unicorn. I mean, what are the chances?! When I turned to designing, my chosen name was Unicorn Designs. And naturally, one of my first designs was inspired by unicorns…

Little rainbow hoofprints are left by baby unicorns on the yoke of this little cardigan. It’s a fun knit for the stylish babies and toddlers in your life.

The seamless unisex cardigan is worked from the top down and features a contemporary stranded yoke, pockets and a contrast edging.

For a larger version, sized from 2 years to 10 years and knit in DK weight yarn, click here.

I highly recommend seeking out Eden Cottage Yarns yarnlings for this project - they’re very reasonably priced and perfect for adding pops of colour. You can choose a curated selection or take a chance on a lucky dip!

Sizing
3 months (6m, 12m, 18m, 2y, 3y), to fit chest size 41 (43, 46, 48, 51, 55) cm / 16 (17, 18, 19, 20, 22)”
Designed to fit with 5-7cm/2-3” positive ease
Shown in 12m

Yarn
Approximately 200 (260, 300, 350, 410, 570) metres / 220 (280, 330, 380, 450, 620) yards fingering weight yarn, plus small amounts of 5 contrast colours.

Yardage quantities given include a 10% buffer. Most knitters will be able to make the smallest three sizes from a single standard skein of MC fingering/4ply yarn.

Shown in Eden Cottage Yarns Hayton 4ply in Stone (80% extrafine superwash Merino, 10% cashmere, 10% nylon; 350m/380yds per 100g skein), with 5 Eden Cottage Yarns 4 ply Yarnlings (assorted 4ply bases; 5g per ball).

Bright Pink version is knit with madelinetosh Tosh Merino Light and Unicorn Tails.*

Notions
2.75mm/US 2 circular needle, to work edgings
3.25mm/US 3 circular or straight needle/s, to work body
2.75mm/US 2 DPNs, to work cuffs
3.25mm/US 3 DPNs, to work sleeves
Tapestry needle
Waste yarn
4 stitch markers
5 locking stitch markers (optional)
5 buttons, 10mm

Construction
The cardigan is worked flat, seamlessly from the top down. The colourwork yoke is worked from a chart. Stitches are held for sleeves and knitting continues on the body. Sleeves are worked in the round from the top down. Stitches are picked up along both fronts and across the back neck to work buttonbands in the round.

Colourwork is worked on WS rows for only 4-5 rows in total. Because of this limited amount of purled colourwork, I recommended working the cardigan flat. Alternatively, work in the round and steek before finishing.

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