Little Nydia Cardigan
Little Nydia Cardigan
The Little Nydia Cardigan—an adorable, miniaturized version of the adult cardigan with the same name—is the perfect sweater for all the knitworthy kiddos in our lives. Its classic shape and fit ensure it will be wearable with a variety of items in any little one's wardrobe; they need layering pieces too!
Worked seamlessly from the top down with short row neckline and compound raglan shaping, this cardigan features lateral braids that separate the ribbed edgings from the focal stitch pattern, a simple yet luxurious all-over lace texture. The tiny size together with a DK weight yarn make for a fun, quick-to-knit garment that will be a joy to see on the intended recipient. If you're knitting for a child old enough to pick out their own clothes, pair their favorite color with some fun buttons to make it the sweater they want to wear over and over!
View the test knitter photo gallery below!
Please Note: This is a listing for a digital (.pdf) knitting pattern, not a physical pattern or knitted item. Any patterns purchased through this website will not be available in your Ravelry or LoveCrafts library. To ensure future access to your purchased patterns or any updated versions, please buy the patterns through one of those websites using the links at the bottom of each pattern page.
Sizes
1 (2, 3, 4, 5) [6, 7, 8, 9]
To Fit Ages: 3–6 months (6–12 months, 12–18 months, 18–24 months, 2–4 years) [4–6 years, 6–8 years, 8–10 years, 10–12 years]
Finished Chest Circumferences
In Inches: 18.75 (19.5, 20.25, 21.75, 22.5) [24, 26, 29, 30.5]”
In Centimeters: 47 (49, 50.5, 54.5, 56) [60, 65, 72.5, 76] cm
Circumferences are for the finished cardigan worn closed. Cardigan is intended to fit with approximately 2" (5 cm) of positive ease at the chest. Sample shown in size 5 on a 2-year-old.
Yarn
295 (346, 407, 462, 501) [639, 747, 900, 1018] yards / 270 (317, 373, 422, 458) [584, 683, 823, 931] meters plied, DK weight yarn
Sample shown in Hazel Knits Lively DK [DK weight, 90% superwash merino wool, 10% nylon] in colorway 'Loden.' 'Golden Fleck' acrylic buttons made by Twin Mountain Handcrafts in custom size.
Needles
US 6 (4 mm) circular needle, 32" (80 cm), or needle size necessary to obtain correct gauge
US 4 (3.5 mm) circular needle, 32” (80 cm), or needle size .5 mm smaller than gauge needle
Appropriate needle(s) in both sizes for your preferred method of knitting small circumferences in the round
Gauge
22 sts and 30 rows/rounds = 4” (10 cm) in textured lace pattern using larger needles, blocked
Notions
(8) Stitch markers, for raglan lines
(2) Removable markers, to mark short row turns (optional) and centers of underarms
Crochet hook, size D (3.25 mm) or slightly smaller
Tapestry needle
Waste yarn or two spare circular needles/cords, for placing sleeve stitches on hold
Sewing needle and thread (ball point needle and 100% polyester thread recommended)
6 (6, 8, 8, 8) [10, 10, 12, 12] 7/16" (11 mm) or ½" (12 mm) buttons
Social Sharing
Looking for photos of this cardigan on Instagram? Check out the hashtags #vanessasmithdesigns and #littlenydiacardigan, and please use the same hashtags when sharing pictures of your project—I’d love to see them!
Test Knitter Gallery
THANK YOU to the test knitters who helped make this pattern possible. Below is a gallery of their beautiful cardigans, shown in the order of the size made. ❤️ Click or tap the photos to enlarge them and scroll through. Tester usernames are for Ravelry unless otherwise noted.
