Looking for a charming and versatile free child lace cardigan pattern? The Youth Wheat Cardigan is the perfect project! Its delicate lace design and practical wearability make it a must-knit for your little ones. Don’t forget to explore more Wheat of the pattern collection here on my blog for inspiration.
A Big Sister Cardigan: Introducing the Youth Wheat Cardigan
The Youth Wheat Cardigan is the big sister to the popular Baby Wheat Cardigan (free pattern here), making it an ideal choice for siblings or growing children. Its elegant lace detailing, combined with a classic silhouette, offers a balance of style and comfort. This free child lace cardigan pattern is knit in KnitPicks Capretta yarn (affiliate link), a luxurious blend of merino, cashmere, and nylon that ensures softness and durability.
Designed to be knit with size 1 (US) 2.5mm and size 2 (US) 3mm straight needles (affiliate link), the Youth Wheat Cardigan provides a satisfying challenge for knitters who love working with fine details. The precise lacework makes it a standout piece in any child’s wardrobe, suitable for both casual outings and special occasions.
Features of the Youth Wheat Cardigan
This free child lace cardigan pattern boasts a range of thoughtful features:
- Top-Down Construction: The cardigan is knit seamlessly from the top down, allowing you to adjust the length as needed.
- Delicate Lace Stitch: The lace pattern is intricate yet straightforward, making it accessible to adventurous beginners and rewarding for seasoned knitters.
- Flexible Fit: The design incorporates just the right amount of stretch, ensuring a comfortable fit that moves with your child.
Whether paired with jeans or layered over a dress, the Youth Wheat Cardigan is a versatile addition to any child’s wardrobe.
Love the Stitch Pattern? Check These Out!
If you adore the lace stitch used in this free child lace cardigan pattern, you’ll be thrilled to explore these coordinating patterns:
- Wheat Socks: Add a touch of elegance to your feet with this cozy pattern (free pattern here).
- Wheat Bonnet: A timeless accessory for little ones (free pattern here).
- Wheat Cowl: The perfect neck warmer for chilly days (free pattern here).
These designs complement the Youth Wheat Cardigan beautifully, making them excellent choices for creating matching sets or expanding your knitting repertoire.
Yarn and Needles for the Perfect Finish
To achieve the best results, the Youth Wheat Cardigan is knit using KnitPicks Capretta yarn (affiliate link). This premium yarn provides the perfect balance of softness and stitch definition, making every detail of the lace pattern shine. The cardigan’s delicate texture pairs perfectly with the smoothness of KnitPicks Reflection needles (affiliate link), ensuring a seamless knitting experience.
Whether you’re new to lace or a seasoned expert, having the right tools and materials will elevate your knitting process. The combination of quality yarn and needles guarantees a finished garment that you’ll be proud to showcase.
Why Choose a Free Child Lace Cardigan Pattern?
There are countless reasons to fall in love with the Youth Wheat Cardigan and other free child lace cardigan patterns. Here are just a few:
- Practical and Stylish: Lace cardigans are lightweight yet warm, making them ideal for layering during transitional weather.
- Creative Expression: The lace pattern offers a creative outlet, allowing knitters to showcase their skills while producing a beautiful, wearable piece.
- Budget-Friendly: As a free pattern, the Youth Wheat Cardigan provides excellent value without compromising on style or quality.
Tips for Knitting the Youth Wheat Cardigan
Knitting a free child lace cardigan pattern like the Youth Wheat Cardigan is a rewarding experience, but a few tips can help you along the way:
- Swatch for Gauge: Lacework requires precise gauge for the pattern to shine. Take the time to swatch with your KnitPicks Capretta yarn (affiliate link) and KnitPicks Reflection needles (affiliate link) before diving into the project.
- Use Stitch Markers: Lace patterns can be intricate, so using stitch markers will help keep track of your repeats and prevent mistakes.
- Block Your Finished Piece: Blocking is essential for lace designs. It helps open up the stitches, revealing the full beauty of the pattern.
Pairing the Youth Wheat Cardigan with Other Patterns
One of the joys of knitting is creating complementary pieces. The lace motif in this free child lace cardigan pattern can be carried through other items for a cohesive wardrobe. Pair the Youth Wheat Cardigan with the Wheat Socks (free pattern here) or layer it with the Wheat Cowl (free pattern here) for added warmth. For a complete set, don’t forget the adorable Wheat Bonnet (free pattern here)—perfect for younger siblings!
Final Thoughts on the Youth Wheat Cardigan
The Youth Wheat Cardigan is a testament to the beauty and versatility of lace knitting. This free child lace cardigan pattern is perfect for knitters looking to create something meaningful and lasting. Its timeless design ensures it will be cherished for years to come, while the quality of KnitPicks Capretta yarn (affiliate link) guarantees a garment that’s as durable as it is beautiful.
Whether you’re knitting for your child, a relative, or a special gift, the Youth Wheat Cardigan offers an opportunity to combine creativity with practicality. Don’t forget to check out the Wheat Socks (free pattern here), Wheat Bonnet (free pattern here), and Wheat Cowl (free pattern here) to make the most of this lovely stitch pattern.
Ready to start your next project? Head over to my blog’s free sweater patterns page to explore more designs and get inspired!
Materials and Info
Size: 3, 4 (5, 6) 7, 8 (9, 10) 11, 12 (13, 14)
Materials: Approximately 4, 5 (5, 5) 5, 6 (6, 7) 7, 8 (8, 8) balls of KnitPick Capretta (230y/50g) (affiliate link) , 7, 7 (7, 7) 7, 7 (8, 8) 9, 9 (10, 10) 3/8in buttons, yarn needle, stitch markers
Needle Size: 1(US) 2.5mm & 2(US) 3mm straight needles (affiliate link)
Gauge (tension): 32sts & 40 rows to make 10cm square, using size 2(US) 3mm needles
Chest Measurement: 55, 57, (59, 61) 63, 66 (69, 72) 75, 78 (81, 84) cm
METHOD
This pattern is for a drop sleeve style that is worked flat from the bottom up with 10cm of ease.
WHEAT LACE PATTERN
Row 1 – k5, k2tog, k3, yo, k1, yo, ssk, k1
Row 2 – purl across
Row 3 – k4, k2tog, k4, yo, k1, yo, ssk, k1
Row 4 – purl across
Row 5 – k3, k2tog, k5, yo, k1, yo, ssk, k1
Row 6 – purl across
Row 7 – k2, k2tog, k6, yo, k1, yo, ssk, k1
Row 8 – purl across
Row 9 – k2, k2tog, yo, k1, yo, k3, ssk, k4
Row 10 – purl across
Row 11 – k2, k2tog, yo, k1, yo, k4, ssk, k3
Row 12 – purl across
Row 13 – k2, k2tog, yo, k1, yo, k5, ssk, k2
Row 14 – purl across
Row 15 – k2, k2tog, yo, k1, yo, k6, ssk, k1
Row 16 – purl across
Note: when increasing or decreasing be sure there is a decrease for every increase so your stitch counts remain correct
Youth Wheat Cardigan Pattern
BACK
Cast on 106, 110 (112, 116) 118, 124 (128, 134) 138, 142 (148, 152) sts using the smaller circular needles
Work 2.5, 2.5 (3, 3) 3, 3 (3, 3) 3, 3 (3, 3) cms of (k1, p1) rib.
Switch to larger size circular needles.
Start your lace pattern as follows:
knit 4, 6 (7, 2) 3, 6 (1, 4) 6, 1 (4, 6) sts, work in lace pattern until you have 4, 6 (7, 2) 3, 6 (1, 4) 6, 1 (4, 6) sts remaining, knit across.
Work in lace pattern until your work measures 24, 24 (25.5, 27) 28.5, 30 (31, 32) 33.5, 35 (36, 37.5) cm measured from the cast-on edge. Place markers on each end of the row to mark armhole.
Continue working in pattern until work measures 36, 37 (39, 41) 43, 45 (47, 49) 51, 53, (55, 57) cms from cast on edge ending after completing a wrong side row.
SHOULDERS
Bind off 8, 9 (9, 10) 10, 10 (11, 11) 12, 12 (13, 13) sts at the beginning of the next 2 rows.
Bind off 8, 9 (9, 10) 10, 10 (11, 11) 12, 12 (13, 13) sts at the beginning of the next row, work 14, 14 (14, 14) 14, 16 (15, 17) 16, 18 (18, 19) sts put remaining sts on a stitch holder or spare yarn
Turn and bind off 5sts, work to the end of the row.
Turn and bind off remaining 10, 10 (10, 10) 10, 12 (11, 13) 12, 14 (14, 15) sts
With right side facing, rejoin yarn to the sts on the stitch holder/spare yarn, bind off 44, 39 (46, 46) 48, 52 (52, 54) 56, 56 (58, 60) sts, work remaining 23, 24 (24, 25) 25, 27 (27, 29) 29, 31 (32, 33) sts.
Bind off 8, 9 (9, 10) 10, 10 (11, 11) 12, 12 (13, 13) sts, work to the end of the row.
Turn and bind off 5sts, work to the end of the row.
Turn and bind off remaining 10, 10 (10, 10) 10, 12 (11, 13) 12, 14 (14, 15) sts
LEFT FRONT
Cast on 51, 53, (54, 56) 57, 60 (62, 65) 67, 70 (72, 74) sts using smaller needle
Work 2.5, 2.5 (3, 3) 3, 3 (3, 3) 3, 3 (3, 3) cms of (k1, p1) rib.
Switch to larger size circular needles.
Start your lace pattern as follows:
knit 5, 6 (6, 0) 1, 2 (3, 5) 6, 0 (1, 2) sts, work in lace pattern until you have 4, 5 (6, 0) 0, 2 (3, 4) 5, 0 (1, 2) sts remaining, knit across.
Work in lace pattern until your work measures 24, 24 (25.5, 27) 28.5, 30 (31, 32) 33.5, 35 (36, 37.5) cm measured from the cast-on edge. Place markers on the left end of the row to mark armhole.
Continue working in pattern until work measures 31, 31.5 (33.5, 35) 37, 39 (41, 42.5) 44.5, 46 (48, 50) cms from cast on edge ending after completing a right-side row.
NECK
Next row – Bind off 14, 14 (15, 15) 15, 16 (17, 17) 18, 18 (18, 19) sts, work to end of row [37, 39 (39, 41) 42, 44 (45, 48) 49, 51 (54, 55) sts]
Decrease 1 sts at the neck edge of the next 6, 6 (6, 6) 7, 7 (7, 7) 7, 7 (8, 8) rows. [31, 33 (33, 35) 35, 37 (38, 41) 42, 44 (46, 47) sts]
Decrease 1 sts at neck edge every right-side row 5, 5 (5, 5) 5, 5 (5, 6) 6, 6 (6, 6) times [26, 28 (28, 30) 30, 32 (33, 35) 36, 38 (40, 41) sts]
Continue in pattern until work measures 36, 37 (39, 41) 43, 45 (47, 49) 51, 53 (55, 57) cms from cast on edge, ending after completing a wrong side row
SHOULDERS
Bind off 8, 9 (9, 10) 10, 10 (11, 11) 12, 12 (13, 13) sts, work to end of row
Work the next row without shaping
Bind off 8, 9 (9, 10) 10, 10 (11, 11) 12, 12 (13, 13) sts, work to end of row
Work the next row without shaping
Bind off remaining 10, 10 (10, 10) 10, 12 (11, 13) 12, 14 (14, 15) sts
RIGHT FRONT
Cast on 51, 53 (54, 56) 57, 60 (62, 65) 67, 70 (72, 74) sts using smaller needle
Work 2.5, 2.5 (3, 3) 3, 3 (3, 3) 3, 3 (3, 3) cms of (k1, p1) rib.
Switch to larger size circular needles.
Start your lace pattern as follows:
knit 4, 5 (6, 0) 0, 2 (3, 4) 5, 0 (1, 2) sts, work in lace pattern until you have 5, 6 (6, 0) 1, 2 (3, 5) 6, 0 (1, 2) sts remaining, knit across.
Work in lace pattern until your work measures 24, 24 (25.5, 27) 28.5, 30 (31, 32) 33.5, 35 (36, 37.5) cm measured from the cast-on edge. Place markers on the right end of the row to mark armhole.
Continue working in pattern until work measures 31, 31.5 (33.5, 35) 37, 39 (41, 42.5) 44.5, 46 (48, 50) cms from cast on edge, ending after completing a wrong side row.
NECK
Next row – Bind off 14, 14 (15, 15) 15, 16 (17, 17) 18, 18 (18, 19) sts, work to end of row [37, 39 (39, 41) 42, 44 (45, 48) 49, 51 (54, 55) sts]
Decrease 1 sts at the neck edge of the next 6, 6 (6, 6) 7, 7 (7, 7) 7, 7 (8, 8) rows. [31, 33 (33, 35) 35, 37 (38, 41) 42, 44 (46, 47) sts]
Decrease 1 sts at neck edge every right-side row 5, 5 (5, 5) 5, 5 (5, 6) 6, 6 (6, 6) times [26, 28 (28, 30) 30, 32 (33, 35) 36, 38 (40, 41) sts]
Continue in pattern until work measures 36, 37 (39, 41) 43, 45 (47, 49) 51, 53 (55, 57) cms from cast on edge ending after completing a right-side row.
SHOULDERS
Bind off 8, 9 (9, 10) 10, 10 (11, 11) 12, 12 (13, 13) sts, work to end of row
Work the next row without shaping
Bind off 8, 9 (9, 10) 10, 10 (11, 11) 12, 12 (13, 13) sts, work to end of row
Work the next row without shaping
Bind off remaining 10, 10 (10, 10) 10, 12 (11, 13) 12, 14 (14, 15) sts
SLEEVES (MAKE 2)
Cast on now 52, 54 (54, 56) 62, 64 (64, 64) 66, 66 (68, 68) sts on smaller needles and join in the round and place beginning of round marker.
Work 2.5, 2.5 (3, 3) 3, 3 (3, 3) 3, 3 (3, 3) cms of (k1, p1) rib.
Switch to larger size circular needles
Start the lace pattern as follows:
Knit 5, 6 (6, 0) 3, 4 (4, 4) 5, 5 (6, 6) work lace pattern to last 5, 6 (6, 0) 3, 4 (4, 4) 5, 5 (6, 6) knit across
Work 3 more rows in lace pattern.
Next row: inc 1 sts on each side every 4th row 17, 18 (20, 21) 14, 15 (22, 25) 25, 28 (30, 33) times, then inc 1 st on each side every 6th row 0, 0 (0, 0) 6, 6 (2, 1) 2, 1 (0, 0) times . [86, 90 (94, 98) 102, 106 (112, 116) 120, 124 (130, 134) sts]
Continue working in lace pattern until work measures 24, 26.5 (28, 29) 28, 29.5 (31.5, 33) 34.5, 38 (39, 40.5) cms from cast on edge. Bind of all stitches.
NECK
Join both shoulder seams, using yarn on a tapestry/yarn needle.
With right side facing and smaller needles pick up and knit 14, 14 (15, 15) 15, 16 (17, 17) 18, 18 (18, 19) sts along right from bind off edge, 20, 22 (22, 22) 22, 24 (24, 25) 25, 27 (27, 27) sts up right front of neck, 54, 54 (56, 56) 58, 60 (62, 64) 66, 66 (68, 70) sts from back neck, 20, 22 (22, 22) 22, 24 (24, 25) 25, 27 (27, 27) sts up left front and side of neck, 14, 14 (15, 15) 15, 16 (17, 17) 18, 18 (18, 19) sts along left from bind off edge. [122, 126 (130, 130) 132, 140 (144, 148) 152, 156 (158, 162) sts]
Work 2, 2 (2.5, 2.5) 2.5, 2.5 (2.5, 2.5) 2.5, 2.5 (2.5, 2.5) cms of (k1, p1) rib.
Bind off all sts in pattern.
FRONT RIB EDGES
LEFT FRONT EDGE
Pick up and knit 109, 115 (121, 126) 133, 140 (147, 154) 159, 167 (169, 178) sts along the edge with the smaller sized circular needles.
Work 10 rows of rib (k1, p1).
Bind off in established rib pattern.
RIGHT FRONT EDGE
Pick up and knit 109, 115 (121, 126) 133, 140 (147, 154) 159, 167 (169, 178) sts along the edge with the smaller sized circular needles.
Work 4 rows in k1p1 ribbing
Buttonhole row: Work 2sts in established rib pattern, k2tog yo, *work 15, 16 (15, 16) 17, 17 (18, 19) 17, 18 (16, 17) sts in established rib pattern, work k2tog, yarn over*, repeat from * to * to the last 3 sts, work 3 sts in rib.
Work 4 rows in k1p1 ribbing
Bind off in established rib pattern.
FINISHING
Sew the sleeves on, side seams and sleeve seams. I prefer to use the mattress stitch because it almost appears seamless. Weave in all ends. Sew the 6 buttons on along the left front edge across from the buttonholes
Abbreviations
ABBREVIATIONS
K – knit
P – purl
PM – place marker
SM – slip marker
K2tog -knit 2 stitches together
YO – yarn over
SSK – slip, slip, knit the slipped sts together
M1R – Insert the left needle under the strand that runs between two stitches from back to front, then knit this strand
M1L – Insert the left needle under the strand that runs between two stitches from front to back, then knit this strand through the back loop
Download Youth Wheat Cardigan PDF
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