After the simple scrap yarn waistcoat I posted a few days ago, I decided to design a figure-flattering cardigan for our MamAmor doll. Something that would look equally good when she's 'pregnant' as when she's nursing her baby. So today's "Finished Object" is the latest in our mama's (growing) collection. I can't tell you how delighted I am with this cardigan. It's one of the most satisfying things I have made to date, because I made the pattern up myself and it turned out exactly as I had intended it should.
Materials used
- Approx 75g yarn for long sleeved version ( I used a100g ball of Wendy Supreme Luxury Cotton DK - gauge 5 sts per inch)
- 3.50 mm circular needles or appropriate needles for yarn. The body is made flat, but I made the sleeves using the magic loop method, or you could knit them flat and sew them up if you prefer
- 4 stitch markers
- 1 small button
Instructions
Cast on 36 stitches
Rows 1, 2 & 3 (collar): knit
Row 4: K6, PM, K7, PM, K10, PM, K7, PM, K6
Row 5: K2, purl to last 2 stitches, K2
Row 6: *knit to 1 stitch before marker, M1, K1, SM, K1, M1, repeat from *
Repeat rows 5 & 6 x 7 - until there are 26 stitches on the back section
sleeve sts on spare cables |
Row 21 (RS): (Remove stitch markers on this row) K2, P to 1st marker, put sleeve stitches on a spare cable or scrap yarn, purl to 3rd marker, put sleeve stitches on a spare cable or scrap yarn, purl to last 2 sts, K2
Row 22: knit
Row 23: K2, purl to last 2 stitches, K2
Rows 24 - 27: knit all stitches
Row 28: K2, YO, [K1, KFB] until last 3 stitches, K3
Row 29: K2, purl to last 2 stitches, K2
Row 30: Knit
Repeat rows 29 & 30 until approximately 1" before desired length
shaped to flatter mama curves |
Next row (RS): K3, [YO, K1] to last 3 stitches, K3
Repeat rows 29 & 30 twice more
Then: knit the last four rows and bind off loosely.
Sleeves
It's really up to you which length sleeve you prefer and if you'd like them plain or more detailed, or maybe you don't want any at all. You can simply adjust the following instructions to achieve the look you want. The beauty of knitting in one piece is that you can try it on the doll as often as you like during the process and make any changes or adjustments as you go. The following instructions will give you the cardigan pictured in the photos at the top of this post.
magic loop: sts can look a bit messy until washed |
- Pick up the stitches for the first sleeve, and knit all stitches.
- Join in the round using a marker to note the start of the round. (If you prefer not to use magic loop knitting, you can knit the sleeve stitches straight and then join using mattress stitch for an almost invisible join.)
- After 17 rounds or when you are ready for the sleeve to increase: [K1, KFB] repeat to end of the round
- Knit all stitches until you the sleeve is approximately 2" shorter than the desired length (for the cardigan pictured, I made 7 rounds after the increase)
- [YO, K2tog] to end of the round
- Knit the next 3 rounds
- Purl one round
- Knit one round
- Purl one round
- Bind off loosely
Repeat as above for the second sleeve.
To finish:
- Sew in loose ends and close the gaps underneath the arms
- Sew button opposite the yarn over hole in row 28
- Wash before use - this will also tighten up any loose stitches on the sleeves from the magic loop (maybe it's my novice technique, but with tiny items like the top of these sleeves, some stitches can appear a little stretched and messy prior to washing, as in the picture above)
Please note: I have written these instructions whilst knitting up the cardigan from an idea I had. I hope they are clear enough to follow. If you follow the pattern and something doesn't make sense or you notice errors, please do let me know. I'd love to see any items you make from these notes, please feel free to link to them or to email a picture :)
EDITED: There is now a Ravelry project page for this pattern.
For instructions on how to make the more basic waistcoat using a small amount of left over yarn, click here.
You can see other FOs by clicking the links at Tami's Amis blog.
I'm not a doll kind of person, but this sweater is lovely! You should think of trying to make it in a kid or adult size! It looks great.
ReplyDeleteThanks Tami, I am actually thinking about upsizing it for my toddler first but yes, I would wear it too!
ReplyDeleteGreat design! I'm always so impressed when people think up sweaters and then knit them. It boggles my poor little pea brain!
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely lovely! Thanks so much for this!
ReplyDelete