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The Bandit Collection
This pattern has also been graded for adults in 10 sizes with finished bust circumference of 36-72”/90-180cm. Click here to see! You will receive an automatic discount for $3 off when you buy Bandit and Baby Bandit together — just add both patterns to your cart.
 

DESCRIPTION

BABY BANDIT is a whimsical cardigan for the playful thief in all of us. The design was inspired by Beatrix Potter’s timeless illustrations, featuring subtle gathers around the collar and cuffs, and named for Peter Rabbit, the daring childhood hero who knew how to claim a carrot that was rightfully his. With a seamless yoked top-down construction knit mostly in stockinette and unique folded hems for the collar and cuffs, this design is meant to be a comfort project, both in the making and wearing. The pattern includes 9 sizes, from newborn through 12 years, and 7 video tutorials to walk you through the unique finishing details.
 

SIZING

Young people grow at different rates, so it is always better to size based on measurements rather than on the age of your intended recipient. I recommend picking a size that is 2-6”/5-15cm larger than their chest circumference and adjusting body/sleeve length as needed.

In the photos, Genevieve (maroon) is wearing an 8 yr size with 2.5”/6cm of positive ease at the chest, body length to pattern, and 1”/2.5cm extra length in the sleeves, and Nora (olive) is wearing a 2 yr size with 1”/2.5cm positive ease at the chest and 4”/10cm less length in the body and sleeves.

Sizes by finished chest circumference:
In inches: (18.25, 19.25, 20.25) [22.25, 24, 26.25] {28, 30.25, 32}
In centimeters: (45.5, 48, 51) [55.25, 60, 65.5] {70, 75.5, 80}

 
 
GAUGE, NEEDLES, NOTIONS

Gauge: 22 sts and 32 rows over 4”/10cm in stockinette after blocking

Recommended needles: US 4 (3.5 mm) 32”/80 cm circular, smaller circular or DPNs or sleeves and cuffs if not using magic loop

Recommended crochet hook: Size E or F (for provisional cast on and optional edging on button band)

Notions: stitch markers, locking stitch markers, darning needle, extra circular needle in any size smaller than main needles (for joining folded hems), stitch holders, scrap yarn, 5-9 15mm buttons
 
 
YARN

This cardigan is designed for a sport weight wool/wool blend. I used Little Skein in the Big Wool’s Harvest Sport (312 yds / 285 meters / 100 g), a non-superwash domestic Merino & Rambouillet wool blend. This yarn is made with 3 plies and a tight twist, which creates a round and bouncy fabric. It is super soft, at 21 microns, with a slight sheen and drape. It holds its shape and does not grow too much when blocking (unlike superwash merino wool).

Yarn requirements
Skeins: (1, 2, 2) [2, 2, 3] {3, 3, 3}
Yards: (310, 375, 425) [500, 575, 650] {725, 800, 900}
Meters: (285, 345, 390) [460, 525, 595] {665, 730, 825}

Other suitable yarns:

$
Knit Picks Wool of the Andes Sport
Briggs & Little Sport
Brown Sheep Nature Spun Sport

$$
Harrisville Designs FlyWHEEL
Sincere Sheep Cormo Sport
Retrosaria Vovó

$$$
The Farmers Daughter Fibers Recollect
Little Skein in the Big Wool Harvest
La Bien Aimée Helix (held double)

 
 
SHARING

☀️ See pictures of other Baby Bandit sweaters and share pictures of your own progress on Instagram with the hashtag #BabyBanditCardigan. Be sure to tag @jacquelinecieslak too! ☀️

Thank you to Kristina McGrath for her work as tech editor on this pattern and to Little Skein in the Big Wool for yarn support and photography. Most special thanks to 8-year-old Genevieve and Baby Nora for bringing such special energy, wonder, and joy to the photos!