Description

Simple Fair Isle Cardigan – Vintage Knitting Pattern: Instant PDF Download

Size: 4, 6, 8 years (Chest 24, 25, 27 inches)

Six bright shades, one simple chart and a plain background make this vintage knitting pattern a gentle introduction to stranded colorwork. The fronts are covered in rows of small Fair Isle motifs, while the back and sleeves stay in a calm solid color, so the Nordic-style design never feels overwhelming. Worked from DK yarn, this children’s cardigan is ideal for knitters who love festive motifs and want a Christmas-ready jacket that a child will genuinely want to wear, with sturdy ribbed bands and six buttons down the front.

Design & Construction Details

Skill Level: Intermediate.
Construction: Fronts and back are worked flat from the bottom up in separate pieces, with the Fair Isle chart on the fronts only. Shoulders are joined, then sleeves are picked up along the armhole edges and worked downward with decreases. Neckband, button band and buttonhole band are added at the end.
Finished Measurements: Chest 24, 25, 27″ (60, 64, 68 cm); sleeve length 11½, 12¼, 13″ (29, 31, 33 cm).
Pattern Style: Written in standard UK knitting terms with a stitch chart (4-stitch repeat, 32 rows, 6 colors) and a size diagram.
Stitches: K1 P1 rib, stocking (stockinette) stitch, Fair Isle stranded colorwork from a chart.

Recommended Materials & Tools

Yarn: DK (double knitting) yarn — 150 (200, 250) g / 6 (8, 9) oz in main color A; 100 (125, 150) g / 4 (5, 6) oz in contrast color B; 50 g / 2 oz each in four further contrast colors C, D, E and F.
Substitute Yarn: Modern DK weight yarn such as Valley Yarns Superwash DK or Paintbox Yarns Simply DK.
Knitting Needles Size: 3 mm (US 3) and 3¾ mm (US 5), one pair of each (or size needed to obtain gauge).
Notions: 6 buttons, tapestry needle for seams and weaving in ends.
Gauge: 25 stitches and 28 rows = 4″ (10 cm) in the color pattern on 3¾ mm (US 5) needles.

This is a digitally restored PDF knitting pattern
Upon purchase, you will receive an instant digital download — a clean, easily readable PDF. The original vintage instructions have been digitally enhanced, reformatted, and checked for clarity, ensuring a smooth crafting experience from start to finish.