Both size files included
The younger and older age groups each have their own PDF, so the measurements, materials and charts stay with the sizes they cover.
Four sizes · ages 1–5
A rainbow of hearts, knitted for them
A rainbow of hearts, knitted for them
Explore the details · Tap to enlarge
A rainbow of hearts, knitted for them
Fair Isle Kids Cardigan Knitting Pattern
Rows of rainbow hearts turn an everyday cardigan into the one they reach for first. Choose seven colours that feel like them, set them against a favourite main shade, and knit a button-up layer with a little joy worked around the yoke.
Intermediate
$8.99Digital knitting pattern
- All four sizes included across two PDFs, for ages 1–5
- Size-specific colour charts guide the rainbow-heart yoke
- Aran yarn, raglan shaping and a fully buttoned front
Instant download after paymentMake it when you are ready
Made by fellow knitters
What is inside the pattern?
Two 7-page English PDFs covering ages 1–2 and 2–3, plus ages 3–4 and 4–5. Each includes measurements, yarn and button requirements, written construction and finishing directions, and charts for its two sizes.
This pattern covers the cardigan. The hat and bag shown in some photos are separate projects.
Is this the right level for me?
Intermediate. You should be comfortable working with two colours in a row, reading a colour chart, increasing and decreasing, joining sleeve stitches into a raglan yoke, making buttonholes and sewing sleeve seams. Colourwork and shaping are worked together through the yoke.
What materials will I need?
Aran yarn, approximately 75 m per 50 g: 4 / 5 / 6 / 7 main-colour balls for ages 1–2 / 2–3 / 3–4 / 4–5, plus one 25 g ball of each of seven rainbow colours.
Needles: one pair of 4 mm and two pairs of 5 mm, plus four stitch markers and a needle for finishing. 18 mm buttons: 6 / 6 / 6 / 7 by size.
Gauge: 17 stitches × 22 rows = 10 × 10 cm in stockinette on 5 mm needles, or the size needed for gauge. Compare metres as well as ball weight if substituting yarn.
Sizing and fit
Choose using the child’s body chest measurement; age is a guide. In age order 1–2 / 2–3 / 3–4 / 4–5 years:
- To fit chest: 51 / 56 / 61 / 66 cm.
- Neck-to-hem length: 31 / 34 / 37 / 40 cm.
- Underarm-to-cuff sleeve length: 21 / 22 / 23 / 24 cm.
Swatch before choosing your needles and size. The chest figures above are body measurements, not flat garment widths.
Delivery & Refunds
Delivery:
Your pattern will be available for instant download right after purchase — no waiting, no shipping delays.
Returns:
Since our products are digital, we typically don’t offer refunds. However, if you purchased a duplicate or feel the pattern didn’t meet your expectations, just reach out — we’ll do our best to make it right.
Fair Isle Kids Cardigan Knitting PatternDigital knitting pattern
Get the Pattern · $8.99
Seven colours. A yoke full of little hearts.
The heart band brings the rainbow around the upper body and sleeves, while the main colour gives the rest of the cardigan a calm backdrop.
Use bright contrasts for a classic rainbow or pick a more muted set. The size-specific charts keep the motif arrangement tied to the garment shaping.
The details that make this project yours.
Charts for the colourwork
Follow the grid for your selected size while working the written shaping. Keep track of the chart row and garment decreases together.
A practical buttoned finish
Ribbed bands frame the neckline, hem, cuffs and front opening. The written finishing instructions cover the buttonholes and sleeve seams.
Worked from the hem up, then joined for the raglan.
The back and two fronts begin as one flat piece up to the armholes. Knit the sleeves separately, then join their stitches with the body to work the yoke.
The colour chart continues while the raglan and neckline are shaped. Finish the neck and button bands, sew the sleeve seams and attach the buttons.
Choose the size before you cast on.
Sizing & fit
Choose using the child’s body chest measurement; age is a guide. In age order 1–2 / 2–3 / 3–4 / 4–5 years:
- To fit chest: 51 / 56 / 61 / 66 cm.
- Neck-to-hem length: 31 / 34 / 37 / 40 cm.
- Underarm-to-cuff sleeve length: 21 / 22 / 23 / 24 cm.
Swatch before choosing your needles and size. The chest figures above are body measurements, not flat garment widths.
Gather your yarn and needles.
Yarn & quantities
Aran yarn, approximately 75 m per 50 g: 4 / 5 / 6 / 7 main-colour balls for ages 1–2 / 2–3 / 3–4 / 4–5, plus one 25 g ball of each of seven rainbow colours.
Needles & tools
Needles: one pair of 4 mm and two pairs of 5 mm, plus four stitch markers and a needle for finishing. 18 mm buttons: 6 / 6 / 6 / 7 by size.
Gauge & finishing
Gauge: 17 stitches × 22 rows = 10 × 10 cm in stockinette on 5 mm needles, or the size needed for gauge. Compare metres as well as ball weight if substituting yarn.
Before you cast on
A few things before you begin
The fit, techniques and yarn plan for this project.
Ask us a questionWhat is included?
Two 7-page English PDFs covering ages 1–2 and 2–3, plus ages 3–4 and 4–5. Each includes measurements, yarn and button requirements, written construction and finishing directions, and charts for its two sizes.
This pattern covers the cardigan. The hat and bag shown in some photos are separate projects.
Is this the right level for me?
Intermediate. You should be comfortable working with two colours in a row, reading a colour chart, increasing and decreasing, joining sleeve stitches into a raglan yoke, making buttonholes and sewing sleeve seams. Colourwork and shaping are worked together through the yoke.
Are the hat and bag included?
No. This download includes the cardigan instructions in all four sizes. The coordinating hat and bag shown in some source photos are separate patterns.
Is this seamless or top-down?
It is worked from the bottom up. The lower body is one flat piece, the sleeves are knitted separately and joined at the yoke, and the sleeve seams are sewn during finishing.
Do I need colourwork experience?
You need to work with two colours in a row and follow a chart while shaping the yoke. It is best suited to an intermediate knitter comfortable managing carried yarn and stitch counts.
Can I substitute another Aran yarn?
Use the stated 17-stitch, 22-row gauge as your starting point. The suggested ball specification is 50 g / 75 m; compare length as well as weight when buying a substitute.
How do I receive the pattern?
Your PDF download is available after payment. Save the file so you can return to it when you are ready to knit.
Delivery & refunds
Delivery:
Your pattern will be available for instant download right after purchase — no waiting, no shipping delays.
Returns:
Since our products are digital, we typically don’t offer refunds. However, if you purchased a duplicate or feel the pattern didn’t meet your expectations, just reach out — we’ll do our best to make it right.
Made with your own hands
A rainbow they can wear.
Choose their colours, check the measurements and knit a cardigan with hearts in every detail.