Keep it Classic with the Turtle Dove Cardigan

There’s just something about a basic cardigan that is cozy and classic. It’s great to wear as a top layer when there’s a bit of a chill in the air or to keep handy when it’s colder inside than you would like.

The Turtle Dove Cardigan by Melissa Clulow for Sonder Yarn Co. is said to be inspired by a pullover of the same name (though I can’t find it on the designer’s Ravelry page, so if you have any intel on the pullover version, do let me know and I’ll update). It uses two strands of mohair held together with a smooth wool fingering weight yarn, which gives the whole thing a DK weight.

But because the fuzziness of the mohair needs a little room to breathe, it’s knit on larger needles than you typically would use for a DK weight project, which means it will knit up faster than you expect, too.

It’s worked from the top down, mostly in stockinette stitch, with twisted rib at the collar, cuffs and bands. It does not have buttons but is meant to be worn open with 12-14 inches (30.5-35.5 cm) of positive ease. It has deep raglan shaping for ease of layering and extra comfort, and the collar can stand up flat or fold over a bit if you like that look.

The sleeves are not full length in the pattern as written but it would be easy to adjust that (as well as the full length of the sweater) if you want more coverage. You could also choose a size that provides you with less positive ease if you want a more tailored look.

The pattern is available in nine sizes, with a finished bust measurement ranging from 44.75 to 76.75 inches, or 112 to 192 cm.

The Turtle Dove Cardigan pattern was originally published in Laine magazine and you can now get the pattern free on Ravelry.

[Photo: Sonder Yarn Co.]

Free Pattern – Long Cable Knit Cardigan

Easy Cardigan Knitting Patterns

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There is something very sweet about vintage baby knitting patterns, especially the ones that still feel wearable today. This Vintage Baby Sweater Knitting Pattern PDF from the CraftGossipStore has that lovely old-fashioned charm without looking fussy or too dated, which is exactly what makes it a nice find for knitters who enjoy making baby gifts with a bit of heirloom feeling.

The pattern includes two classic baby sweater styles: a textured crew neck jumper and cardigan options with raglan sleeves. The stitch pattern gives the finished pieces that beautiful handmade texture we all love, but it still feels practical enough for real babies — not just the kind of outfit that gets worn for one photo and then carefully folded away forever.

You can find the pattern here: Vintage Baby Sweater Knitting Pattern PDF from CraftGossipStore.

This is a restored vintage knitting pattern delivered as a printable PDF, so there is no physical pattern posted out. After purchase, the file is available through Etsy as an instant digital download, which is handy if you’re the sort of knitter who gets an idea at 9 pm and wants to cast on before common sense has a chance to intervene.

The pattern is designed for 8 ply / DK weight yarn, which makes it a practical choice because DK baby yarn is easy to find in soft modern colours. It uses 3.25 mm and 4 mm knitting needles, along with stitch holders, buttons for the cardigan versions, a yarn needle, scissors, and measuring tape.

What I like about this pattern is the flexibility. Worked in cream, lemon, powder blue, sage green, oatmeal, dusty pink, or warm beige, it would suit either a traditional baby wardrobe or a more modern neutral nursery style. The cardigan version is especially practical because cardigans are always easier when dressing little ones. Anyone who has ever tried to wriggle a jumper over a sleepy baby’s head will understand that immediately.

Because this is a vintage pattern, it is worth remembering that older knitting patterns are often written more briefly than modern ones. They tend to assume the knitter already knows a few things, so I’d recommend this for confident beginners through to intermediate knitters rather than someone picking up needles for the very first time. If you’re comfortable reading shaping instructions, checking gauge, working textured stitches, and sewing seams neatly, this should be a very satisfying little project.

Before starting, make a tension square. I know, I know — no one wants to hear it, but baby garments are small enough that gauge really does matter. A tiny difference in tension can quickly change the finished size, and nobody wants to finish a beautiful baby cardigan only to discover it fits a doll or a toddler with very optimistic shoulders.

This pattern would make a lovely baby shower gift, newborn photo outfit, heirloom baby knit, or handmade market sample. It is also a nice choice for knitters who enjoy vintage patterns but prefer having them cleaned up into a more usable digital format.

If you need supplies, look for a soft DK baby yarn, smooth knitting needles, small cardigan buttons, stitch holders, and a blunt yarn needle for finishing. Mary Maxim is always worth checking for baby yarns and classic knitting supplies, while Amazon can be handy for basics like stitch holders, measuring tapes, button packs, and printed pattern binders if you like keeping your PDF patterns organised.

For anyone who enjoys traditional baby knitting, this is a sweet little pattern with plenty of charm. It has that “made by Grandma, kept forever” feeling, but with enough simplicity to make it useful for everyday babywear too.

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