See how the bubbles form
The annex photographs the knit-four-below technique in four stages. It gives you a close-up reference for the stitch that makes the yoke distinctive.
Make your own cardigan
Finished-project photo
Finished-project photo
Original design photos · Pattern only
Little bubbles. A cardigan made for them.
Bubble Yoke Kids Cardigan Knitting Pattern
Picture them buttoned into the cardigan you knitted, with rows of little bubbles across the shoulders and their favourite colour in every stitch. The textured yoke gives this roomy, everyday layer its character; the plain body lets that detail shine.
Intermediate8-page English PDF
£6.99Digital knitting pattern
- Eight sizes from 6 months to 12 years, with finished measurements to help you choose
- Seamless top-down construction, with body and sleeve lengths you can adjust
- A photographed bubble-stitch guide, plus written instructions and a sizing schematic
Pattern only: English PDF. Finished cardigan, yarn, needles and buttons are not included.
English PDF patternYarn and tools not included
Made by fellow knitters
What is included?
An 8-page English PDF with written instructions, abbreviations, a finished-measurement schematic, a photographed bubble-stitch annex and links to technique tutorials.
Is this my kind of project?
The designer rates Little Tiyuan intermediate. You will work German short rows, increases and decreases, a knit-four-below bubble stitch, sleeves in the round, picked-up button bands and buttonholes.
Choose the size, not just the age
Sizes: 6 months, 12 months, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10 and 12 years. Finished chest: 63, 67, 71, 75, 79, 83, 89 and 97 cm respectively. These are cardigan measurements, not the child’s body measurements. Compare with a cardigan that fits them well.
Yarn and needles at a glance
Aran-weight yarn: approximately 286–640 m, depending on size. Use 4 and 4.5 mm circular needles, or sizes that achieve the blocked gauge. Five or six 2 cm buttons complete the front.
Delivery and refunds
This is a digital pattern, not a finished item. See our delivery policy and refund policy for the current terms.
Bubble Yoke Kids Cardigan Knitting PatternDigital knitting pattern
Get the Pattern · £6.99
Make the detail they will wear.
The rounded bubble stitches sit across the yoke rather than covering the whole cardigan. That gives you a distinctive piece to make, followed by stretches of stockinette once the sleeves are separated. Pick a colour for the child who will wear it, then choose buttons to finish it your way.
A textured yoke, with the steps beside you.
See what the supplied PDF covers before you begin.
Know where the shaping happens
Written instructions take you through the neck, short-row shaping, bubble sections, body, sleeves and button bands. Stitch counts are included at key stages.
Check the proportions
A schematic lists chest, sleeve, neck and overall measurements across all eight sizes. Use it alongside your gauge swatch before you commit to a size.
Room to move, without guessing the fit.
The photographed size-4-years sample has 18 cm of positive ease at the chest. That describes the sample, not a rule for every child. Choose using the finished measurements and the room you want. Because the cardigan is worked from the top down, the PDF allows you to alter body and sleeve length before the ribbing; extra length changes yarn usage.
From neckline to the final button.
Shape the yoke
Begin with ribbing, then work the neckline shaping and bubble-stitch sections flat.
Separate and continue
Hold the sleeve stitches while you knit the body. Return to each sleeve and work it in the round.
Finish the front
Pick up the button bands, work the buttonholes, then wash, dry flat and sew on the buttons.
Eight sizes, with the finished dimensions.
In order: 6 months / 12 months / 2 years / 4 years / 6 years / 8 years / 10 years / 12 years.
Finished chest circumference
63 / 67 / 71 / 75 / 79 / 83 / 89 / 97 cm.
Overall cardigan length
31 / 33 / 36 / 39 / 44 / 49 / 52 / 56 cm, as shown on the PDF schematic.
Yarn by size
Approximately 286 / 314 / 365 / 390 / 435 / 499 / 577 / 640 m of aran-weight yarn. Allow more if changing the length.
Plan your yarn and tools.
Materials
The PDF sample uses Fonty Super Tweed, an aran yarn listed in the pattern as 105 m per 50 g, 95% merino and 5% mohair. An alternative aran yarn must achieve the same gauge. Gather 4 and 4.5 mm circular needles, markers, a tapestry needle and stitch holders or waste yarn. Use five 2 cm buttons for 6 months through 4 years, or six for 6–12 years.
Gauge
18 stitches × 24 rows = 10 × 10 cm in stockinette, washed and blocked, using 4.5 mm needles in the pattern. Adjust needle size to achieve gauge. The finished size depends on matching that tension.
Before you cast on
A few things before you begin
A few practical answers for this particular project.
Ask us a questionIs the adult cardigan included?
No. This PDF covers the children’s cardigan in eight sizes. The adult Tiyuan is a separate design.
Do I need to sew the body together?
The cardigan is worked seamlessly from the top down. Finishing still includes weaving in ends and sewing on the buttons.
Can I change the length?
Yes. The PDF allows body and sleeve length adjustments before the ribbing and recommends checking the fit as you work. Changes affect yarn requirements.
How long will it take?
No fixed completion time is given. Your chosen size, knitting pace and familiarity with short rows and bubble stitch will affect the time needed.
Your next handmade favourite
Their colour. Your stitches. A cardigan to wear.
Choose the size from the finished measurements, swatch your aran yarn and start with those little bubbles at the yoke.