DROPS Merino Extra Fine
DROPS Merino Extra Fine
100% Wool
from 3.20 $ /50g
Get the yarn to make this pattern from 9.60$.

The yarn cost is calculated from the pattern’s smallest size and the yarn’s cheapest product type. Looking for an even better price? You might find it on the DROPS Deals!

DROPS AW2425

Dream in Blue Cardigan

Knitted jacket for babies and children in DROPS Merino Extra Fine. The piece is worked top down with raglan. Sizes 0 - 4 years.

DROPS Baby 42-6

#dreaminbluecardigan

DROPS Design: Pattern me-077-by
Yarn group B
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SIZES:
0/1 - 1/3 - 6/9 - 12/18 months (2 - 3/4) years
Child’s height in cm:
48/52 - 56/62 - 68/74 - 80/86 (92 - 98/104)
Child’s height in feet:
1ft/1ft8 - 1ft 10/2ft - 2ft3/2ft5 - 2ft7/2ft9 (3ft – 3ft3/3ft5)

Finished measurements:
Chest measurements: 44-50-54-58 (62-66) cm = 17¼"-19¾"-21¼"-22¾" (24⅜"-26")
Full length: 24-28-30-33 (36-40) cm = 9½"-11"-11¾"-13" (14¼"-15¾")
All measurements in charts are in cm.

MATERIALS:
DROPS MERINO EXTRA FINE from Garnstudio (belongs to yarn group B)
150-150-200-200 (200-250) g color 39, ice blue

DROPS BUTTONS NO 627: 5-5-5-5 (6-6) items.

NEEDLES:
DROPS CIRCULAR NEEDLE SIZE 4 MM = US 6: Length 80 cm = 32".
DROPS CIRCULAR NEEDLE SIZE 3 MM = US 2.5: Length 80 cm = 32".
DROPS DOUBLE POINTED NEEDLES SIZE 4 MM = US 6.
DROPS DOUBLE POINTED NEEDLES SIZE 3 MM = US 2.5.
The technique MAGIC LOOP can be used – you then only need circular needle of 80 cm = 32" in each size.

KNITTING GAUGE:
21 stitches in width and 28 rows in height with stockinette stitch = 10 x 10 cm = 4" x 4".
NOTE: Needle size is only a guide. If you get too many stitches on 10 cm = 4", change to a larger needle size. If you get too few stitches on 10 cm = 4", change to a smaller needle size.

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Alternative Yarn – See how to change yarns here
Yarn Groups A to F – Use the same pattern and change the yarn here
Yarn usage using an alternative yarn – Use our yarn converter here

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DROPS Merino Extra Fine
DROPS Merino Extra Fine
100% Wool
from 3.20 $ /50g
Get the yarn to make this pattern from 9.60$.

The yarn cost is calculated from the pattern’s smallest size and the yarn’s cheapest product type. Looking for an even better price? You might find it on the DROPS Deals!

Pattern instructions

NOTE: This pattern is written in American English. All measurements in charts are in cm. Convert from inches to cm here. There are different terms for crocheting in American and British English. If this pattern includes crochet, convert "crochet terms" here. See this pattern in British English here.
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EXPLANATIONS FOR THE PATTERN:

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RIDGE/GARTER STITCH (worked back and forth):
Knit all rows.
1 ridge = knit 2 rows.

PATTERN:
See diagram A.1. The diagram shows all rows in the pattern from the right side.

DECREASE TIP (sleeves):
Decrease 1 stitch on either side of the marker as follows: Work until there are 3 stitches left before the marker, knit 2 together, knit 2 (marker sits between these 2 stitches), slip 1 stitch as if to knit, knit 1 and pass the slipped stitch over the knitted stitch.

BUTTONHOLES:
Work buttonholes on the right band (when the garment is worn). Work from the right side when there are 3 stitches left on the row as follows: Make 1 yarn over, knit 2 together and knit 1. On the next row, knit the yarn over to leave a hole.
The first buttonhole is worked when the rib on the neck measures 1½-2 cm = ½"-¾". Then work the other 4-4-4-4 (5-5) buttonholes with approx. 5-6-6½-7 (6½-7) cm = 2"-2⅜"-2½"-2¾" (2½"-2¾") between each one.

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START THE PIECE HERE:

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JACKET – SHORT OVERVIEW OF THE PIECE:
The neck and yoke are worked back and forth with circular needle. The yoke is divided for the body and sleeves and the body continued back and forth. The sleeves are worked in the round with double pointed needles.

NECK:
Cast on 65-69-73-77 (81-87) stitches with circular needle size 3 MM = US 2.5 and DROPS Merino Extra Fine.
Purl 1 row from the wrong side with 5 band stitches in GARTER STITCH – read description above, on each side.
Then work rib as follows: 5 band stitches in garter stitch, * knit 1, purl 1 *, work from *-* until there are 6 stitches left, knit 1 and 5 band stitches in garter stitch. Remember the BUTTONHOLES – read description above.
When the rib measures 2 cm = ¾", change to circular needle size 4 MM = US 6. Insert 1 marker after the band at the beginning of the row; the yoke is measured from this marker!

YOKE:
Work the next row from the right side as follows:
5 band stitches in garter stitch, knit 5-6-7-8 (8-10), 1 yarn over, A.1,
1 yarn over, knit 6-6-6-6 (8-8), 1 yarn over, A.1, 1 yarn over, knit 13-15-17-19 (19-21), 1 yarn over, A.1, 1 yarn over, knit 6-6-6-6 (8-8), 1 yarn over, A.1, 1 yarn over, knit 5-6-7-8 (8-10) and 5 band stitches in garter stitch.
You have increased 8 stitches for raglan. The yarn overs are purled twisted on the next row and continued in stockinette stitch. Continue the pattern and increase on each side of A.1 on each row from the right side a total of 11-13-14-15 (17-18) times = 153-173-185-197 (217-231) stitches.
REMEMBER THE KNITTING GAUGE!

When the piece measures 9-10-11-12 (13-14) cm = 3½"-4"-4⅜"-4¾" (5⅛"-5½") from the marker, divide the yoke for the body and sleeves as follows:
5 band stitches in garter stitch, work 19-22-24-26 (29-32) stitches in stockinette stitch, place the next 32-36-38-40 (44-46) stitches on a thread for the sleeve, cast on 6-6-8-8 (6-6) stitches, work 41-47-51-55 (61-65) stitches in stockinette stitch, place the next 32-36-38-40 (44-46) stitches on a thread for the sleeve, cast on 6-6-8-8 (6-6) stitches, work 19-22-24-26 (29-32) stitches in stockinette stitch and 5 band stitches in garter stitch.

BODY:
= 101-113-125-133 (141-151) stitches.
Continue back and forth with stockinette stitch and 5 band stitches in garter stitch on each side until the body measures 10-13-14-16 (18-21) cm = 4"-5⅛"-5½"-6¼" (7"-8¼") from the division. Now increase 10-12-14-14 (16-16) stitches evenly spaced on the next row from the right side (do not increase over the bands) = 111-125-139-147 (157-167) stitches.
Change to circular needle size 3 MM = US 2.5 and work rib, starting from the wrong side as follows:
5 band stitches in garter stitch, * purl 1, knit 1 *, work from *-* until there are 6 stitches left, purl 1 and 5 band stitches in garter stitch.
Bind off when the rib measures 3 cm = 1⅛". The jacket measures approx. 24-28-30-33 (36-40) cm = 9½"-11"-11¾"-13" (14¼"-15¾") from the shoulder down.

SLEEVES:
Place the 32-36-38-40 (44-46) stitches from the thread on the one side of the piece on double pointed needles size 4 MM = US 6 and knit up 1 stitch in each of the 6-6-8-8 (6-6) stitches cast on under the sleeve = 38-42-46-48 (50-52) stitches. Insert a marker in the middle of the new stitches under the sleeve (= mid-under sleeve). Start at the marker and work stockinette stitch in the round.
When the sleeve measures 2 cm = ¾" from the division, decrease 1 stitch on each side of the marker - read DECREASE TIP!
Decrease like this every 3-3-2-2½ (3-4) cm = 1⅛"-1⅛"-¾"-1" (1⅛"-1½") a total of 2-3-5-5 (5-5) times = 34-36-36-38 (40-42) stitches.
When the sleeve measures 8-11-12-15 (18-23) cm = 3⅛"-4⅜"-4¾"-6" (7"-9"), increase 4-4-4-4 (4-6) stitches evenly spaced = 38-40-40-42 (44-48) stitches.
Change to double pointed needles size 3 MM = US 2.5 and work rib (knit 1, purl 1) for 2 cm = ¾". Bind off. The sleeve measures approx. 10-13-14-17 (20-25) cm = 4"-5⅛"-5½"-6¾" (8"-9¾").
Work the other sleeve in the same way.

Diagram

All measurements in charts are in cm.

symbols = knit from right side, purl from wrong side
symbols = purl from right side, knit from wrong side
diagram

Each of our patterns has specific tutorial videos to help you.

Do you have a question? See a list of frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Knitting tension is what determines the final measurements of your work, and is usually measured per 10 x 10 cm. It is provided like so: number of stitches in width x number of rows in height - eg: 19 stitches x 26 rows = 10 x 10 cm.

The knitting tension is very individual; some people knit/crochet loosely while others work tightly. You adjust the knitting tension with the needle size, which is why the suggested needle size only serve as a guide! You need to adjust this (up or down) to ensure that YOUR knitting tension matches the knitting tension provided in the pattern. If you work with a different knitting tension than provided you will have a different yarn consumption, and your work will have different measurements than what the pattern suggests.

The knitting tension also determines which yarns can replace each other. As long as you achieve the same knitting tension you can replace one yarn with another.

See DROPS lesson: How to measure your tension/gauge

See DROPS video: How to make a gauge tension swatch

The required amount of yarn is provided in grams, eg: 450 g. To calculate how many balls you’ll need you first need to know how many grams are in 1 ball (25g, 50g or 100g). This information is available if you click on the individual yarn quality on our pages. Divide the amount required with the amount of each ball. For example, if each ball is 50g (the most common amount), the calculation will be as follows: 450 / 50 = 9 balls.

The important thing when changing from one yarn to another is that the knitting/crochet tension remains the same. This is so that the measurements of the finished piece will be the same as on the sketch provided. It is easier to achieve the same knitting tension using yarns from the same yarn group. It is also possible to work with multiple strands of a thinner yarn to achieve the knitting tension of a thicker one. Please try our yarn converter. We recommend you to always work a test swatch.

Please NOTE: when changing yarn the garment might have a different look and feel to the garment in the photo, due to individual properties and qualities of each yarn.

See DROPS lesson: Can I use a different yarn than the one mentioned in the pattern?

All our yarns are categorised into yarn groups (from A to F) according to thickness and knitting tension – group A contains the thinnest yarns and group F the thickest. This makes it easier for you to find alternative yarns to our patterns, should you wish to switch yarn. All yarns within the same group have a similar knitting tension and can easily replace each other. However, different yarn qualities have different structures and properties which will give the finished work a unique look and feel.

Click here for an overview of the yarns in each yarn group

At the top of all our patterns you’ll find a link to our yarn converter, which is a helpful tool should you wish to use a different yarn than suggested. By filling in the yarn quality you wish to replace, the amount (in your size) and number of strands, the converter will present good alternative yarns with the same knitting tension. Additionally it will tell you how much you’ll require in the new qualities and whether you’ll need to work with multiple strands. Most skeins are 50g (some are 25g or 100g).

If the pattern is worked with multiple colours, every colour will have to be converted separately. Similarly, if the pattern is worked with several strands of different yarns (for example 1 strand Alpaca and 1 strand Kid-Silk) you will have to find alternatives for each, individually.

Click here to see our yarn converter

Since different yarns have different qualities and textures we have chosen to keep the original yarn in our patterns. However, you can easily find options among our available qualities by using our yarn converter, or simply pick a yarn from the same yarn group.

It is possible that some retailers still have discontinued yarns in stock, or that someone has a few skeins at home that they would like to find patterns for.  

The yarn converter will provide both alternative yarn as well as required amount in the new quality.

If you think it's hard to decide what size to make, it can be a good idea to measure a garment you own already and like the size of. Then you can pick the size by comparing those measures with the ones available in the pattern's size chart.

You'll find the size chart at the bottom of the pattern.

See DROPS lesson: How to read size chart

The needle size provided in the pattern serves only as a guide, the important thing is to follow the knitting tension. And since knitting tension is very individual, you will have to adjust the needle size to ensure that YOUR tension is the same as in the pattern – maybe you’ll have to adjust 1, or even 2 needle sizes, up or down to achieve the correct tension. For this, we recommend that you work test swatches.

Should you work with a different knitting tension than the one provided, the measurements of the finished garment might deviate from the measurement sketch.

See DROPS lesson: How to measure your tension/gauge

See DROPS video: How to make a gauge tension swatch

Working a garment top-down provides more flexibility and room for personal adjustment. For example it is easier to try the garment on while working, as well as making adjustments to length of yoke and shoulder caps.

The instructions are carefully explaining every step, in the correct order. Diagrams are adjusted to the knitting direction and are worked as usual.

The diagram depicts all rows/rounds, and every stitch seen from the right side. It is read from bottom to top, from right to left. 1 square = 1 stitch.

When working back and forth, every other row is worked from the right side and every other row is worked from the wrong side. When working from the wrong side, the diagram will have to be worked reversed: from left to right, knit stitches are purled, purl stitches are knit etc.

When working in the round every round is worked from the right side and the diagram are worked from right to left on all rounds.

See DROPS lesson: How to read knitting diagrams

The diagram depicts all rows/rounds, and every stitch seen from the right side. It is worked from bottom to top, from right to left.

When working back and forth every other row is worked from the right side: from right to left and every other row is worked from the wrong side: from left to right.

When working in the round, every row in the diagram are worked from the right side, from right to left.

When working a circular diagram you start in the middle and work your way outwards, counter clockwise, row by row.

The rows usually start with a given number of chain stitches (equivalent to the height of the following stitch), this will either be depicted in the diagram or explained in the pattern.

See DROPS lesson: How to read crochet diagrams

Instructions for working several diagrams after each other on the same row/round, will often be written like so: “work A.1, A.2, A.3 a total of 0-0-2-3-4 times". This means you work A.1 once, then A.2 is worked once, and A.3 is repeated (in width) the number of times provided for your size – in this case like so: S = 0 times, M = 0 times, L=2 times, XL= 3 times and XXL = 4 times.

The diagrams are worked as usual: begin with the first row in A.1, then work the first row in A.2 etc.

See DROPS lesson: How to read knitting diagrams

See DROPS lesson: How to read crochet diagrams

The total width of the garment (from wrist-to-wrist) will be larger in the larger sizes, despite the actual sleeves being shorter. The larger sizes have longer sleeve caps and wider shoulders, so there will be a good fit in all sizes.

The measurement sketch/schematic drawing provides information regarding the full length of the garment. If it’s a jumper or a jacket the length is measured from the highest point on the shoulder (usually closest to the neckline), and straight down to the bottom of the garment. It is NOT measured from the tip of shoulder. Similarly, the length of yoke is measured from the highest point on the shoulder and down to where yoke is split into body and sleeves.

See DROPS lesson: How to read a schematic drawing

Diagrams are often repeated on the round or in height. 1 repeat is the diagram the way it appears in the pattern. If it says to work 5 repeats of A.1 in the round, then you work A.1 a total of 5 times after/next to each other in the round. If it says to work 2 repeats of A.1 vertically/in height you work the entire diagram once, then begin again at the start and work the entire diagram one more time.

Chain stitches are slightly narrower than other stitches and to avoid working the cast-on edge too tight, we simply chain more stitches to begin with. The stitch count will be adjusted on the following row to fit the pattern and measurement sketch.

The rib edge is more elastic and will contract slightly compared to, for example, stocking stitch. By increasing before the rib edge, you avoid a visible difference in width between the rib edge and the rest of the body.

It’s very easy to cast off too tightly, and by making yarn overs while casting off (and simultaneously casting these off) you avoid a too tight cast off edge.

See DROPS video: How to bind off with yarn overs (yo)

To achieve an even increase (or decrease) you can increase on, for example: every 3rd and 4th row alternately, like so: work 2 rows and increase on the 3rd row, work 3 rows and increase on the 4th. Repeat this until the increase is complete.

See DROPS lesson: Increase or decrease 1 st on every 3rd and 4th row alternately

Should you prefer to work in the round instead of back and forth, you may of course adjust the pattern. You’ll need to add steeks mid-front (usually 5 stitches), and follow the instructions. When you would normally turn and work from the wrong side, simply work across the steek and continue in the round. At the end you’ll cut the piece open, pick up stitches to work bands, and cover the cut edges.

See DROPS video: How to knit steeks and cut open

Should you prefer to work back and forth instead of in the round, you may of course adjust the pattern so you work the pieces separately and then assemble them at the end. Divide the stitches for the body in 2, add 1 edge stitch in each side (for sewing) and work the front and back pieces separately.

See DROPS lesson: Can I adapt a pattern for circular needles into straight needles?

Pattern repeats can vary slightly in the different sizes, in order to get the correct proportions. If you’re not working the exact same size as the garment in the photo, yours might deviate slightly. This has been carefully developed and adjusted so that the complete impression of the garment is the same in all sizes.

Make sure to follow instructions and diagrams for your size!

If you have found a pattern you like which is available in women’s size it’s not very difficult to convert it to men’s size. The biggest difference will be the length of sleeves and body. Start working on the women size that you think would fit across the chest. The additional length will be worked right before you cast off for the armhole/sleeve cap. If the pattern is worked top-down you can add the length right after the armhole or before the first decrease on sleeve.

Regarding additional yarn amount, this will depend on how much length you add, but it is better with a skein too many than too few.

All yarns will have excess fibres (from production) that might come off as lint or shedding. Brushed yarns (ie hairier yarns) have more of these loose, excess fibres, causing more shedding.

Shedding also depends on what is worn under or over the garment, and whether this pulls at the yarn fibres. It’s therefore not possible to guarantee that there will be no shedding

Below are some tips on how to get the best result when working with hairier yarns:

1. When the garment is finished (before you wash it) shake it vigorously so the looser hairs come off. NOTE: do NOT use a lint roller, brush or any method that pulls at the yarn.

2. Place the garment in a plastic bag and put it in your freezer - the temperature will cause the fibres to become less attached to each other, and excess fibres will come off easier.

3. Leave in the freezer for a few hours before taking it out and shaking it again.

4. Wash the garment according to the instructions on the yarn label.

Pilling is a natural process that happens to even the most exclusive of fibers. It's a natural sign of wear and tear that is hard to avoid, and that is most visible in high friction areas of your garment like a sweater's arms and cuffs.

You can make your garment look as new by removing the pilling, using a fabric comb or a pill/lint remover.

Still can't find the answer you need? Then scroll down and leave your question so one of our experts can try to help you. This will be done normally within 5 to 10 working days.
In the meantime, you can read the questions and answers that others have left to this pattern or join the DROPS Workshop on Facebook to get help from fellow knitters/crocheters!

Dream in Blue Cardigan

Elisabeth, Sweden

Dream in Blue Cardigan

Marlena, Poland

Dream in Blue Cardigan

Lilletini, Germany

Dream in Blue Cardigan

Mary, United States

Dream in Blue Cardigan

Gabriela, Germany

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Comments / Questions (52)

country flag Penny wrote:

Does “A1” mean add a stitch marker? I notice the little diagram below with coloured dots; two black dots, white dot, two black dots but I don’t know what that means. I wish this pattern was written differently so it spells it out.

16.09.2024 - 16:23

DROPS Design answered:

Dear Penny, A.1 refers to the diagrams worked over 5 sts that you will work 2 sts in reversed stocking stitch, 1 st in stocking stitch, 2 sts in reversed stocking st, this means from RS work P2, K1, P2 and from RS work K2, P1, K2. (see also diagram key). A.1 is worked a total of 4 times in the row, at each raglan /each transition between body and sleeves. Happy knitting!

17.09.2024 - 08:56

country flag Dorothea wrote:

Thank you for answering. I watched your videos but I don't know how to do the A.1 5 stitch increases. Are they also yarn overs, like the two Yarn overs which bracket the A.1? How do I make those 5 increases in the A.1? Thank you!

13.09.2024 - 05:04

DROPS Design answered:

Hi Dorothea, You do not increase within A.1, only on each side with 1 yarn over each time. There are 4 sections of A.1 and increasing 1 stitch on each side of these 4 sections gives you the 8 increases on the row. All subsequent increases are also on each side of each A.1. Happy knitting!

13.09.2024 - 06:28

country flag Dorothea VolpeBrowne wrote:

I am making size 2 and have 81 sets in neckband. Following yoke directions for first row, it adds up to 61 sets, not counting increases. What am I doing wrong? 5+8+8+19+8+8+5 (not counting increases made in that row) totals up to 61. Thank you!

12.09.2024 - 06:02

DROPS Design answered:

Hi Dorothea, You work 5 band stitches, knit 8, 1 yarn over, A.1 (= 5 stitches), 1 yarn over, knit 8, 1 yarn over, A.1, 1 yarn over, knit 19, 1 yarn over, A.1, 1 yarn over, knit 8, 1 yarn over, A.1, 1 yarn over, knit 8 and 5 band stitches. Your missing stitches are the 5 x A.1 = 20 stitches. Hope this helps and happy knitting!

12.09.2024 - 06:54

country flag Martine wrote:

Bonjour, Juste une petite question, je tricote ce modèle en9/12 mois, j’ai fait les 15 augmentations pour le raglan, je suis à seulement 9cm du marqueur, comment dois-je continuer jusqu’a avoir 12 cm. Merci pour vos explications.

01.08.2024 - 15:37

DROPS Design answered:

Bonjour Martine, vous n'avez probablement pas la bonne tension de 28 rangs = 10 cm en hauteur, tricotez simplement comme avant, sans augmenter cette fois jusqu'à ce que l'ouvrage mesure 12 cm (notez qu'il s'agit ici de la 4ème taille soit 12/18 mois). Bon tricot!

02.08.2024 - 08:46

country flag Linda wrote:

What are band stitches?

07.07.2024 - 02:18

DROPS Design answered:

Dear Linda, we call band stitches the stitches in the buttonband or buttonhole band, on the edges of the front pieces. These stitches are not worked in any special way, just serve as a way to group them when indicating how to work them in the written instructions. In this pattern, these are worked in garter stitch usually. Happy knitting!

07.07.2024 - 22:57

country flag Herma Van Den Hoven wrote:

Als ik de mouwen van het vestje verder wil breien met een rondbreinaald i.p.v. naalden zonder knop welke lengte moet ik dan gebruiken? Ik bedoel niet de magic loop maar een kort rondbreinaaldje

06.07.2024 - 21:10

DROPS Design answered:

Dag Herma,

Dat weet zo niet en het hangt ook van de maat af die je breit, maar als je heel weinig steken in de rondte wilt breien wordt dat heel lastig en kun je beter naalden zonder knop nemen of de magic loop techniek gebruiken.

07.08.2024 - 12:40

country flag Herma Van Den Hoven wrote:

Nou zeg….Word ik uitgemaakt voor een spammer terwijl ik alleen maar iemand help

28.06.2024 - 19:58

country flag Herma Van Den Hoven wrote:

Voor Alice Oldenburger Als je die omslag even heen en weer steekt met je andere naald dan zit iet goed op de naald en gaat het averecht breien beter en zonder gat groet Herma

28.06.2024 - 14:00

country flag Herma Van Den Hoven wrote:

Voeg 1 markeerdraad in na de voorbies op het begin van de naald; de pas wordt gemeten vanaf deze markeerdraad! Snap ik niet, die plek kan je toch gewoon zien?

28.06.2024 - 13:53

DROPS Design answered:

Dag Herma,

Dat klopt, dus je zou hem ook weglaten. Opmeten gaat dus langs de voorbies.

30.06.2024 - 20:48

country flag Herma Van Den Hoven wrote:

Voeg 1 markeerdraad in na de voorbies op het begin van de naald; de pas wordt gemeten vanaf deze markeerdraad!

28.06.2024 - 13:53