Balloon Cardigan
Original price
$14.70
-
Original price
$14.70
Original price
$14.70
$14.70
-
$14.70
Current price
$14.70
Availability:
2+ in stock, ready to be shipped
The Balloon Cardigan by PetiteKnit is an effortlessly cool, cropped cardigan featuring dreamy, voluminous balloon sleeves pulled in by snug ribbed cuffs. Designed with a roomy, relaxed fit and a clean four-button front, it pairs easily with high-waisted jeans, trousers, or layered right over a favourite midi dress.
Please note: This is a knitting pattern only. Yarn, needles, buttons, and extra notions must be purchased separately.
Pattern Overview
- Skill Level: 3 out of 5 (Intermediate)
- Size Range: XS to XL
- Construction: You’ll knit this cardigan seamlessly from the top down in stockinette stitch. The front button bands are worked in one piece right alongside the rest of the body, meaning you won't have to pick up stitches along the front edges later. Once the cropped body is complete, you’ll work the statement balloon sleeves down to the fitted wrist cuffs, leaving virtually zero finishing work aside from sewing on your buttons and weaving in the ends.
Sizing & Fit Guide
The Balloon Cardigan is designed as a shorter, cropped style with roughly 15 cm of positive ease built right into the measurements. Before you cast on, grab a measuring tape and measure around your bust to pick your ideal fit. For example, if your bust measures around 90 cm, a size S will give you a finished garment circumference of 106 cm—providing about 16 cm of airy, relaxed room.
| Size | To Fit Bust Circumference (cm) | Finished Bust Circumference (cm) | Total Length (cm) |
|---|---|---|---|
| XS | ~85 | 100 | 51 |
| S | ~90 | 106 | 53 |
| M | ~95 | 111 | 55 |
| L | ~100 | 116 | 56 |
| XL | ~110 | 123 | 58 |
(Note: Total length is measured down the centre back.)
Gauge & Suggested Tools
- Gauge: 21 sts x 29 rows = 10 x 10 cm in stockinette stitch on 4 mm needles after washing and blocking.
- Circular Needles: 4 mm (40 cm and 80–100 cm).
- Double-Pointed Needles: 4 mm DPNs (only needed if you prefer not to use the Magic Loop method for the sleeves and cuffs).
- Notions: 4 large buttons (20–25 mm diameter).
Yarn & Materials Chart
This cardigan is knitted by holding two strands together: one strand of 4-ply / fingering-weight wool (approx. 210 m per 50 g) paired with one strand of lace-weight silk mohair (approx. 210 m per 25 g).
| Size | Fingering Wool Weight (g) | Fingering Wool Estimated Meters | Silk Mohair Weight (g) | Silk Mohair Estimated Meters |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| XS | 250 g | 1,050 m | 125 g | 1,050 m |
| S | 300 g | 1,260 m | 150 g | 1,260 m |
| M | 300 g | 1,260 m | 150 g | 1,260 m |
| L | 300 g | 1,260 m | 150 g | 1,260 m |
| XL | 350 g | 1,470 m | 175 g | 1,470 m |
Note: Meter figures are calculated directly from the pattern's recommended yarn weights and represent designer estimates rather than exact consumption. Always buy full balls and consider grabbing an extra ball if you plan to swatch generously or add length to the body or sleeves.
Crucial Swatching Tip
Take a little time to knit, wash, and block a swatch with both strands held together before casting on. Hitting that 21-stitch by 29-row gauge ensures your cardigan matches the finished measurements above and gives the sleeves that signature soft, billowy drape. Adjust your needle size up or down if your stitch count is slightly off.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Do I have to pick up stitches for the button bands? Nope! The front button bands are knitted seamlessly in one piece right alongside the body as you go, saving you from picking up stitches along the edges later.
- Should I size up for extra slouch? There’s no need unless you want a very oversized look—the pattern already includes roughly 15 cm of built-in positive ease, so your regular bust size will naturally give you that relaxed silhouette.
- Can I lengthen the cropped body? Yes! Since it’s worked top-down, you can easily knit the body a few centimetres longer before starting the bottom hem ribbing. Just make sure to buy an extra ball of each yarn to cover the added length.