Isabella Lace Cardigan and Blanket in West Yorkshire Spinners Bo Peep Pure DK - DBP0001 - Downloadable PDF

Isabella Lace Cardigan and Blanket – Knitting Pattern by Jenny Watson in West Yorkshire Spinners Bo Peep Pure DK

The Isabella Lace Cardigan and Blanket is a beautifully coordinated knitting pattern designed by Jenny Watson and published by West Yorkshire Spinners. Available as a downloadable PDF, this pattern offers two charming projects in one: a delicate lace cardigan sized for babies and toddlers, and a matching lace blanket — making it an ideal choice for a handmade gift set or a nursery heirloom. The pattern is rated intermediate in difficulty, making it well suited to knitters who are comfortable with basic lace techniques and garment construction but are looking to develop their skills further.

About the Projects

Isabella Lace Cardigan

The Isabella Lace Cardigan is a classic baby and toddler garment featuring delicate lace detailing that gives it an elegant, heirloom quality. The cardigan is worked in multiple sizes to fit chest measurements ranging from 36 cm (14 in) to 56 cm (22 in), corresponding approximately to ages 0–6 months through 18–24 months. Age and size guidance is provided for reference, though knitters are encouraged to select a size based on actual chest measurements for the best fit.

The cardigan is finished with 3 buttons, adding a practical and decorative touch to the front opening. The construction involves separate knitted pieces that are seamed together using mattress stitch, the recommended finishing technique for a neat, professional result. Sleeve setting is an important element of the construction: the pattern specifies that when sewing in a raglan sleeve, stitches are matched row for row, while a semi set-in sleeve requires the centre of the sleeve cast-off to be pinned to the shoulder before easing the sleeve into the armhole.

Once assembled, the finished cardigan should be blocked by pinning it out to the stated measurements, covering with damp cloths, and leaving it to dry. Blocking is essential for lace knitting in particular, as it opens up the stitch pattern and allows the fabric to reach its intended drape and dimensions.

Isabella Lace Blanket

The Isabella Lace Blanket is the coordinating companion piece to the cardigan, sharing the same lace motif and yarn, making it a perfect matching set for a new baby. A lace blanket project at this level gives intermediate knitters the opportunity to practice and perfect the lace stitch pattern in a flat, non-shaped context before or alongside working the cardigan. Like the cardigan, the blanket benefits from careful blocking to fully reveal the beauty of the lace design.

Techniques Used

• Lace knitting — the central decorative technique used across both projects, creating an open, delicate fabric through the use of yarn-forward increases and corresponding decreases
• Raglan and semi set-in sleeve construction — two distinct methods of sleeve attachment are referenced within the pattern instructions
• Mattress stitch seaming — the recommended method for joining knitted pieces with an invisible, tidy finish
• Blocking — essential for lace projects to open the stitch pattern and achieve correct sizing
• Shaping — including increases and decreases to shape the cardigan body and sleeves
• Working from stitch holders — stitches are placed on holders during construction and returned to the needles at a later stage

Stitches Used

• Knit (K) and Purl (P) — the foundational stitches used throughout
• Yarn forward (yfwd) — used to create the decorative eyelets characteristic of lace knitting
• Pass slipped stitch over (psso) — a decrease stitch used in combination with yarn-forward increases to form the lace pattern
• Slip one stitch knitways (sl1) — used as part of decrease sequences
• Knit through back of loop (tbl) — used to create twisted stitches where specified
• Decrease (dec) and Increase (inc) — standard shaping stitches used throughout the garment