Rainbow Puddles Cardigan by Larissa Kondina
This design was inspired by my little daughter, who brought color back into my life.
Just like in nature — after a storm, a rainbow appears in the blue sky and reflects in the still surface of puddles.
These colorful reflections became the main motif of the cardigan.
You can fill these “puddles” — or bubbles — with your own favorite colors.
Each version becomes a personal interpretation of color and mood.
What you will get:
- detailed written instructions with pictures
- full-color intarsia charts with symbols separately for each size
- short row diagrams
- supporting video tutorials
All PDF materials are formatted for easy printing in standard A4 or A3 sizes.
After payment of the order, you will receive an order confirmation email with a link to download the archive with documents, as well as a password to open it
Construction:
This cardigan is worked top-down, in a raglan yoke construction, completely seamless.
Sleeves are worked using a seamless “in-the-round” intarsia technique (with separate instructions and video support included). The collar is added afterwards, and the edges are finished with an attached i-cord for structure and stability (link to the tutorial provided). This pattern incorporates intarsia, colorwork, and textured stitch patterns worked with knit and purl stitches.
Design overview:
This cardigan is designed for both boys and girls.
It works as a perfect layering piece — warm under outerwear in winter, or worn on its own in spring and on cooler summer evenings.
Sizes:
- 2–3 years — garment length: 44 cm, chest: 66 cm, sleeve length from neckline: 33 cm
- 4–5 years — garment length: 46 cm, chest: 70 cm, sleeve length from neckline: 45 cm
- 6–7 years — garment length: 48 cm, chest: 75 cm, sleeve length from neckline: 52 cm
Yarn
This pattern is designed to be flexible and works especially well with scrap or upcycled yarn.
You can use wool or wool blends, mixing different textures and weights.
Your color choices and combinations will make each piece truly unique.
For best results, aim for a balanced, cohesive fabric.
- Needles: 3.5–4 mm
- Gauge: 10 × 10 cm = 23 sts × 33 rows (4 mm needles)
The cardigan in size 2 years uses approximately 200–230 g of yarn: about 100–110 g for the main color, plus small amounts of around 10 different colors for the color sections.
Size 4–5 years: 250–300 g, main color 120–130 g.
Size 6–7 years: 290–350 g, main color 130–150 g (for example, wool/cotton blend yarn 200 m / 50 g, knitted double).
Yarn usage depends on the yarn weight: the lighter the yarn, the less yarn is required.
Level:
Skill level: Advanced. Designed for confident knitters who enjoy working with color, texture, and intarsia.
Please note:
This pattern does not include basic knitting techniques or basic intarsia tutorials.
Tested pattern:
This pattern has been tested in all sizes by a group of wonderful knitters.