Petites Feuilles (“little leaves” in French) is an irresistible unisex cardigan with a fun, unusual construction (but still straightforward!) and lovely details: leaf motifs, optional pockets, elbow “patches.”

The garter and leaf hem of this cardigan is worked first, then set aside. The top part of the cardigan is knit seamlessly from the top down. It is then attached to the garter and leaf hem using a 3-needle cast off. Stitches are picked up along side edges and neckline to work buttonbands and collar. The sleeves are worked in the round. Optional pockets can be worked. Their lining requires some seaming.

The pattern is both fully written and charted, to accommodate personal preference.

Skills required: long-tail cast on, knitting, purling, increasing, decreasing, picking up stitches, yarn over, knitting in the round, three-needle cast off (explanations provided).

Finished garment chest: 18 (18.75, 20.5, 21.25 // 22.75, 24.4, 25.25, 26.75, 28.5) inches or 45 (47, 51, 53 // 57, 61, 63, 67, 71) cm.

Yarn requirements: Approximately 275 (300, 350, 400 // 475, 525, 550, 600, 650) yds or 251 (274, 320, 366 // 434, 480, 503, 549, 594) meters of dk to worsted weight yarn.

Needles:
US 8 or 5mm circular needle or size needed to match stockinette gauge.
US 8 or 5mm double-pointed needles or size needed to match stockinette gauge (for sleeves).
US 6 or 4mm needle or size needed to match garter stitch gauge.

Notions:

• 6 stitch markers

• 2 stitch holders or pieces of scrap yarn for sleeves

• tapestry needle

• 4 (4, 5, 5 // 5, 5, 6, 6, 6) 3/4 inch or 2cm diameter buttons

Gauge:
20 sts x 30 rows = 4 inches or 10cm in stockinette stitch using larger needles
20 sts x 48 rows (24 ridges) = 4 inches or 10cm in garter stitch using smaller needles