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| Photos above © Cheval Blanc |
CB21 Cardigan-Jumper N°30-31 by Cheval Blanc is a classic cable-knit baby and children's cardigan originally published in the Cheval Blanc Autumn-Winter 2015/2016 collection.
The design combines traditional cable texture with a practical button-front cardigan and was published in sizes ranging from newborn through 4 years.
Pattern Availability Update
This Cheval Blanc design was originally distributed as a free knitting pattern. However, the original Cheval Blanc download page previously linked from this article is no longer reliably available. We therefore identify and document the original pattern here without linking to unauthorized copies.
Baby Cardigan with Cables at a Glance
Official Pattern: CB21 Cardigan-Jumper N°30-31
Designer / Publisher: Cheval Blanc Official
Collection: Catalogue Cheval Blanc N°21 Automne-Hiver 2015/2016
First Published: May 2015
Craft: Knitting
Category: Baby & Child Cardigan / Jumper
Sizes: Newborn to 4 years
Feature: Decorative cable knitting
Skill Level: Intermediate
Original Distribution: Free Cheval Blanc pattern; original download currently unavailable
About the Cheval Blanc Cable Cardigan
This cable cardigan comes from Cheval Blanc's Autumn-Winter 2015/2016 children's collection.
The original publication grouped a cardigan and jumper together under the pattern reference CB21 Cardigan-Jumper N°30-31. The cardigan is the design featured in the photographs on this Amazing Knitting page.
Its combination of a traditional button-front shape and prominent knitted cables gives it a classic appearance that works well for both babies and young children.
Sizes from Newborn to 4 Years
One of the strongest features of the original pattern is its generous range of children's sizes.
Cheval Blanc published the design in:
- Newborn / birth
- 6 months
- 1 year
- 2 years
- 3 years
- 4 years
Older English references sometimes describe the smallest sizes as 0–3 months, 6 months and 12 months. The original Cheval Blanc catalog listing identifies them as birth, 6 months and 1 year.
If you obtain an original copy of the pattern, use its finished measurements rather than relying only on age labels when choosing a size.
Classic Cable Texture
Cables give knitted children's garments a traditional, substantial appearance without requiring multiple yarn colors.
The raised texture is produced by changing the order of selected stitches so that sections appear to cross over one another.
Because the cable pattern is one of the main visual features of this cardigan, a yarn with clear stitch definition will usually show the design more effectively than an extremely fuzzy yarn.
Why Cable Cardigans Remain Popular
Cable knitting has remained a favorite for baby and children's sweaters because a relatively small number of textured panels can transform a simple cardigan.
The texture also works in almost any color. Traditional cream and natural shades emphasize the classic look, while brighter colors can make the same cable structure feel much more modern.
Choosing Yarn for a Cable Cardigan
If you have access to the original Cheval Blanc instructions and want to substitute yarn, begin with gauge rather than simply choosing a yarn that looks similar.
Cables can pull knitted fabric inward, so gauge is particularly important for a fitted garment.
Look for yarn that produces:
- Good stitch definition
- A comfortable fabric for a baby or child
- Enough elasticity for the cable texture
- Practical washing characteristics
- The required gauge for the selected size
Swatch the Cable Pattern
For a textured cardigan, a plain stockinette swatch does not always tell the complete story.
If possible, include part of the cable motif in your test swatch. This allows you to see how the yarn behaves when stitches are crossed and whether the finished cables have enough definition.
It also gives you an opportunity to practice the cable technique before beginning the actual garment.
Skills That Help
This project was described as suitable for an intermediate knitter.
Useful skills for a cable cardigan of this type include:
- Casting on and binding off
- Knitting and purling
- Working ribbing
- Reading a cable pattern
- Crossing stitches with a cable needle
- Increasing and decreasing
- Garment shaping
- Working buttonholes
- Seaming knitted pieces
- Picking up stitches when required
- Attaching buttons securely
Working With a Cable Needle
Traditional cables are commonly created by temporarily holding several stitches either in front of or behind the work while the next stitches are knitted.
When the held stitches are worked, the two groups cross and form the characteristic cable.
Pay close attention to whether stitches are held at the front or back, because changing that position changes the direction of the cable.
Keeping Track of Cable Rows
Cable patterns usually contain crossing rows separated by several simpler rows.
A row counter, removable marker or written note can help you keep track of your position in the repeat.
Checking the cable direction after every crossing is also much easier than discovering an incorrect cable many rows later.
Blocking the Finished Cardigan
Gentle blocking can help even out the knitted fabric and allow the cable motifs to settle into their final shape.
Avoid stretching the cardigan aggressively because excessive stretching can flatten the raised cable texture.
Always follow the washing and care instructions appropriate for the yarn you actually use.
About the Original Free Pattern
This pattern was originally offered by Cheval Blanc as a free knitting pattern under the reference CB21 Cardigan-Jumper N°30-31.
The original Cheval Blanc web address used by older pattern directories is no longer a reliable current download source.
Ravelry still documents the original design, designer/publisher, publication and size range, which allows the pattern to be identified accurately.
Amazing Knitting does not host or reproduce the copyrighted Cheval Blanc pattern instructions, charts or unauthorized PDF copies.
View the Original Pattern Record
You can view the Ravelry record for the original Cheval Blanc design to confirm the pattern identity and publication details.
View the Original Cheval Blanc Pattern →
Looking for a Free Alternative?
If you came here specifically looking for a cable baby cardigan that you can start knitting today, explore the free baby cardigan patterns in the Amazing Knitting archive.
Find Free Cable Baby Cardigans →
You can also browse free baby cardigans, cable baby sweaters, and free baby knitting patterns.
Before You Start
If you already have a legitimate copy of the original Cheval Blanc pattern, select your size first and check its yarn, needle and gauge requirements before purchasing materials.
Make a gauge swatch and practice the cable motif if necessary before casting on the complete cardigan. For children's garments, also make sure all buttons are attached securely.
Pattern credit: CB21 Cardigan-Jumper N°30-31 was published by Cheval Blanc in Catalogue N°21 Automne-Hiver 2015/2016. The existing photographs on this Amazing Knitting page are credited to Cheval Blanc. Amazing Knitting does not reproduce Cheval Blanc's copyrighted pattern instructions or charts.