This is a pattern for a quick-to-knit raglan shaped cardigan sweater in approximately size 6 months. (With the button band closed, mine measured 21 inches at the underarms.) Because it is such a basic pattern, it probably could be adapted to other yarns and various fancy stitches, including intarsia, but I prefer it as written.
Materials:
2 skeins Jiffy or other mohair look chunky brushed acrylic yarn
Size 8 (U.S.) 24-inch circular needle or size needed for gauge
Set of size 8 (or matching size) doublepointed needles
Needle two sizes larger to aid casting on/off loosely (optional)
Buttons
Gauge:
In stockinette, using size 8 needle: 17 stitches = 4 inches
Pattern:
Note: To create chain selvage, ALWAYS begin each row by bringing yarn
forward, slip first stitch purlwise, bring yarn back between first and
second stitches before continuing. THIS COUNTS AS THE FIRST KNIT STITCH.
Neck Band
Cast on 57 stitches loosely (using larger needle if necessary).
Switching to size 8 needle, work even in garter stitch (knit each row) until there are 2 purl ridges on the right side.
Buttonhole row (right side): For boy's sweater, begin row K2, YO, K2 together, K across.
For girl's sweater, K across to last 4 stitches, end with K2 together, YO, K2. Remember to repeat buttonhole every 2 inches for length of sweater. (On my sweaters, buttonholes were separated by 7 purl ridges.)
After first buttonhole row, continue in garter stitch until there are 4 purl ridges on right side.
Begin Raglan Shaping
Next row (right side): K4, place marker for front band, K9 for front,
mark next stitch and then (K1, YO, K1) into that stitch, K5 for sleeve,
mark next stitch and then (K1, YO, K1) into that stitch, K17 for back,
mark next stitch and then (K1, YO, K1) into that stitch, K5 for sleeve,
mark next stitch and then (K1, YO, K1) into that stitch, K9 for front,
place marker, K4 for front band. (65 stitches altogether)
Row 1 (wrong side): K4, slip marker, purl across to marker for opposite band, K4.
Row 2 (right side): Remember to slip band markers, *K to marked stitch, (K1, YO, K1) into that stitch* 4 times, K remainder of row. TO KEEP RAGLAN INCREASES ALIGNED, ALWAYS REMEMBER TO INCREASE DIRECTLY ABOVE THE YO OF THE PREVIOUS INCREASE ROW.
Repeat these two rows 11 times, then repeat Row 1 once more. (153 stitches altogether)
Divide for Sleeves
Next row (right side): K26, slip next 29 stitches onto holder, cast
on 3 stitches with overhand loops, K43, slip next 29 stitches onto holder,
cast on 3 stitches with overhand loops, K26. (101 stitches on needle)
On next right side row, K48, place marker on needle, K5, place marker on needle, K48.
Maintaining border stitches and continuing to place buttonholes as needed, work body even in stockinette for 1 1/4 inches from sleeve division.
Increase row (right side): K to marker, M1 raised increase (lift running thread onto left hand needle, knit into back of stitch), slip marker, K to next marker, slip marker, M1 raised increase, K to end of row. These increases add a little flare to the back of the sweater, making it fit more easily over diapers.
Continue to work even, repeating increase row twice at 1 1/4 inch intervals, until body measures 4 1/2 inches from sleeve division. (107 stitches)
Bottom Band
Work even in garter stitch until there are 4 purl ridges on right side.
Ideally, the last buttonhole should be placed two ridges above the bottom
edge, to match the neck band. Bind off loosely, using larger needle if
necessary.
Sleeves
Using doublepointed needles, place 29 sleeve stitches that are on holders
onto needles, plus pick up one stitch in each of the three cast on underarm
stitches. (32 stitches) Mark center underarm stitch. Arrange stitches so
that marked stitch is at beginning of round. Attach yarn. Knit 1 round.
Decrease round: K1, SSK, K to last 2 stitches of round, K2 together. (30 stitches) (K 4 rounds. Repeat decrease round) twice. (26 stitches)
Work even on 26 stitches until sleeve measures 3 inches from underarm.
Work garter stitch border: *P1 round, K1 round* three times, then purl one more round. (4 purl ridges)
Bind off loosely in knit, using larger needle if necessary.
Weave in ends. Sew buttons opposite buttonholes.
Note: This sweater was inspired by, but substantially altered from, a pattern by Maggie Righetti. The K1, YO, K1 raglan increase is from Barbara Walker's "Knitting From the Top Down"