Can I learn to knit a cardigan?

[Stayingafloatish]

I can sew (basic) and would love to learn to knit my daughter little clothes for her dolls.

I’d like to start with a cardigan. Am I kidding myself that I can do this or is it unrealistic for a total beginner?

Any tips?

Doll sized probably ok but personally I would start with a beanie. It will give you practice in ribbing, plain stich, shaping and sewing up.

I used to knit doll's clothes when I first learnt to knit, as a small child (age 7-8), so I don't see any reason why not, especially as you can already sew.

First learn to knit and maybe make a basic scarf for the doll, then knit some squares and rectangles to sew into a cardigan, pop some tiny buttons on and just push the buttons through natural gaps in the knitting, rather than making buttonholes.

A cardigan is probably one of the harder ways to start - it will involve shaping and possibly picking up neckbands and making holes and sewing up.

That said, PetitKnit has a pattern for a beginners baby jacket that might do the job for you https://www.petiteknit.com/en/collections/begynder/products/begynderjakken?variant=39490639298615

Well you have to start with something that has shaping and increasing/decreasing, unless you want to only ever knit scarves. A baby or doll cardigan or jumper is as good a place to start. The first proper garment I ever knitted was a full sized guernsey sweater, and I've never looked back.

Take a look at some tutorials for crochet doll clothes on you tube. Crochet can be easier and quicker than knitting and you can go a lot more free style (get away with mistakes).