Cabled Raglan Cardigans in King Cole Big Value Baby DK - 4220 - Downloadable PDF

Cabled Raglan Cardigans in King Cole Big Value Baby DK – Pattern 4220

This downloadable PDF knitting pattern from King Cole presents a collection of Cabled Raglan Cardigans designed for babies and young children. The pattern covers a size range of 46–71 cm (18–28 inches), making it suitable for little ones from newborn through to toddler age. With its combination of classic cable panels and a neat raglan sleeve construction, this is a rewarding project for intermediate-level knitters looking to develop their skills while creating a beautifully textured, practical garment.

A purchase of this pattern also contributes a donation to the Pink Ribbon Foundation, meaning your crafting supports a meaningful charitable cause.

About the Garment Design

The cardigans featured in this pattern are worked in Double Knit (DK) weight yarn and showcase a combination of decorative cable panels running up the fronts alongside a classic raglan sleeve shaping. The raglan construction is one of the most popular methods for children's knitwear — it creates a smooth, comfortable fit across the shoulders without a traditional set-in seam, allowing for ease of movement and a neat, tidy finish that suits babies and toddlers particularly well.

The cable detailing adds a timeless, heritage feel to what might otherwise be a straightforward cardigan silhouette. Cables are created by crossing groups of stitches over one another using a cable needle, producing a raised, rope-like or plaited texture on the fabric surface. On a baby garment, this kind of textural interest elevates the design and makes it a lovely gift or heirloom piece.

Construction and Shaping

The pattern is written across six sizes, spanning the 46–71 cm chest range. Key construction details evident in the pattern include:

• Raglan sleeve shaping worked by decreasing one stitch at each raglan edge on right-side rows and on every following alternate row, creating the characteristic diagonal seam line from underarm to neckline.
• Sleeve shaping that includes a defined sleeve length section worked in stocking stitch, with the sleeve measured to approximately 4–6 cm before the raglan decreases begin, depending on the size being worked.
• A neckband that is picked up and knitted along the front edges and around the neck opening, with stitches picked up evenly along the front edge up to the top of the cable panels, along the remainder of the front edge, and across the neckband itself — ensuring a smooth, professional finish.
• A transition between needle sizes during construction, with 4mm needles used for the main stocking stitch body sections, consistent with standard DK tension requirements.

Techniques Used

This pattern draws on a range of knitting techniques that make it well suited to an intermediate knitter. Those new to cables or raglan shaping will find this an excellent pattern for building confidence, while more experienced knitters will appreciate the satisfying combination of texture and structure. Techniques include:

• Cable knitting — working special cable stitches along the front panels of the cardigan to create the signature raised, twisted texture. A cable needle is typically required to hold stitches to the front or back while others are worked.
• Raglan decreasing — systematic decreases worked at defined intervals to shape the armhole and sleeve head simultaneously, a technique central to raglan garment construction.
• Stocking stitch (st-st) — the main fabric of the garment body and sleeves is worked in stocking stitch, knitting on right-side rows and purling on wrong-side rows, giving a smooth, classic knitted fabric.
• Picking up and knitting stitches — used to create the neckband and front bands, a finishing technique that gives the cardigan its polished, structured edges.
• Tension/gauge management — the pattern specifies a tension of 22 stitches to a given measurement, which knitters should check carefully before beginning to ensure accurate sizing across all six sizes.

Stitches Used

• Stocking stitch — used throughout the main body and sleeves
• Cable stitches — worked using special abbreviations defined within the pattern, creating the decorative front panels
• Rib stitch — typically used for c