Cardigans and Sweaters in Sirdar - 3957 - Downloadable PDF

Sirdar 3957: Double Knitting Cardigans and Sweaters for Babies and Children

Sirdar pattern 3957 is a classic knitting pattern offering double knitting cardigans and sweaters sized for babies and young children, covering a chest size range of 41 cm to 66 cm (16 to 26 inches). The pattern spans six sizes, from 0–3 months through to 5–6 years, making it a versatile choice for knitters who want a pattern that grows with a child. Both a cardigan and a sweater design are included, giving knitters two distinct garment options from a single pattern download.

Garments Included in Sirdar 3957

Double Knitting Cardigan

The cardigan features a V-neck construction and a raglan sleeve shaping, which is a hallmark of classic children's knitwear. Raglan shaping creates a smooth, diagonal seam running from the underarm to the neckline, distributing fabric evenly across the shoulder and providing a comfortable, flexible fit that suits the active movements of babies and toddlers. The left front is worked separately, as is typical of a traditional set-in or raglan cardigan construction, with stitches cast on using 3¼mm needles.

The raglan shaping is carefully graduated across the six sizes. Decreases are worked on a knit row using slip 1, knit 1, pass slipped stitch over (s1, k1, psso) at one end and knit 2 together (k2tog) at the other, creating neat, mirrored decreases on either side of the raglan line. These decreases are repeated at intervals — every fourth row and then every alternate row — to shape the armhole smoothly. The cast-off edge at the raglan is worked in 1x1 rib, which provides a neat, slightly elastic finish at the shoulder.

Double Knitting Sweater (Jumper)

The sweater version shares the same sizing, yarn, and general construction approach as the cardigan, adapted for a pullover silhouette. Like the cardigan, it uses raglan sleeve shaping and is designed to produce a neat, well-fitted garment suitable for everyday wear. The actual chest measurements range from 46 cm (18 inches) for the smallest size up to 74 cm (29¼ inches) for the largest, giving a comfortable amount of ease over the stated chest sizes.

Sizing and Measurements

The pattern provides detailed measurements across all six sizes:

• To fit chest: 41, 46, 51, 56, 61, 66 cm (16, 18, 20, 22, 24, 26 inches)
• Actual measurement: 46, 51, 57, 61, 69, 74 cm (18, 20, 22½, 24, 27¼, 29¼ inches)
• Full length: 24, 27, 29, 34, 37, 39 cm (9½, 10¾, 11½, 13½, 14½, 15½ inches)
• Sleeve length (adjustable): 15, 17, 20, 25, 29, 33 cm (6, 6½, 8, 9¾, 11½, 13 inches)

The sleeve length is noted as adjustable, which is a practical feature allowing knitters to customise the length to suit an individual child's arm measurement — particularly useful when knitting for a child between standard sizes.

Techniques Used

Knitters working from Sirdar 3957 will use a range of standard knitting techniques:

• Raglan shaping — the defining construction technique of both garments, creating diagonal armhole and sleeve-head seams
• Decrease methods — slip 1, knit 1, pass slipped stitch over (s1, k1, psso) and knit 2 together (k2tog) for paired, mirrored raglan decreases
• Casting on and casting off — including casting off in rib for neat, elastic edges
• Working in pattern — maintaining the established