Girl's Ballet Wrap in Hayfield Sundance DK - 2490 - Downloadable PDF

Girl's Ballet Wrap Knitting Pattern in Hayfield Sundance DK – Pattern 2490

This intermediate-level knitting pattern from Hayfield produces a charming Girl's Ballet Wrap, a classic dance-inspired cardigan designed for girls aged 4 to 13 years. The pattern is available as a downloadable PDF and offers two sleeve length variations — long sleeves and short sleeves — making it a versatile project suitable for both everyday wear and dance practice. The wrap style gives it an elegant, timeless aesthetic that works beautifully in the soft drape of a DK weight yarn.

Sizes and Fit

The pattern covers five sizes based on age and chest measurement:

• 4–5 years – to fit 61 cm (24 in) chest, actual measurement 66 cm (26 in)
• 6–7 years – to fit 66 cm (26 in) chest, actual measurement 71 cm (28 in)
• 8–9 years – to fit 71 cm (28 in) chest, actual measurement 76 cm (30 in)
• 10–11 years – to fit 76 cm (30 in) chest, actual measurement 81 cm (32 in)
• 12–13 years – to fit 81 cm (32 in) chest, actual measurement 86 cm (34 in)

Full length ranges from approximately 32 cm to 42 cm (12½ to 16½ in) depending on size. Long sleeve length ranges from 29 cm to 42 cm (11½ to 16½ in) and is described as adjustable, while short sleeve length ranges from 6 cm to 9 cm (2½ to 3½ in). The ease built into the actual measurements ensures a comfortable, relaxed fit appropriate for active wear.

Yarn and Materials

The pattern is written specifically for Hayfield Sundance DK, a double knitting weight yarn. Two colourways are featured:

• Shade 500 is used for the Ballet Wrap with Long Sleeves
• Shade 501 is used for the Ballet Wrap with Short Sleeves

Yarn quantities required are as follows, in 100g balls:

• 2 balls for sizes 4–5 years and 6–7 years
• 3 balls for sizes 8–9 years, 10–11 years, and 12–13 years

These quantities apply to both the long and short sleeve versions. Knitters will also need:

• One pair of 4mm (UK8 / USA6) knitting needles — used for the main body fabric
• One pair of 3¼mm (UK10 / USA3) knitting needles — used for ribbed or textured edging sections

Tension

The stated tension is 22 stitches and 28 rows to 10 cm (4 in) over stocking stitch using 4mm needles. The pattern emphasises that achieving the correct tension is essential to ensure the finished garment matches the stated measurements. Knitters are advised to adjust needle size accordingly — using a thinner needle if fewer stitches are produced per 10 cm, and a thicker needle if more stitches appear.

Stitches and Techniques Used

This pattern is rated intermediate in difficulty, making it well suited to knitters who have moved beyond the basics and are comfortable with shaping and construction techniques. The following stitches and methods are used throughout:

• Stocking stitch (st-st) — the primary fabric stitch, formed by alternating knit rows on the right side and purl rows on the wrong side, creating a smooth, classic knitted surface
• Moss stitch / Rib (k1, p1) — used in edging and border sections, providing a neat, slightly textured finish that lies flat and frames