Baby Set in King Cole DK - 4204 - Downloadable PDF

Baby Set in King Cole DK – Pattern 4204: Knitted Cardigan, Hat, and Jumper Set

This King Cole pattern 4204 is a beautifully coordinated knitted baby set worked in King Cole DK weight yarn. The set includes a cardigan, a hat, and a sweater/jumper, making it a versatile collection of handknitted garments perfect for newborns and young babies. Sizes range from 36 cm to 56 cm (approximately 14 to 22 inches), covering multiple stages of early infancy. The pattern is rated as intermediate in difficulty, making it well suited to knitters who are comfortable with basic shaping and simple stitch patterns but are ready to take on a little more texture and detail.

For every King Cole pattern purchased, a donation is made to the Pink Ribbon Foundation, so your crafting also supports a meaningful charitable cause.

Garments Included in the Set

Baby Cardigan

The baby cardigan is a classic, practical garment designed to layer easily over other clothing. Cardigans for babies are traditionally worked in pieces — back, two fronts, and sleeves — which are then seamed together. Shaping is introduced at the armholes and neckline to create a neat, fitted finish appropriate for small babies. The button band or front opening is a key feature of any baby cardigan, and this design incorporates a tidy edging consistent with the overall textural theme of the set.

Baby Hat

The knitted baby hat is designed to coordinate with the cardigan and jumper, completing the set as a matching accessory. Baby hats are typically worked either flat and seamed or in the round, with decreases at the crown to shape the top of the hat. The sizing range of 36 cm to 56 cm ensures the hat can be adapted to fit a range of head circumferences across the newborn to toddler stages.

Baby Sweater / Jumper

The baby jumper (pullover sweater) provides a warm, comfortable option that pulls on over the head. Like the cardigan, it is worked in pieces with shaping at the armholes and neckline. The jumper shares the same stitch patterns and tension as the rest of the set, ensuring a cohesive look when all three pieces are worn together.

Stitches and Techniques Used

The pattern makes prominent use of moss stitch (also known as seed stitch), which is the primary stitch pattern used throughout the set. Moss stitch is created by alternating knit and purl stitches across each row, with the stitches offset on every subsequent row so that knit stitches sit above purl stitches and vice versa. This creates a pleasingly textured, slightly raised fabric that lies flat without curling — an ideal quality for baby garments where neat, stable edges are important.

The tension for this pattern is stated as 22 stitches and 40 rows to 10 cm (4 inches) over moss stitch on 4 mm needles. Knitters are strongly encouraged to knit a tension square before beginning, as achieving the correct tension is essential to ensuring the finished garments match the stated measurements.

Additional stitch patterns referenced in the pattern include:

• Garter stitch (gst) — every row knitted, used for borders and edgings
• Reversed stocking stitch (rev st-st) — the purl side of stocking stitch used as the right side, adding surface texture
• Standard stocking stitch — knit on right side rows, purl on wrong side rows

The pattern also includes a chart (Chart B) with 14 rows and multiple size columns, indicating a charted stitch or colourwork motif element within one or more of the garments. The chart uses standard symbols to denote knit on right side / purl on wrong side and purl on right side / knit on wrong side, allowing knitters to follow the design visually row by row.

Key Techniques

• Increasing and decreasing for garment shaping at armholes, necklines, and sleeve caps
• Pass slipped stitch over (psso