Babies’ Cardigan, Blanket and Beret in King Cole Cherish DK - 4202 - Downloadable PDF

Babies' Cardigan, Blanket and Beret Knitting Pattern – King Cole Cherish DK (Pattern 4202)

This downloadable PDF knitting pattern from King Cole presents a charming set of three coordinating baby projects: a classic cardigan, a cosy blanket, and a sweet beret. Designed to be knitted in King Cole Cherish DK yarn, this pattern is rated as intermediate in difficulty and covers a generous size range of 41–66 cm (16–26 inches), making it suitable for babies from newborn through to toddler age. All three pieces work beautifully together as a coordinated gift set or layette.

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Yarn and Materials

All three designs are worked in King Cole Cherish DK, a double knitting weight yarn chosen for its soft, baby-friendly qualities. The DK weight makes these projects knit up at a satisfying pace while still producing a fine, delicate fabric well-suited to infant garments and accessories.

• Yarn: King Cole Cherish DK
• Yarn Weight: Double Knit (DK)
• Recommended Needles: 4 mm knitting needles, or the size required to achieve the correct tension

Tension

The stated tension for this pattern is 22 stitches and 28 rows to 10 cm (4 inches) measured over stocking stitch using 4 mm needles. Achieving the correct tension is essential to ensure the finished garments come out at the intended sizes. Knitters are advised to work a tension swatch before beginning: if fewer stitches are produced, switch to thinner needles; if more stitches appear, switch to thicker needles.

The Baby Cardigan

The babies' cardigan is the centrepiece of this pattern set. It is a classic, timeless design suitable for everyday wear and special occasions alike. The cardigan is shaped with a shoulder cast-off shaping, giving it a neat, structured finish at the shoulders. The pattern includes instructions across multiple sizes within the 41–66 cm range, with size-specific stitch counts clearly indicated throughout.

Techniques and Stitches – Cardigan

• Stocking stitch – the primary fabric stitch, creating a smooth knit face and a purl reverse
• Shaping techniques – including increasing and decreasing to shape the body, sleeves, and armholes
• Shoulder shaping – worked by casting off stitches at the shoulder edge to create a clean, tailored finish
• Right side (RS) and wrong side (WS) row working – the pattern distinguishes between RS and WS rows throughout construction
• Alternating rows – some sections use alternate-row shaping for gradual, smooth curves
• Standard cast on and cast off methods

The cardigan is constructed in separate pieces — typically front panels, a back, and sleeves — which are then seamed together. This traditional construction method is well-suited to intermediate knitters comfortable with reading multi-size patterns and working garment shaping.

The Baby Blanket

The knitted baby blanket is a wonderfully practical addition to the set. Blankets are among the most popular handknitted baby gifts, offering warmth and comfort while showcasing beautiful yarn texture. Worked in King Cole Cherish DK, the blanket benefits from the yarn's soft handle, making it gentle against a baby's delicate skin.

Techniques and Stitches – Blanket

• The blanket is worked as a flat, rectangular piece using straightforward knitting techniques
• Likely incorporates stocking stitch and/or textural stitch patterns consistent with the DK weight and the yarn's character
• Suitable for knitters looking to practise consistent tension across a larger flat piece
• Uses standard cast on and cast off edges