Boy's Cardigans in Sirdar Snuggly DK - 1265 - Downloadable PDF

Boy's Cardigans in Sirdar Snuggly DK – Pattern 1265: Two Classic Designs for Babies and Young Boys

This downloadable PDF knitting pattern from Sirdar (pattern number 1265) includes instructions for two distinct boy's cardigans worked in Sirdar Snuggly DK yarn. The designs are sized from birth through to 7 years, covering six size options to fit chest measurements of 41 cm (16 in) up to 66 cm (26 in). Both garments are classic, wearable everyday pieces that make excellent handknitted gifts for babies and toddlers, or wardrobe staples for older boys.

Design One: Cardigan with Shawl Collar

The first design is a cardigan featuring a shawl collar, a timeless and cosy neckline finish that adds a smart, traditional look to a child's knitwear. The shawl collar is a classic technique in which a wide, folded collar is knitted as an extension of the front bands, wrapping softly around the neckline to create a warm, layered effect. This style is particularly practical for babies and toddlers, helping to keep the neck and chest area snug.

Construction and Techniques

• Shawl collar construction – worked as an integrated part of the front opening, creating a neat, professional finish
• Set-in or shaped sleeves – sleeves are worked separately and sewn in, with an adjustable sleeve length to accommodate growing children
• Button band finishing – front opening is finished with a knitted button band to accommodate 4 to 5 buttons depending on size
• Cable needle techniques – a cable needle is listed in the materials, suggesting decorative cable or twist stitches feature in the design
• Worked in flat knitting on straight needles, with seaming to join pieces

Stitches Used

• Knit and purl stitches – forming the main fabric of the cardigan body and sleeves
• Rib stitch – used for welts, cuffs, and button bands for stretch and neat edging
• Cable or twist stitches – indicated by the requirement for a cable needle, adding textural interest

Materials

• Yarn: Sirdar Snuggly DK shade 200 – requires 2 to 5 x 50g balls depending on size
• Needles: 1 pair of 4mm (UK8 / USA6) knitting needles and 1 pair of 3¼mm (UK10 / USA3) knitting needles
• An 80cm 3¼mm circular needle may also be required (for collar or band picking up)
• Cable needle required

Design Two: V Neck Cardigan

The second design is a classic V neck cardigan, a versatile and enduringly popular style for boys of all ages from newborn upwards. The V neckline is achieved through careful front neck shaping and decreasing, creating clean diagonal lines that frame the neckline neatly. This style layers well over shirts or vests and is a staple of traditional children's knitwear.

Construction and Techniques

• V neck shaping – worked through paired decreases on the front pieces to create the characteristic angled neckline
• Shaped sleeves – sleeves are knitted flat with sleeve cap shaping, and the length is adjustable across all sizes
• Button band and neckband finishing – front edges and V neck are finished with a knitted rib band incorporating buttonholes
• Cable needle techniques – as with the shawl collar version, a cable needle is required, suggesting cable or textured stitch detailing
• Worked in flat knitting with seamed construction

Stitches