Cardigan, Waistcoat and Blanket in King Cole Baby Glitz DK - 4397 - Downloadable PDF

Cardigan, Waistcoat and Blanket in King Cole Baby Glitz DK – Pattern 4397

This King Cole pattern 4397 is a downloadable PDF knitting pattern offering three beautiful baby projects in one: a cardigan, a waistcoat, and a blanket. Designed for sizes 31–56 cm (12–22 inches), these pieces are perfectly suited to newborns and babies in their first year. The pattern is rated intermediate in difficulty, making it an excellent choice for knitters who are comfortable with the basics and ready to develop their skills further. A portion of every King Cole pattern purchase contributes to the Pink Ribbon Foundation, so your crafting supports a meaningful cause.

Materials Used

All three designs are worked in King Cole Baby Glitz DK, a double knit weight yarn. The DK weight gives a light, soft fabric that is ideal for baby garments and accessories. The "Glitz" quality of this yarn incorporates a subtle sparkle, adding a delightful decorative touch to finished pieces without compromising the softness required for babywear.

• Yarn: King Cole Baby Glitz DK (double knit weight)
• Needles: 3.75mm knitting needles, or the size needed to achieve the correct tension

Tension

Achieving the correct tension is essential for all three projects. The stated tension is 22 stitches and 28 rows to 10 cm (4 inches) measured over pattern using 3.75mm needles. As with all knitting patterns, knitters are advised to work a tension swatch before beginning. If fewer stitches than stated are achieved over 10 cm, a finer needle should be used; if more stitches are achieved, a larger needle is required. Getting tension right is especially important for fitted garments like the cardigan and waistcoat, where fit and sizing depend on it.

The Cardigan

The baby cardigan is a classic knitted garment designed to fit chest sizes from 31 cm to 56 cm. Cardigans of this style are typically worked in separate pieces — back, two fronts, and sleeves — which are then seamed together. This construction method is well suited to intermediate knitters, as it introduces the techniques of shaping armholes, necklines, and front bands.

Techniques and Stitches

• Knit (K) and Purl (P) stitches form the foundation of the fabric
• Increasing (inc) and decreasing (dec) for shaping sleeves, armholes, and necklines
• Slipping stitches knitways (sl) and passing slipped stitches over (psso) for decorative or shaping decreases
• Yarn forward (yfwd) for creating eyelets or lace-effect details
• Working on right side (rs) and wrong side (ws) rows
• Pattern repeats (rep) throughout the fabric sections

The Waistcoat

The baby waistcoat is a sleeveless garment, also sized from 31 cm to 56 cm chest. Waistcoats are a versatile baby wardrobe staple, easily layered over long-sleeved tops or bodysuits. Because there are no sleeves to knit and set in, the waistcoat can be a slightly more straightforward project than the cardigan, though shaping for the armhole openings and neckline still requires careful attention to the pattern instructions.

Techniques and Stitches

• Knit and Purl stitches forming the main fabric
• Shaping techniques including increasing and decreasing for armhole and neck edges
• Following pattern repeats consistently across rows
• Finishing with button bands or front borders, typically worked in a rib or garter stitch edging
• Seaming the shoulder and side seams upon completion

The Blanket