Cardigans in Hayfield Baby Blossom - 4677 - Downloadable PDF

Cardigans in Hayfield Baby Blossom Chunky – Pattern 4677

This downloadable PDF knitting pattern from Hayfield provides instructions for two charming baby and children's cardigans worked in Hayfield Baby Blossom Chunky yarn. The pattern is rated as easy, making it an ideal project for beginner knitters who want to create a beautiful, practical garment for little ones. Sizes range from birth to 7 years, covering chest measurements of 41 cm (16 in) up to 66 cm (26 in), so the same pattern grows alongside the child.

The Two Designs

Round Neck Cardigan

The first design is a classic round neck cardigan, a timeless style that suits babies and toddlers alike. It features a neat, rounded neckline finished with a button band, making it easy to dress and undress little ones. The round neck version is worked in Hayfield Baby Blossom Chunky shade 352 and requires 4 buttons for the three smallest sizes and 5 buttons for the three larger sizes. Yarn requirements range from 1 to 3 x 100g balls depending on the size being made.

V Neck Cardigan

The second design is a stylish V neck cardigan, offering a slightly more grown-up look that works beautifully from toddler age upward. The V-shaped neckline is shaped through careful decreasing and is finished with a neat button band. This version is worked in Hayfield Baby Blossom Chunky shade 350 and requires 3 buttons for the three smallest sizes and 4 buttons for the three larger sizes. Yarn quantities are the same as the round neck version, ranging from 1 to 3 x 100g balls.

Techniques and Construction

Both cardigans are worked flat on straight knitting needles and then seamed together, following a traditional construction method. This means each piece — the back, two fronts, and sleeves — is knitted separately and then joined using seaming techniques such as mattress stitch or backstitch. This approach is well suited to beginner knitters as it allows each piece to be worked independently before assembly.

The garments are constructed with a set-in or standard sleeve structure, and the sleeve length is noted as adjustable, giving knitters flexibility to customise the fit. Sleeve lengths range from 15 cm (6 in) for the newborn size up to 33 cm (13 in) for the 6–7 years size.

Stitches Used

• Stocking stitch – the main fabric of both cardigans, created by alternating knit rows on the right side and purl rows on the wrong side, producing a smooth, classic finish
• Knit stitch (k) – used throughout, including for any garter stitch borders or button bands
• Purl stitch (p) – used on wrong-side rows in stocking stitch sections
• Decreasing – including k2tog (knit two together) and psso (pass slipped stitch over) for shaping armholes, necklines, and the V neck in particular
• Increasing – used for sleeve shaping as the sleeve widens from cuff to underarm
• Yarn forward (yfwd) – referenced in the abbreviations, likely used for buttonhole construction on the button bands
• Slip stitch (s1) – used in shaping sequences for neat, tidy decreases

Materials

Yarn

Both cardigans are designed for Hayfield Baby Blossom Chunky, a chunky weight yarn sold in 100g balls. This yarn is well known for its distinctive self-patterning quality, featuring a repeating motif of pink flowers and green leaves that appear naturally as you knit. The pattern even includes a helpful note advising knitters to check whether green or pink spots appear first when unwinding the ball, and to adjust accordingly so that the flowers always appear above the leaves — a lovely detail that ensures the decorative effect works