Cardigans in Sirdar Snuggly Baby Bamboo DK - 5217 - Downloadable PDF

Sirdar Snuggly Baby Bamboo DK Cardigans – Pattern 5217: Detailed Summary

This downloadable PDF knitting pattern from Sirdar (pattern number 5217) presents two classic baby and children's cardigans: a Long Sleeved Cardigan and a Short Sleeved Cardigan. Both designs are worked in Sirdar Snuggly Baby Bamboo DK, a soft, baby-friendly yarn, and are sized to fit children from birth right through to 7 years of age. The pattern is rated intermediate in difficulty, making it a rewarding project for knitters who are comfortable with basic techniques and ready to tackle simple stitch patterning and garment shaping.

Who These Cardigans Are Designed For

Both cardigans are designed for babies and young children, covering six size options:

• 0–6 months – to fit a 41 cm (16 in) chest
• 6–12 months – to fit a 46 cm (18 in) chest
• 1–2 years – to fit a 51 cm (20 in) chest
• 2–3 years – to fit a 56 cm (22 in) chest
• 4–5 years – to fit a 61 cm (24 in) chest
• 6–7 years – to fit a 66 cm (26 in) chest

Actual garment measurements include positive ease, with finished chest measurements ranging from 46 cm (18 in) up to 70 cm (27½ in). Full lengths range from approximately 22 cm (8¾ in) for the smallest size up to 34 cm (13½ in) for the largest.

The Two Cardigan Designs

Long Sleeved Cardigan

The long sleeved version features full-length sleeves that grow with the child, ranging from 15 cm (6 in) for newborns up to 33 cm (13 in) for the 6–7 year size. The sleeve length is noted as adjustable, giving knitters flexibility to customise the fit. This cardigan is worked in Sirdar Snuggly Baby Bamboo DK shade 132, requiring between 2 and 5 x 50g balls depending on the size being made. It is finished with five Sirdar Elegant Buttons, code B5600-0094.

Short Sleeved Cardigan

The short sleeved version offers a lighter, more summery alternative, with sleeves of just 2 cm (¾ in) across all sizes — essentially a cap sleeve finish. This design is worked in Sirdar Snuggly Baby Bamboo DK shade 084, requiring between 2 and 4 x 50g balls. It is also finished with five Sirdar Elegant Buttons, code B5600-0096. The reduced yarn requirement makes this an economical and quick knit, particularly in the smaller sizes.

Yarn and Materials

Both cardigans are designed for Sirdar Snuggly Baby Bamboo DK, a DK (double knitting) weight yarn sold in 50g balls. This yarn is part of Sirdar's dedicated baby range and incorporates bamboo fibre, which is prized for its natural softness, breathability, and gentle feel against delicate skin — making it particularly well suited to garments worn close to a baby's body.

The pattern also notes compatibility with a wide range of other Sirdar DK-weight yarns, including:

• Snuggly DK
• Snuggly Baby Crofter DK
• Snuggly Pearls DK
• Snuggly Doodle DK
• Snuggly Spots DK
• Snuggly Rascal DK
• Snuggly Pattercake DK

Note: yarn amounts