Cardigans in Stylecraft Wondersoft DK Cashmere Feel - 9906 - Downloadable PDF

Cardigans in Stylecraft Wondersoft DK Cashmere Feel – Pattern 9906: A Detailed Summary

Pattern 9906 from Stylecraft is a downloadable PDF knitting pattern featuring two designs of baby and children's cardigans worked in Stylecraft Wondersoft DK, a soft, cashmere-feel double knit yarn. The pattern covers sizes from birth to 5 years, fitting chest measurements of 41–61 cm (16–24 inches), making it a versatile addition to any handknitter's collection for little ones.

Designs Included

Design 1: V Neck Cardigan

The first design is a classic V neck cardigan suitable for babies and young children. It is knitted flat in separate pieces — back, fronts, and sleeves — and then seamed together. The finished garment features a neat ribbed hem, cuffs, and button band, giving it a tidy, traditional appearance ideal for everyday wear or smarter occasions.

Sizing and Measurements:

• Age 0–6 months: Actual chest 48 cm / 19 in, full length 24 cm / 9½ in, sleeve length 15 cm / 6 in
• Age 6–12 months: Actual chest 54 cm / 21¼ in, full length 28 cm / 11 in, sleeve length 17 cm / 6½ in
• Age 12–24 months: Actual chest 59 cm / 23¼ in, full length 32 cm / 12½ in, sleeve length 20 cm / 8 in
• Age 2–3 years: Actual chest 63 cm / 24¾ in, full length 38 cm / 15 in, sleeve length 24 cm / 9½ in
• Age 4–5 years: Actual chest 68 cm / 26¾ in, full length 42 cm / 16½ in, sleeve length 29 cm / 11½ in

Construction of the V Neck Cardigan Back

The back begins by casting on between 62 and 90 stitches depending on size, using 3.25 mm needles. The lower border is worked in k2, p2 rib for a firm, elasticated edge. After the ribbed border is complete, a decrease row is worked on the wrong side to reduce the stitch count before the body fabric begins, shaping the silhouette neatly at the transition point. The body then continues on 4 mm needles in a moss stitch (also known as seed stitch) texture, created by alternating knit and purl stitches across each row and offsetting them on subsequent rows. This produces a subtly textured, non-curling fabric that is both attractive and practical for a child's garment.

Design 2: Second Cardigan Design

The pattern includes a second cardigan design, also worked in Stylecraft Wondersoft DK across the same range of sizes. While the full details of the second design are contained within the complete PDF, both designs share the same yarn, needle sizes, and size range, allowing knitters to choose the style that best suits the recipient. The inclusion of two designs in a single pattern offers excellent value and variety.

Techniques Used

This is rated as an intermediate knitting pattern, meaning it is well suited to knitters who are comfortable with the basics and ready to develop their skills further. The techniques employed across both designs include:

• Flat knitting — pieces are worked back and forth in rows on straight needles
• k2, p2 rib — used for the lower borders and cuffs, providing stretch and a neat finish
• Moss stitch / seed stitch — used for the main body fabric, alternating knit and purl stitches to create a textured surface
• Decreasing — including rib2tog decreases worked on a transition row to reduce stitch count smoothly between the ribbed border and the body
• Shaping