Children's Cardigan with Stars in BC Garn Hamelton Tweed 1 - 5082BC - Downloadable PDF

Children's Cardigan with Stars in BC Garn Hamelton Tweed 1 – Pattern No. 5082BC by Ann Højgaard Slot

This free, downloadable PDF knitting pattern by designer Ann Højgaard Slot, published by BC Garn under pattern number 5082BC, guides knitters through creating a charming children's cardigan featuring a star motif. Rated as an intermediate difficulty project, this cardigan is a wonderful choice for knitters who are comfortable with basic shaping and are ready to explore colourwork. The finished garment is a classic button-front cardigan designed to be both practical and visually appealing for everyday wear.

Sizes and Finished Measurements

The pattern is written for four sizes to suit children aged 4, 6, 8, and 10 years. The approximate finished measurements are as follows:

• Chest circumference: 69 (72) 77 (83) cm
• Length: 40 (43) 47 (51) cm
• Sleeve length: 30 (33) 36 (39) cm

As with all knitting patterns, achieving the correct tension swatch is essential before casting on. The stated tension is 15 stitches × 21 rows = 10 × 10 cm using 5½ mm needles, and importantly, this measurement is taken after steaming. Checking gauge carefully will ensure the finished cardigan matches the intended sizing.

Yarn and Materials

The pattern calls for BC Garn Hamelton Tweed 1, an aran weight yarn with a beautiful tweed character that adds texture and depth to the finished fabric. Two colours are used to create the star motif colourwork detail:

• Main colour – col. hx15 (light grey): 250 (250) 250 (300) g
• Contrast colour – col. hx02 (blue): 50 (50) 50 (50) g across all sizes

The contrast colour is used specifically for the star pattern, and the pattern notes that approximately 6 small balls of yarn are prepared for working the colourwork section. In addition to yarn, knitters will need 6 buttons to complete the cardigan front opening.

Needles Required

This pattern requires a selection of needle types and sizes to accommodate the different sections of the garment:

• Double pointed needles (DPNs): sizes 4 mm and 5½ mm – used for working the sleeves in the round
• Circular needles: sizes 4 mm and 5½ mm, 100 cm length – used for the body sections worked back and forth

The smaller needle size (4 mm) is typically used for ribbing and edging sections, while the larger 5½ mm needles are used for the main fabric to achieve the stated tension.

Construction Method and Techniques

The fronts, back, and yoke of the cardigan are all worked back and forth in flat knitting, making this a great project for knitters who prefer working in rows rather than entirely in the round. The construction follows a traditional set-in or raglan-style approach where pieces are shaped and then joined. The armhole shaping involves casting off centre stitches at the underarm point — specifically 2 stitches are cast off at the centre underarm — to create a clean join between body and sleeves.

The sleeves are worked separately, likely in the round on double pointed needles, and then joined to the body at the yoke. The yoke section brings all pieces together and is worked back and forth to completion.

Stitches and Techniques Used

This pattern draws on a range of knitting stitches and techniques suitable for an intermediate knitter:

• Stockinette stitch (St st) – the primary stitch used for the main body fabric, creating a smooth knit surface on the right side
• Purl stitches (P-sts) – used in combination