Long Sleeved and Short Sleeved Cardigans in Hayfield Baby DK - 4762 - Downloadable PDF

Hayfield Baby DK Cardigans – Long Sleeved and Short Sleeved Knitting Pattern 4762

Pattern 4762 from Hayfield is a beautifully designed knitting pattern offering two classic baby and children's cardigans: a Long Sleeved Cardigan and a Short Sleeved Cardigan, both worked in Hayfield Baby DK yarn. Sized to fit babies and children from birth through to 7 years, this is a versatile and enduring pattern that belongs in any knitter's collection. The pattern is available as a downloadable PDF, making it instantly accessible.

What Is Being Made

The pattern covers two distinct cardigan designs sharing the same basic construction but differing in sleeve length and yarn shade:

• Long Sleeved Cardigan – A full-length-sleeved cardigan worked in Hayfield Baby DK shade 470, ideal for cooler weather and year-round layering.
• Short Sleeved Cardigan – A neat, shorter-sleeved version worked in Hayfield Baby DK shade 456, perfect as a lightweight layer for warmer months or indoor wear.

Both cardigans feature a distinctive tulip bud leaf pattern edging, adding a delicate decorative detail that elevates these garments beyond a simple plain knit. The cardigans fasten with buttons — 3 buttons for the smaller sizes and 4 buttons for the larger sizes — giving a neat, traditional finish.

Sizing and Measurements

The pattern is graded across six sizes to fit chest measurements from 41 cm (16 in) up to 66 cm (26 in), covering ages:

• 0–6 months
• 6–12 months
• 1–2 years
• 2–3 years
• 4–5 years
• 6–7 years

Actual finished chest measurements range from 45 cm (17¾ in) to 71 cm (28 in), providing comfortable ease. Full lengths range from 21 cm (8¼ in) for the smallest size up to 40 cm (15¾ in) for the largest. Long sleeve lengths range from 15 cm (6 in) to 33 cm (13 in) and are noted as adjustable, while short sleeves measure a neat 3–4 cm (1¼–1½ in) across all sizes.

Techniques Used

This pattern is rated as intermediate in difficulty, making it well suited to knitters who have moved beyond basic projects and are comfortable with shaping and simple stitch patterns. Key techniques include:

• Stocking stitch (st-st) – The main body fabric is worked throughout in stocking stitch, creating a smooth, classic knitted fabric on the right side.
• Tulip bud leaf pattern – A decorative edging technique worked at the borders of the cardigan, measuring 4 cm (1½ in) at its widest point. This adds a charming, handcrafted quality to the finished garment.
• Shaping – The pattern involves standard garment shaping techniques including increasing and decreasing stitches to form armholes, sleeves, and necklines.
• Working from stitch holders – Stitches are placed on holders and returned to the needles at later stages, a common intermediate technique used during neck and front band construction.
• Make 1 increases (m1 and m1p) – Both knit-side and purl-side lifted increases are used to add stitches neatly within the fabric without leaving visible holes.
• Slip stitch decrease (s1, psso) – A slipped stitch decrease used in shaping sections for a tidy, directional decrease.
• Yarn forward (yfwd) – Used to create decorative effects, particularly within the tulip bud leaf edging pattern.
• Alternating needle sizes