A-line Sweater and Cardigan in Stylecraft Bambino DK - 9499 - Downloadable PDF

A-Line Sweater and Cardigan in Stylecraft Bambino DK – Pattern 9499

This Stylecraft pattern 9499 is a downloadable PDF knitting pattern offering two classic children's designs: an A-line sweater and a matching A-line cardigan. Both garments are worked in Stylecraft Bambino DK yarn and are sized to fit children from birth through 5 years, covering chest measurements of 36–61 cm (14–24 inches). The A-line silhouette gives each piece a gently flared shape that tapers toward the underarm, making it both practical and flattering for babies and toddlers. This is rated as an intermediate knitting project, making it ideal for knitters who are comfortable with basic shaping techniques and are ready to tackle raglan construction.

Designs Included

• A-Line Sweater: A pullover style with a shaped A-line body, set-in raglan sleeves, and a neat garter stitch border. The sweater is worked in pieces and seamed.
• A-Line Cardigan: A front-opening version of the same A-line silhouette, also featuring raglan shaping and a garter stitch finish, suitable for layering over babygrows or tops.

Sizing Information

The pattern covers five sizes to fit the following age ranges and chest measurements:

• 0–6 months: To fit chest 36–41 cm (14–16 in), actual measurement 45 cm (17¾ in)
• 6–12 months: To fit chest 41–46 cm (16–18 in), actual measurement 50 cm (19¾ in)
• 12–24 months: To fit chest 46–51 cm (18–20 in), actual measurement 55 cm (21¾ in)
• 2–3 years: To fit chest 51–56 cm (20–22 in), actual measurement 60 cm (23¾ in)
• 4–5 years: To fit chest 56–61 cm (22–24 in), actual measurement 65 cm (25½ in)

Full lengths range from 24 cm (9½ in) for the smallest size up to 42 cm (16½ in) for the largest, and sleeve lengths range from 15 cm (6 in) to 29 cm (11½ in), ensuring a well-proportioned fit across all ages.

Construction and Techniques

Both garments are constructed flat in separate pieces — back, front(s), and sleeves — which are then seamed together. This approach is well suited to intermediate knitters who are building confidence with garment construction. Key techniques used throughout the pattern include:

• Thumb method cast-on: Used to begin the back and other pieces, this cast-on creates a firm, elastic edge well suited to children's garments.
• A-line shaping: Achieved through a series of evenly spaced decrease rows worked at each end of the fabric. Stitches are decreased on a specific row and then repeated at set intervals — for example, on the back, decreases begin on the 3rd, 5th, 7th, 9th, or 9th row depending on size, then continue at regular intervals until the correct stitch count is reached. This gradual tapering creates the characteristic flared hem.
• Raglan sleeve shaping: Both designs feature raglan armhole and sleeve cap shaping, a classic construction method where the sleeve and body are decreased simultaneously to create a diagonal seam line from underarm to neckline. Raglan shaping distributes fabric evenly across the shoulder and is particularly comfortable for babies and young children.
• Garter stitch borders: The lower edges are worked in garter stitch (knit every row) for a neat, non-curling finish. The pattern specifies 12 rows of garter stitch before transitioning to the main fabric.

Stitches Used

• Garter stitch (g st): Knit every row; used for the lower border and referenced in the pattern's