Cardigan and Sweater in King Cole Drifter For Baby - 5510 - Downloadable PDF

Cardigan and Sweater in King Cole Drifter For Baby DK – Pattern 5510

This official King Cole pattern 5510 is a downloadable PDF offering two classic baby knitwear designs: a cardigan and a sweater, both knitted in King Cole Drifter For Baby DK yarn. The patterns are sized to fit chest measurements ranging from 36 cm to 56 cm (14 in to 22 in), making them suitable for newborns through to toddlers. Rated at an intermediate difficulty level, these designs are ideal for knitters who are comfortable with basic shaping, working in the round, and reading multi-size patterns.

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About the Yarn: King Cole Drifter For Baby DK

Both garments are designed specifically for King Cole Drifter For Baby DK, a double knit weight yarn. The Drifter For Baby range is well known for its soft, gentle feel, making it particularly well suited to garments worn close to a baby's delicate skin. The self-striping or tonal colour effects characteristic of the Drifter yarn family mean that interesting colour variation can be achieved without the need to manage multiple balls or carry yarns, keeping the knitting process straightforward even for intermediate-level makers.

Needles and Tension

The pattern calls for 4mm knitting needles. Depending on the construction method chosen, knitters may use straight needles, a circular needle, or double pointed needles (DPNs). The recommended tension is 22 stitches and 28 rounds/rows to 10 cm (4 in) over stocking stitch using 4mm needles. As with all knitwear patterns, achieving the correct tension swatch before beginning is essential to ensure the finished garment matches the stated size. If fewer stitches than stated are achieved over 10 cm, a finer needle should be used; if more stitches are achieved, a larger needle is required.

Construction Technique: Knitting in the Round

A notable feature of pattern 5510 is that it includes a knit-in-the-round construction method. Working in the round is a popular technique for baby garments as it reduces the number of seams required, resulting in a smoother, more comfortable finish against a baby's skin. When knitting in the round, stocking stitch is produced by knitting every round rather than alternating knit and purl rows, which many knitters find quicker and more intuitive. The use of a circular needle or double pointed needles facilitates this seamless approach.

Stitches and Techniques Used

The patterns make use of a range of standard knitting stitches and techniques appropriate for the intermediate skill level:

• Stocking Stitch (St-St): The main fabric stitch, created by knitting on right side rows and purling on wrong side rows when worked flat, or by knitting every round when worked in the round. This produces the smooth, classic fabric seen on the body and sleeves of both garments.
• 1x1 Rib: Worked as knit 1, purl 1 repeated across the row or round. This elastic stitch pattern is typically used for cuffs, hems, and neckbands, providing a neat, stretchy edge that helps garments retain their shape and fit snugly at the wrists, body hem, and neck.
• Increasing (inc): Used to shape the sleeves and body, adding stitches at specified points to achieve the correct dimensions.
• Decreasing: Techniques referenced include psso (pass slipped stitch over) and working stitches together (tog), used to shape armholes, necklines, and other areas requiring a reduction in stitch count.
• Slip stitch (sl): Stitches are slipped knitways as part of decrease sequences, contributing to a tidy, directional decrease line.
• Slip marker (sm): Markers are used to denote key points in the round, such as the beginning of a round or raglan shaping lines, helping the knitter keep track of pattern repeats and shaping instructions.

The Cardigan Design

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