Cardigan, Hat and Mitts in Sweet Dreams DK in Stylecraft - 9901 - Downloadable PDF

Stylecraft 9901 – Cardigan, Hat and Mitts in Sweet Dreams DK: Full Pattern Summary

Stylecraft pattern 9901 is a charming baby and toddler knitting set comprising three coordinating pieces: a cardigan, a hat, and a pair of mittens. Designed by Stylecraft and worked in Sweet Dreams DK yarn, this pattern is suitable for an intermediate knitter and covers sizes from Newborn through to 2–3 Years, fitting chest measurements of 36 cm (14 in) up to 56 cm (22 in). The set makes a wonderful handmade gift or wardrobe staple for babies and toddlers, offering a cohesive, coordinated look across all three items.

Yarn and Materials

All three pieces are knitted in Stylecraft Sweet Dreams DK, a double knitting weight yarn. DK weight yarn is a versatile, medium-light yarn that works up quickly while still producing fine stitch definition, making it ideal for delicate baby garments. The recommended needle size is 4 mm, which should be adjusted as necessary to achieve the correct tension. As with all knitting patterns, working a tension swatch before beginning is strongly advised.

Tension

The stated tension is 22 stitches and 30 rows to 10 cm (4 in) over stocking stitch on 4 mm needles. The cable panel of 12 stitches measures 4.25 cm (1¾ in) wide. Achieving the correct tension is essential to ensure the finished garments match the stated measurements. If your tension produces fewer stitches and rows than stated, switch to finer needles; if it produces more, switch to larger needles.

The Cardigan

Construction and Design

The cardigan is described as an easy one-piece knit, meaning it is constructed largely in one piece to minimise seaming — a particularly beginner-friendly approach within an intermediate-level pattern. This construction method reduces the number of seams required and helps the finished garment maintain a smooth, professional appearance. Despite the "easy" label on the construction method, the inclusion of cable panels places this pattern in the intermediate difficulty category overall.

Measurements

• Newborn: Actual chest 45 cm (17¾ in), full length 24 cm (9½ in), sleeve length 12 cm (4¾ in)
• 0–6 months: Actual chest 50 cm (19¾ in), full length 27 cm (10¾ in), sleeve length 15 cm (6 in)
• 6–12 months: Actual chest 54 cm (21¼ in), full length 29 cm (11½ in), sleeve length 17 cm (6½ in)
• 12–24 months: Actual chest 59 cm (23¼ in), full length 32 cm (12½ in), sleeve length 20 cm (8 in)
• 2–3 years: Actual chest 65 cm (25½ in), full length 40 cm (15¾ in), sleeve length 24 cm (9½ in)

Stitches and Techniques – Cardigan

The cardigan incorporates a combination of classic knitting stitches and textural techniques:

• Stocking stitch – the primary background fabric, created by alternating knit and purl rows, producing a smooth right side and a textured wrong side
• Cable panel – a decorative 12-stitch cable panel measuring 4.25 cm (1¾ in) wide, adding a classic, tactile texture to the garment; cables are formed by crossing groups of stitches over one another using a cable needle, creating a twisted rope or plait effect
• One-piece construction – the body is worked as a single piece to reduce finishing work
• Shaping – typical cardigan shaping for armholes, sleeves, and neckline is expected at intermediate level

The Hat

Design and Construction