Cardigans and Blanket in Stylecraft Bambino DK & Bambino Prints DK - 10066 - PDF

Cardigans and Blanket in Stylecraft Bambino DK & Bambino Prints DK

What is Being Made

This downloadable PDF pattern provides instructions for three easy knit designs suitable for babies and toddlers: a long cardigan, a short cardigan, and a coordinating blanket. The collection is sized to fit from preemie through 2 years of age, with five size options available. The garments are designed in Stylecraft Bambino DK and Bambino Prints DK yarns, making them ideal for creating soft, comfortable pieces for infants and young children.

Sizes and Measurements

The pattern offers five size options:

• Preemie: To fit chest 31cm (12in), actual measurement 35cm (13¾in)
• Newborn: To fit chest 36cm (14in), actual measurement 40cm (15¾in)
• 0-6 months: To fit chest 41cm (16in), actual measurement 46cm (18in)
• 6-12 months: To fit chest 46cm (18in), actual measurement 50cm (19¾in)
• 12-24 months: To fit chest 51cm (20in), actual measurement 55cm (21¾in)

Long Cardigan Specifications

The long cardigan features full length measurements ranging from 18cm (7in) for preemie size to 32cm (12½in) for the 12-24 months size. Long sleeves measure between 8cm (3in) and 20cm (8in) depending on size. The back piece is worked on 4mm needles after an initial garter stitch border, beginning with cast-on counts of 39, 45, 51, 55, or 61 stitches depending on the selected size.

Short Cardigan Specifications

The short cardigan provides a lighter layering option with full length measurements from 13cm (5¼in) for preemie to 27cm (10¾in) for 12-24 months. Short sleeves measure between 5cm and 6cm across the size range, making this style ideal for warmer weather or layering under other garments.

Knitting Techniques and Stitches

This beginner-friendly pattern employs fundamental knitting techniques suitable for those new to the craft. The construction begins with garter stitch (knit every row), which creates a textured, reversible fabric with excellent elasticity. This foundational stitch is used for the initial border rows worked on 3.25mm needles.

The main fabric features a chevron pattern, a classic decorative stitch pattern that creates distinctive V-shaped lines throughout the garment. The chevron is formed using a combination of essential stitches: knit (k), purl (p), purl two together (p2tog) for decreasing, and make one (M1) for increasing. This interplay of decreases and increases creates the characteristic peaks and valleys of the chevron design while maintaining stitch count across rows.

The pattern instructions specify different chevron variations depending on size: the 1st, 4th, and 5th sizes follow one row sequence, while the 2nd and 3rd sizes follow an alternative sequence, allowing the pattern to scale appropriately across the size range.

Materials Required

The pattern is designed for use with Stylecraft Bambino DK and Stylecraft Bambino Prints DK yarns. DK (double knit) weight yarn is a medium-weight option that works well for baby garments, providing good stitch definition while remaining soft and comfortable against delicate skin. Needles required include 3.25mm needles for the initial garter stitch border and 4mm needles for the main chevron pattern sections. The needle size progression allows for proper gauge and fabric consistency throughout each garment.

Difficulty Level

Rated as a beginner pattern, this collection is accessible to knitters new to the craft. The use of basic stitches—knit, purl, simple decreases, and yarn overs—combined with straightforward shaping makes these designs ideal for developing fundamental knitting skills while creating practical, wearable items for babies and toddlers.