Cardigans in Hayfield Baby Blossom DK - 4843 - Downloadable PDF

Cardigans in Hayfield Baby Blossom DK – Pattern 4843

This downloadable PDF knitting pattern from Hayfield presents two classic baby and children's cardigans worked in the soft and popular Hayfield Baby Blossom DK yarn. The pattern covers sizes from birth through to 7 years, making it a wonderfully versatile addition to any knitter's collection. Both designs share the same construction approach but differ in sleeve length, giving knitters the choice of a cosy long-sleeved version or a lighter short-sleeved style — perfect for layering across all seasons.

The Two Designs at a Glance

Long Sleeved Cardigan

The long-sleeved cardigan is a timeless wardrobe staple for babies and young children. It is worked in Hayfield Baby Blossom DK shade 352 and requires 1 to 2 × 100g balls depending on the size being knitted. Sleeve lengths range from 15 cm (6 in) for the smallest size up to 33 cm (13 in) for the 6–7 years size, measured just below the armholes. This makes it a practical and warm layer for cooler days, suitable from newborn right through to school age.

Short Sleeved Cardigan

The short-sleeved version offers a lighter, more summery alternative while retaining the same neat cardigan silhouette. It is worked in Hayfield Baby Blossom DK shade 351 and requires just 1 to 2 × 100g balls across the size range. The short sleeves measure only 2 to 3 cm (1 to 1¼ in), giving a neat cap-sleeve finish that works beautifully over dresses, rompers, or as a lightweight top layer in warmer weather.

Sizing and Fit

Both cardigans are sized 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, and 6–7 years. The actual finished measurements include a small amount of ease, ranging from 45 cm (17¾ in) to 71 cm (28 in) across the chest. Full lengths range from approximately 23 cm (9 in) to 39 cm (15½ in), giving a proportionate fit at every stage of growth.

Construction Techniques

Both cardigans in this pattern are constructed using a bottom-up method, meaning knitting begins at the lower edge of each piece and works upward toward the shoulders. The garments are worked flat, meaning each piece — the back, left front, right front, and sleeves — is knitted back and forth in rows on straight needles rather than in the round. The individual pieces are then seamed together to complete the garment. This is a well-established approach in traditional baby knitting that gives neat, structured results and makes it straightforward to check sizing as you go.

• Bottom-up construction: Each piece begins at the cast-on edge and is worked upward, allowing easy length adjustments before the armhole shaping begins.
• Worked flat: All pieces are knitted in rows, making this pattern accessible to knitters who prefer straight needles over circular techniques.
• Seaming: Finished pieces are joined using standard seaming methods to create the complete cardigan.
• Button bands: Each cardigan features a button band and buttonhole band, worked as part of the flat construction, and fastened with 3 buttons.

Stitches Used

While the full stitch list is contained within the pattern PDF, cardigans of this classic style typically incorporate the following knitting stitches and techniques:

• Knit and purl stitches — the foundation of all flat knitting, used to create the main stocking stitch fabric of the cardigan body and sleeves.
• Rib stitch — commonly used for welts, cuffs, and neckbands in baby cardigans to provide stretch and a neat, professional finish at the edges.
• Shaping techniques — including increases and