Cardigans in Stylecraft Wondersoft DK Cashmere Feel - 9904 - Downloadable PDF

Cardigans in Stylecraft Wondersoft DK Cashmere Feel – Pattern 9904

This downloadable PDF knitting pattern from Stylecraft presents two charming cardigan designs for babies and toddlers, sized to fit ages Newborn through 3 years, covering chest measurements from 36 cm (14 in) up to 56 cm (22 in). The pattern is rated as intermediate in difficulty, making it an excellent project for knitters who are comfortable with shaping, ribbing, and following multi-size instructions. Both designs are worked in Stylecraft Wondersoft DK Cashmere Feel yarn, a luxuriously soft double knit yarn designed specifically with delicate baby skin in mind.

About the Designs

Design One: Round Neck Cardigan

The first design is a classic Round Neck Cardigan, a timeless wardrobe staple for babies and young children. It features a neat, comfortable neckline that sits gently around the neck — ideal for layering over bodysuits or under outerwear. The cardigan is constructed in separate pieces — back, fronts, and sleeves — which are then seamed together, a traditional construction method that gives the finished garment excellent structure and durability.

The body of the Round Neck Cardigan incorporates a textured stitch pattern worked across the main fabric, combining knit and purl stitches in a repeating sequence to create visual interest without overwhelming complexity. The lower edges and cuffs are finished with a 1x1 rib (alternating knit one, purl one), which provides a snug, stretchy border that helps the garment keep its shape over time and through repeated washing — an essential quality in children's knitwear.

The back piece begins by casting on stitches using the thumb method on 3.25 mm needles, working seven rows of 1x1 rib before a decrease row neatens the stitch count. The main body fabric is then worked on 4 mm needles, with the larger needle size creating a slightly more relaxed, drapey fabric appropriate for a comfortable baby garment. The stitch pattern is carefully written out row by row for each of the five sizes, with bracketed figures guiding the knitter through each size variation.

• Sizes: Newborn, 0–6 months, 6–12 months, 12–24 months, 2–3 years
• Actual chest measurement: 41–60 cm (16–23¾ in)
• Full length: approximately 16–28 cm (6¼–11 in)
• Sleeve length: 12–24 cm (4¾–9½ in)

Design Two: Bolero

The second design in this pattern is a bolero — a shorter, open-fronted style that sits above the waist and frames the upper body beautifully. Boleros are a popular choice for special occasions such as christenings, naming ceremonies, or family celebrations, but are equally sweet as an everyday layering piece. The open-front construction means there are no buttonholes or fastenings to negotiate, making it a practical and quick-to-finish design.

Like the Round Neck Cardigan, the bolero is worked in Stylecraft Wondersoft DK Cashmere Feel yarn and uses the same needle sizes, ensuring a consistent gauge and fabric quality across both designs in the pattern booklet. The bolero's shorter length makes it a faster knit, particularly appealing for knitters who want a satisfying project that can be completed in a relatively short time.

Techniques and Stitches Used

Both designs in pattern 9904 draw on a range of knitting techniques that are well within reach of an intermediate knitter. Understanding these techniques will help knitters achieve a polished, professional finish on their completed garments.

• Thumb method cast on: A stretchy, neat cast-on method well suited to rib edges, giving baby garments a soft, comfortable start to the fabric.
• 1x1 rib (k1, p1 rib): Used at cuffs and lower edges to create elasticated, shape-retaining borders. Rib stitch is worked by alternating one knit stitch with one purl stitch across the row.
• Textured stitch pattern: The main body fabric uses a combination of knit and purl stitches arranged in