Cardigans in Sweet Dreams DK in Stylecraft - 9900 - Downloadable PDF

Stylecraft 9900 – Cardigans in Sweet Dreams DK: Pattern Summary

Stylecraft pattern 9900 is a downloadable PDF knitting pattern offering two designs for baby and toddler cardigans: a Round Neck Cardigan and a second cardigan design, both worked in Stylecraft Sweet Dreams DK yarn. The pattern covers five sizes ranging from Newborn through to 2–3 Years, fitting chest measurements of 36 cm to 56 cm (14 in to 22 in), making it a versatile pattern that can grow with a child through their earliest years.

Garment Sizes and Measurements

Both cardigans are sized to fit the following age ranges and corresponding chest measurements:

• Newborn – 36 cm / 14 in chest; actual measurement 43 cm; full length 20 cm / 8 in; sleeve length 12 cm / 4¾ in
• 0–6 Months – 41 cm / 16 in chest; actual measurement 49 cm; full length 24 cm / 9½ in; sleeve length 15 cm / 6 in
• 6–12 Months – 46 cm / 18 in chest; actual measurement 54 cm; full length 28 cm / 11 in; sleeve length 17 cm / 6½ in
• 12–24 Months – 51 cm / 20 in chest; actual measurement 60 cm; full length 32 cm / 12½ in; sleeve length 20 cm / 8 in
• 2–3 Years – 56 cm / 22 in chest; actual measurement 63 cm; full length 38 cm / 15 in; sleeve length 24 cm / 9½ in

The pattern includes a helpful size circle prompt so knitters can mark the specific size they intend to make before beginning, reducing the risk of following the wrong set of figures throughout the project.

Design 1: Round Neck Cardigan

The Round Neck Cardigan is a classic, neat-fitting baby cardigan featuring a textured stitch panel worked across the body. The construction follows a conventional flat-knitting approach, with separate back, fronts, and sleeves that are seamed together on completion.

Construction and Techniques

• The back is cast on using the thumb method, a reliable and slightly stretchy cast-on well suited to baby garments.
• The lower edge begins with a 2x2 rib (knit 2, purl 2 ribbing) worked on 3¼ mm needles, providing a firm, elasticated welt that holds its shape through repeated washing.
• After the rib section, stitches are adjusted with evenly spaced increases or decreases depending on the size being worked, ensuring the correct stitch count before transitioning to the main body pattern.
• The main fabric is then worked on 4 mm needles, moving up a needle size to achieve the correct tension and a softer drape in the body fabric.

Stitch Patterns Used

The body of the Round Neck Cardigan features a structured combination of knit and purl stitches arranged to create a decorative textured panel. Based on the row instructions, the pattern incorporates:

• Knit and purl combinations forming cable-adjacent textured columns, including groups of k6, k8, k4 and p2, k1, p1 sequences that create visual interest across the fabric
• 2x2 rib at all lower edges and cuffs for structure and stretch
• Side panels worked in stocking stitch or reverse stocking stitch to frame the central motif, with the number of edge stitches varying by size

The interplay of knit and purl columns across the back and fronts gives the cardigan a subtle, raised texture that adds visual depth without requiring complex cable needles or advanced techniques, making it accessible to intermediate-level knitters