Girls Crochet Collared Sweater and Cardigan in Stylecraft Special DK - 10226 - Downloadable PDF

Girls Crochet Collared Sweater and Cardigan in Stylecraft Special DK – Pattern 10226

This downloadable PDF from Stylecraft contains two crochet designs for girls: a collared sweater and a collared cardigan, both worked in Stylecraft Special DK yarn. The pattern covers sizes to fit ages 2–3, 4–5, 6–7, 8–9, and 10–11 years, corresponding to chest measurements of 56, 61, 66, 71, and 76 cm (22–30 inches). Rated as intermediate in difficulty, this pattern is a rewarding project for crocheters who are comfortable with basic construction and are ready to explore more structured garment shaping and decorative stitch patterns.

Design 1: Girls Collared Sweater

What Is Being Made

The first design is a girls' pullover sweater featuring a distinctive collar detail. It is a classic, structured garment worked in pieces — including a back, front, and sleeves — then seamed together. The finished sweater has a full length ranging from 38 cm (15 in) for ages 2–3 up to 56 cm (22 in) for ages 10–11, with sleeve lengths ranging from approximately 26.5 cm to 43.5 cm depending on size. The actual chest measurement of the finished garment ranges from 64.5 cm to 82 cm, providing a comfortable, relaxed fit.

Techniques Used

• Working in rows – the garment pieces are constructed flat, row by row, then assembled
• Garment shaping – increases and decreases are used to shape armholes, necklines, and sleeve caps
• Colour changing – the pattern uses a main colour (MC) and a contrast colour (CC), with deliberate colour changes mid-construction to create visual interest
• Collar construction – a decorative collar is worked as part of the finishing, giving the sweater its signature look
• Seaming – finished pieces are joined using standard crochet seaming methods

Stitches Used

• Double crochet (dc) – used throughout the foundation rows and body sections to create a firm, even fabric
• Treble crochet (tr) – used in the decorative stitch pattern rows, noted as counting as the first stitch throughout
• Chain spaces (ch) – two-chain spaces are worked between treble clusters to create an open, lace-like mesh pattern across the body
• Foundation chain – the back begins with a foundation chain of 59, 63, 67, 71, or 75 chains depending on size
• Turning chains – 1 ch for double crochet rows (not counted as a stitch); 3 ch for treble crochet rows (counted as first treble throughout)

Materials

The sweater is worked using Stylecraft Special DK yarn in at least two colours — a main colour (MC) and a contrast colour (CC). A 4 mm crochet hook is specified throughout. Stylecraft Special DK is a popular, widely available acrylic yarn known for its softness, durability, and extensive colour range, making it particularly well suited to children's garments that need to withstand regular washing.

Design 2: Girls Collared Cardigan

What Is Being Made

The second design is a girls' collared cardigan — an open-fronted version of the sweater that shares the same collar detail and decorative stitch pattern. The cardigan is slightly shorter in body length than the sweater, with a full length ranging from 30 cm (11¾ in) for ages 2–3 up to 48 cm (19 in) for ages 10–11. Sleeve lengths for the cardigan range from approximately 15.5 cm to 31 cm across the size range, making it a versatile layering piece suitable for year-round wear. The chest