Hooded Sweater in Hayfield Baby DK - 5223 - Downloadable PDF

Hooded Sweater in Hayfield Baby DK – Pattern 5223 by Sirdar

This knitting pattern from Sirdar, published under the Hayfield brand, provides full instructions for a classic hooded sweater designed for babies and young children. Sized to fit ages 0–6 months through 6–7 years, the pattern covers a wide range of chest measurements from 41 cm (16 in) to 66 cm (26 in), making it a versatile wardrobe staple that can be revisited as a child grows. The finished garment features a practical hood, set-in or shaped sleeves with an adjustable sleeve length, and a neat ribbed finish at the cuffs and lower edges — all hallmarks of a well-constructed children's knitwear design.

What Is Being Made

The pattern produces a pullover hooded sweater knitted in the round of classic construction: a back, a front, two sleeves, and a hood worked as an integral part of the neckline. Actual finished chest measurements range from 45 cm (17¾ in) to 70 cm (27½ in), with a full length of approximately 25 cm (9¾ in) for the smallest size up to 48 cm (19 in) for the largest. Sleeve lengths are adjustable, ranging from 15 cm (6 in) to 33 cm (13 in), allowing knitters to tailor the fit precisely to an individual child.

Techniques Used

• Thumb method cast-on — used to begin the back and other main sections, creating a firm, elastic edge well suited to children's garments.
• Shaping by decreasing — stitches are decreased at each end of specified rows to create armhole shaping, sleeve tapers, and hood contours. The pattern specifies decreasing every row or every alternate row depending on the section and size being worked.
• Stitch holder usage — stitches are placed on holders at key points such as the neckline, allowing sections to be picked up and worked later for a clean, professional finish.
• Needle changes — the pattern directs knitters to switch between needle sizes at defined points, moving from smaller needles for the ribbed welts to larger needles for the main body fabric, a standard technique for achieving a neat, non-flaring lower edge.
• Tension/gauge checking — the pattern strongly emphasises working a tension swatch before beginning, adjusting needle size as needed to achieve the stated gauge.

Stitches Used

• Stocking stitch (stockinette stitch) — the primary fabric of the sweater body and sleeves, worked by alternating knit rows on the right side and purl rows on the wrong side. This creates the smooth, classic surface typical of children's knitwear.
• Moss stitch (seed stitch) — referenced in the row instructions as an alternating knit-one, purl-one pattern offset on every row, producing a textured, non-curling fabric used in specific sections of the design.
• 2×2 rib (K2, P2 ribbing) — used in certain size variations for the welts and cuffs, providing elasticity and a snug fit at the lower edges and sleeve ends.
• 1×1 rib (K1, P1 ribbing) — also featured in welt and cuff sections depending on the size, offering a finer, more delicate ribbed border appropriate for smaller infant sizes.

Materials Required

The pattern calls for Hayfield Baby DK yarn (shade 478 or 451), sold in 100 g balls. The quantity required ranges from 1 ball for the 0–6 month size up to 3 balls for the 6–7 year size. Hayfield Baby DK is a soft double knitting weight yarn specifically formulated for baby and children's garments, making it gentle against delicate skin while remaining durable enough for everyday wear.

Two pairs of knitting needles are required:

• 4 mm needles (UK 8 / USA 6) — used for the main body fabric in stocking stitch.
• 3¼ mm needles (UK