Sweater & Cardigan in Stylecraft Special DK - 10223 - Downloadable PDF

Stylecraft Special DK Sweater & Cardigan – Pattern 10223 Summary

This downloadable PDF knitting pattern (Stylecraft 10223) provides instructions for two classic children's garments: a pullover sweater and a cardigan, both worked in a simple yet attractive ridge stitch design. Sized to fit children aged 2 to 11 years, with chest measurements ranging from 56 cm to 76 cm (22 to 30 inches), these makes are ideal for knitters at the advanced beginner level who are ready to move beyond basic stockinette and explore simple shaping techniques such as raglan armhole construction.

What Is Being Made

The pattern covers two separate but coordinating designs:

• A classic children's sweater (pullover) with raglan armhole shaping, worked flat in pieces and seamed.
• A children's cardigan, also featuring the same ridge stitch pattern and worked to matching measurements, making the two designs a cohesive set.

Both garments are described as "easy ridge stitch designs," making them accessible and satisfying projects for knitters who have mastered casting on, basic knit and purl stitches, and simple shaping. The finished pieces are practical, everyday children's knitwear with a neat, textured surface.

Sizes and Measurements

The pattern is written across five sizes to fit ages 2–3, 4–5, 6–7, 8–9, and 10–11 years. Key finished measurements include:

• Actual chest measurement: 60, 65, 71, 75, and 80 cm (23¾, 25½, 28, 29½, and 31½ inches)
• Full length: 37, 41, 46, 50, and 53 cm (14½, 16, 18, 19¾, and 21 inches)
• Sleeve length: 24, 29, 33, 37, and 41 cm (9½, 11½, 13, 14½, and 16 inches)

Techniques Used

Both the sweater and cardigan are constructed using a selection of fundamental and intermediate knitting techniques:

• Casting on and casting off – including shaping cast-offs for raglan armhole construction
• Raglan armhole shaping – a classic and elegant method of shaping the sleeve and body simultaneously, creating a smooth diagonal seam from the underarm to the neckline
• Working in pattern – maintaining the ridge stitch pattern consistently across shaping rows
• Needle changes – the pattern begins on smaller needles before switching to larger needles for the main body, a common technique used to create a neat, firm ribbed or foundation edge before transitioning to the main fabric
• Flat knitting – the pieces are worked back and forth in rows and seamed together

Stitches Used

The defining feature of both garments is the ridge stitch, a simple two-element stitch pattern that creates a beautifully textured, horizontal ridged fabric. The stitch repeat is worked over 8 rows as follows:

• Rows 1 and 2: Knit one row (right side), purl one row (wrong side) – standard stocking stitch
• Rows 3 and 4: As rows 1 and 2
• Rows 5 to 8: Knit every row – creating a garter stitch ridge that stands out against the stocking stitch background

This combination of stocking stitch and garter stitch ridges gives the fabric its characteristic textured appearance without requiring complex stitch manipulation, making it an excellent pattern for advancing beginner knitters. The ridge also adds a subtle structural element that helps the fabric lie flat and gives the finished garments a polished, professional look.

Materials – Yarn

Both garments are designed to be knitted in Stylecraft Special DK, a popular, widely available double knitting