Big Wool Baby Cardigan in Rowan Big Wool - Downloadable PDF

Big Wool Baby Cardigan by Kim Hargreaves – Knitting Pattern Summary

The Big Wool Baby Cardigan is a free, downloadable PDF knitting pattern designed by Kim Hargreaves and published by Rowan. This adorable, quick-to-knit baby and toddler cardigan is worked in Rowan Big Wool, a super chunky yarn that produces a wonderfully cosy, textured fabric with minimal time investment. The pattern is rated as beginner level, making it an ideal project for those new to garment knitting who want impressive results without complex construction.

What Is Being Made

The pattern produces a classic baby and toddler cardigan with a neat button front and a distinctive shaped collar. It is sized to fit five age ranges, covering babies and young children from newborn through to pre-school age:

• 0–6 months – to fit 41 cm / 16 in chest
• 6–12 months – to fit 46 cm / 18 in chest
• 1–2 years – to fit 51 cm / 20 in chest
• 2–3 years – to fit 56 cm / 22 in chest
• 3–4 years – to fit 58 cm / 23 in chest

The finished cardigan features a shaped collar that grows organically from the front bands, adding a cosy, stylish finish that sets this design apart from a basic baby knit. The front fastens with just 2 buttons, keeping the garment easy to put on and take off – a practical consideration for wriggly little ones.

Yarn and Materials

The pattern calls for Rowan Big Wool, a 100% merino wool super chunky yarn sold in 100 g balls. The photographed sample is worked in White Hot 001, a clean, bright white shade. Depending on the size being knitted, the pattern requires between 3 and 5 balls of Rowan Big Wool. Because of the super chunky weight, even the largest size knits up quickly, making this a satisfying project to complete in a short time.

The recommended needles are a single pair of 15 mm (US 19) needles. Only 2 buttons are required to finish the cardigan.

Tension

The stated tension is 7.5 stitches and 10 rows to 10 cm measured over stocking stitch using 15 mm (US 19) needles. Achieving the correct tension is important in any garment pattern, as it directly affects the finished chest measurement and overall fit. Knitters are advised to work a tension swatch before beginning and adjust needle size if necessary.

Techniques and Construction

The cardigan is constructed using straightforward garment-making techniques that are well within reach of a beginner knitter who has mastered basic knit and purl stitches. Key construction elements include:

• Flat knitting – all pieces are worked back and forth in rows on a single pair of needles
• Stocking stitch – the main fabric of the cardigan body and sleeves, created by alternating knit rows on the right side and purl rows on the wrong side
• Raglan or yoke-style shaping – the body and sleeves are joined and stitches are placed on holders, then worked together to shape the upper body
• Holding stitches – sections for the right front, back, and left front are placed on stitch holders while other sections are worked, a common technique in one-piece or partially joined garment construction
• Casting off – used at the underarms to separate the body sections cleanly
• Collar shaping with increases – the shaped collar is formed by working M1 (make one) increases at regular intervals on right-side rows, gradually widening the collar as it grows upward
• Garter stitch borders – knit stitches worked on wrong-side rows at the front edge create a neat, non-curling garter stitch button band that integrates seamlessly into the collar shaping

Stitches Used