Boys Waistcoat and Cardigan in King Cole Big Value Baby DK - 4221 - Downloadable PDF

Boys Waistcoat and Cardigan Knitting Pattern – King Cole Big Value Baby DK (Pattern 4221)

This downloadable PDF knitting pattern from King Cole provides instructions for two classic boys' garments: a waistcoat (vest) and a cardigan. Both designs are worked in King Cole Big Value Baby DK yarn and are sized to fit chest measurements of 46–71 cm (18–28 inches), making them suitable for babies and toddlers across a generous range of ages and sizes. The pattern is rated as intermediate in difficulty, making it ideal for knitters who are comfortable with basic shaping techniques and are ready to tackle garment construction with multiple pieces and finishing details.

About the Two Designs

Boys Waistcoat

The waistcoat is a sleeveless, button-up garment designed to layer smartly over shirts or long-sleeved tops. It offers a neat, tailored look that is both practical and stylish for young boys. The sleeveless construction makes it a quicker knit than the cardigan and an excellent project for knitters looking to build confidence with garment shaping before tackling set-in sleeves. The waistcoat features ribbed edgings for a tidy, professional finish and is shaped at the armholes and neckline to give a well-fitted silhouette.

Boys Cardigan

The cardigan is a full-sleeved, button-front jacket worked in a classic style. It includes set-in sleeves that are shaped with increases along the sleeve seam — the pattern references increasing 1 stitch at each end of every 5th and following alternate rows, building from a ribbed cuff up to the full sleeve width. The cardigan features a double moss stitch body, ribbed welts, cuffs, and button bands, and a neat neckline finish. Buttonholes are worked into the button band using a cast-off and cast-on method, with multiple buttonholes spaced evenly to suit each size.

Techniques Used

Both garments in this pattern draw on a range of knitting techniques that are characteristic of well-constructed baby and toddler knitwear:

• Double Moss Stitch: The main body fabric of both garments is worked in double moss stitch (also known as seed stitch or Irish moss stitch in some traditions). This stitch creates a richly textured, reversible fabric with excellent drape and body — ideal for garments that need to hold their shape while remaining soft against a child's skin.
• 2x2 Rib: Welts, cuffs, and button bands are worked in 2x2 rib (knit 2, purl 2 repeated), which provides stretch and elasticity to edges, helping garments maintain their shape through wear and washing.
• Sleeve Shaping: The cardigan sleeves are shaped using paired increases at each end of specified rows, gradually building the sleeve from the narrow cuff to the wider sleeve head. The pattern specifies increases on the 5th and every following 8th, 10th, or 11th row depending on size.
• Armhole and Neckline Shaping: Both garments include cast-off sequences and row-by-row shaping at armholes and necklines to create a neat, fitted finish.
• Buttonhole Construction: Buttonholes are formed using a cast-off and cast-on method within the rib band, with the number and spacing of buttonholes varying by size. The pattern provides precise stitch counts for each size to ensure even placement.
• Picking Up Stitches: Stitches are picked up evenly along finished edges — for example, along necklines and armhole edges — to work the ribbed finishing bands neatly in place.
• Seaming and Making Up: As is standard for traditionally constructed garments of this type, the pieces are worked flat and then seamed together, requiring mattress stitch or backstitch seaming skills for a neat finish.

Stitches Used

• Double Moss Stitch – the primary body stitch, creating a dense, textured fabric
• 2x2 Rib (knit 2, purl 2) – used for all welts, cuffs, and button bands
• St