Cardigan and Gilet in Hayfield Baby Chunky - 4598 - Downloadable PDF

Hayfield Baby Chunky Cardigan and Gilet Knitting Pattern 4598

This downloadable PDF knitting pattern from Hayfield provides instructions for two classic baby and children's knitwear designs: a Cardigan and a Gilet (sleeveless waistcoat). Both garments are sized to fit children from birth through to 7 years, covering chest sizes from 41 cm (16 in) up to 66 cm (26 in), making this a wonderfully versatile pattern that can grow with a child through their early years.

The Cardigan

The cardigan is a traditional button-front design worked in Hayfield Baby Chunky yarn. It features set-in or standard construction with full sleeves, making it a practical and cosy layering piece for babies and young children alike. The full length ranges from 24 cm (9½ in) for the smallest size up to 48 cm (19 in) for the 6–7 years size, with an adjustable sleeve length starting at 15 cm (6 in) and reaching up to 33 cm (13 in) for the largest size.

Cardigan Sizing and Fit

• Ages covered: 0–6 months, 6–12 months, 1–2 years, 2–3 years, 4–5 years, 6–7 years
• Actual chest measurement: 46 cm (18 in) to 71 cm (28 in)
• Full length: 24 cm to 48 cm depending on size
• Sleeve length: 15 cm to 33 cm, noted as adjustable

Cardigan Materials

• Yarn: Hayfield Baby Chunky, shade 415, in 100g balls
• Yarn quantity: 2 balls for sizes 0–6 months through 1–2 years; 3 balls for 2–3 and 4–5 years; 4 balls for 6–7 years
• Buttons: 4 buttons for smaller sizes, up to 6 buttons for larger sizes

The Gilet

The gilet is a sleeveless waistcoat version of the same design, offering a lighter alternative that is ideal for transitional weather or as a stylish layer over long-sleeved tops and bodysuits. Without sleeves, it requires less yarn and knits up more quickly, making it an excellent choice for knitters looking for a faster project. The full length ranges from 21 cm (8¼ in) for the youngest size up to 45 cm (17¾ in) for the oldest, with a body length of approximately 23 cm to 35.5 cm.

Gilet Sizing and Fit

• Ages covered: 0–6 months, 6–12 months, 1–2 years, 2–3 years, 4–5 years, 6–7 years
• Actual chest measurement: 46 cm (18 in) to 71 cm (28 in), matching the cardigan
• Full length: 21 cm to 45 cm depending on size

Gilet Materials

• Yarn: Hayfield Baby Chunky, shade 413, in 100g balls
• Yarn quantity: 1 ball for 0–6 months; 2 balls for 6–12 months through 4–5 years; 3 balls for 6–7 years
• Buttons: 4 buttons for smaller sizes, up to 6 buttons for larger sizes

Knitting Techniques and Stitches

Both garments are knitted flat in separate pieces and then seamed together, which is a traditional construction method well-suited to beginners and intermediate knitters alike. The chunky weight yarn and larger needle size mean that both designs work up quickly, giving satisfying results in a relatively short amount of time.

Stitches Used

• Stocking stitch