Cardigan and Sweater in Stylecraft Bambino Prints DK - 9843 - Downloadable PDF

Cardigan and Sweater in Stylecraft Bambino Prints DK – Pattern 9843

This downloadable PDF knitting pattern from Stylecraft presents two classic baby and toddler knitwear designs: a cardigan and a sweater, both worked in Stylecraft Bambino Prints DK yarn. The pattern is rated advanced and covers five sizes to fit ages 0–6 months through 4/5 years, making it a versatile project that can grow with a child or be revisited as a gift for different age groups.

Who These Designs Are For

Both garments are sized for babies and young children, with chest measurements ranging from 41 cm (16 in) up to 61 cm (24 in). The actual garment measurements are generously cut for comfortable wear: the cardigan measures 51–71 cm (20–28 in) across the chest and the sweater 46–68 cm (18–26¾ in), providing a relaxed, easy fit suited to active little ones. Full lengths range from 28 cm to 46 cm (11–18 in) and sleeve lengths from 11 cm to 21 cm (4¼–8¼ in) depending on size.

The Cardigan

Construction and Shaping

The cardigan is worked in separate pieces — including a Left Front as detailed in the pattern — which are then seamed together. This traditional construction method gives the knitter full control over tension and fit at each stage. Shaping is achieved through carefully placed decrease rows, as seen in the ribbed welt section where stitches are reduced on a wrong-side row to transition smoothly into the main fabric.

Stitches and Techniques

• P2, K1 Rib: The lower welt of the cardigan is worked in a p2, k1 rib — a slightly less common ribbing variation compared to standard k1, p1 or k2, p2 rib. This produces a neat, firm, and elasticated edge that holds its shape well on small garments. The rib is worked over approximately 4 cm (1½ in) before transitioning to the main body fabric.
• Stitch markers: The pattern uses placed markers on the right-hand needle to denote key structural points such as raglan or panel lines, helping the knitter keep track of shaping positions accurately.
• Decreases: A specific decrease row on the wrong side reduces the stitch count after the ribbed welt, shaping the garment into the body section. The technique of working work 2tog at multiple points in a single row is used to achieve this neat reduction.
• Needle changes: The pattern transitions from 3.25 mm needles for the rib to 4 mm needles for the main body, a standard approach in knitting that creates a tighter, more structured border against a looser, drapier main fabric.

Stitch Count Reference

The Left Front begins by casting on 26, 29, 31, 34, or 37 stitches depending on size, which reduces after the welt decrease row to 23, 26, 28, 31, or 34 stitches respectively before the body pattern begins.

The Sweater

The second design in pattern 9843 is a pullover sweater worked in the same Stylecraft Bambino Prints DK yarn. While the full sweater instructions are contained within the PDF, the sweater shares the same sizing range and general construction philosophy as the cardigan, offering a coordinating or alternative option. The slightly narrower actual measurements compared to the cardigan suggest a closer, more fitted silhouette, making it an ideal everyday layering piece for babies and toddlers.

Yarn and Materials

Yarn

Both designs are written specifically for Stylecraft Bambino Prints DK, a DK weight yarn from Stylecraft's baby-focused Bambino range. The Prints variation features self-striping or variegated colourways that add visual interest without requiring the knitter to manage multiple yarn balls or intarsia techniques. The