Cardigan and Sweater in Stylecraft Wondersoft Merry Go Round - 9635 - Downloadable PDF

Cardigan and Sweater in Stylecraft Wondersoft Merry Go Round 9635 — Pattern Summary

This downloadable PDF from Stylecraft presents two charming knitted designs for babies and young children: a Cardigan and a Sweater, both worked in Stylecraft Wondersoft Merry Go Round DK yarn. The pattern covers five sizes, fitting chest measurements from 46 cm (18 in) up to 66 cm (26 in), corresponding to ages 6–12 months through 6–7 years. Rated as intermediate in difficulty, this pattern is ideal for knitters who are comfortable with basic shaping and simple cable techniques and are ready to take on a structured garment construction.

Design One: The Cardigan

The Cardigan is a neat, button-front garment featuring a sophisticated cable panel texture across the body and sleeves. It is worked in two colours: the main body uses Wondersoft Merry Go Round 100g balls in Fruit Salad (shade 3935) as the main colour (MC), with contrast colour (CC) details worked in Wondersoft DK in Petal Pink (shade 1030). The finished actual chest measurement ranges from 51 cm (20 in) to 71 cm (28 in), with a full length of 28 cm (11 in) to 48 cm (19 in) and sleeve lengths from 17 cm (6¾ in) to 33 cm (13 in) depending on size.

Construction and Shaping

The Cardigan Back is cast on using 3.25mm needles and worked in k1, p1 rib for the welt, before an increase row transitions the stitch count ready for the main cable pattern. Stitches are then worked on 4mm needles in a six-row repeating cable panel. Side shaping is achieved by decreasing one stitch at each end of specified rows, creating a gently tailored silhouette. Stitch holders are used to hold stitches during neck and shoulder shaping, which is standard practice for neat, professional joins.

Techniques and Stitches — Cardigan

• K1, P1 Rib: Used for welts and cuffs, providing a neat, stretchy edge that frames the garment.
• Cable Panel: The main body fabric is a six-row repeat cable pattern combining purl columns (p3) with four-stitch knit columns (k4), creating a classic ribbed cable appearance.
• C4B (Cable 4 Back): A four-stitch back cable cross worked on row 5 of every cable repeat, using a cable needle. This twist creates the characteristic rope-like cable texture that gives the garment its visual interest.
• M1 (Make 1) Increases: Used in the transition increase row after the rib welt to expand the stitch count smoothly before beginning the cable pattern.
• Decreasing for Side Shaping: Single decreases at each end of specified rows shape the body for a flattering fit across all five sizes.
• Stitch Markers and Stitch Holders: Used to track pattern repeats and hold live stitches during construction.
• Button Band and Fastening: The Cardigan is finished with 3 buttons, making it practical and easy to dress young children.

Materials — Cardigan

• Main Colour (MC): Stylecraft Wondersoft Merry Go Round 100g balls in Fruit Salad 3935 — 1 ball for sizes 6–12 months and 12–24 months; 2 balls for sizes 2–3 years, 4–5 years, and 6–7 years.
• Contrast Colour (CC): Stylecraft Wondersoft DK 100g balls in Petal Pink 1030 — 1 ball for the three smallest sizes; 2 balls for the two largest sizes.
• Needles: 1 pair of 3.25mm (UK10 / USA3) knitting needles and 1 pair of 4mm (