Cardigans and Toy in Stylecraft Squeeze Me DK - 10151 - Downloadable PDF

Cardigans and Toy in Stylecraft Squeeze Me DK – Pattern 10151

This Stylecraft pattern 10151 is a downloadable PDF offering three knitted designs for babies and young children: a Long Cardigan, at least one additional cardigan variation, and a knitted toy. Sized from birth through to 5 years (chest sizes 41–61 cm / 16–24 in), this is an intermediate-level knitting pattern that makes an ideal project for crafters who are comfortable with shaping, seaming, and working with multiple pieces.

All three designs are worked in Stylecraft Squeeze Me DK, a yarn specifically chosen for its soft, baby-friendly qualities. The pattern is designed to make the most of this yarn's properties, with specific notes reminding knitters to use a larger needle to cast on and cast off loosely, preventing the edges from pulling in too tightly — a particularly important consideration when knitting garments for small children who need easy dressing and undressing.

Sizing and Fit

The pattern covers five sizes across the age range:

• 0–6 months – to fit chest 41 cm / 16 in, actual measurement 45 cm / 17¾ in
• 6–12 months – to fit chest 46 cm / 18 in, actual measurement 50 cm / 19¾ in
• 12–24 months – to fit chest 51 cm / 20 in, actual measurement 55 cm / 21¾ in
• 2–3 years – to fit chest 56 cm / 22 in, actual measurement 60 cm / 23¾ in
• 4–5 years – to fit chest 61 cm / 24 in, actual measurement 65 cm / 25½ in

Each garment is designed with a modest amount of positive ease, ensuring comfortable, wearable fit across all sizes. Instructions are presented with figures for each size clearly indicated in square brackets throughout the pattern.

The Long Cardigan

The Long Cardigan is one of the featured garment designs in this pattern. As the name suggests, it offers extended length compared to a standard baby cardigan, making it a practical and stylish layering piece for cooler weather. The back piece is constructed by casting on the required number of stitches loosely and working upward using the main colour (MC).

Key construction and technique details for the Long Cardigan include:

• Worked in separate pieces — back, fronts, and sleeves are knitted individually and then sewn together using a plain DK yarn in a matching colour, keeping seams neat and secure
• Loose cast-on and cast-off edges are specifically recommended to prevent the garment edges from pulling in
• Uses a main colour (MC) throughout the body construction, with the option for contrast colour detailing
• Shaping is worked for armholes, neckline, and sleeve caps, making this a well-structured, properly fitted garment

Additional Cardigan Design

The pattern includes a second cardigan design, giving knitters variety within the same pattern booklet. Like the Long Cardigan, this design is worked in Stylecraft Squeeze Me DK and sized across the same five age ranges. Both cardigans are suitable as standalone garments or as part of a coordinated baby gift set, particularly when knitted in complementary colourways of the Squeeze Me DK range.

The Knitted Toy

The third design in this pattern is a knitted toy, making this pattern booklet a charming all-in-one resource for baby gift knitting. The toy is designed to coordinate with the cardigans, using the same Stylecraft Squeeze Me DK yarn, which is particularly well-suited to toys given its soft texture and baby-safe qualities. Knitted toys of this type are typically worked in the round or in flat pieces that are seamed and stuffed, creating a three-dimensional finished object.

Yarn and Materials

All three designs call for Stylecraft Squeeze Me DK weight yarn as the primary material.