Cardigans in Hayfield DK with Wool - 2401 - Downloadable PDF

Cardigans in Hayfield DK with Wool – Pattern 2401: Children's Knitted Cardigans (Ages 2–13)

This downloadable PDF knitting pattern from Hayfield presents two classic children's cardigan designs sized to fit ages 2 to 13 years, with chest measurements ranging from 56 cm (22 in) to 81 cm (32 in). Both garments are worked in Hayfield DK with Wool, a double knitting weight yarn that combines the warmth and natural feel of wool with easy-care practicality. The two designs — a Cardigan with Shawl Collar and a V Neck Cardigan — share the same pattern reference F046 and offer a beautifully textured finish suitable for everyday wear and smarter occasions alike.

Design One: Cardigan with Shawl Collar

The first design features a cosy shawl collar, giving it a relaxed, vintage-inspired silhouette that is both practical and stylish for younger children and tweens. The shawl collar adds an extra layer of warmth around the neck, making this cardigan particularly well-suited to cooler seasons. It is worked in Hayfield DK with Wool shade 096.

Yarn Requirements – Shawl Collar Cardigan

• Ages 2–3 and 4–5: 2 × 100g balls of Hayfield DK with Wool shade 096
• Ages 6–7, 8–9: 3 × 100g balls
• Ages 10–11 and 12–13: 4 × 100g balls

Design Two: V Neck Cardigan

The second design is a timeless V neck cardigan, a versatile wardrobe staple that layers easily over school shirts or casual tops. The V-shaped neckline gives it a neat, tailored appearance while still being comfortable for active children. It is worked in Hayfield DK with Wool shade 092.

Yarn Requirements – V Neck Cardigan

• Ages 2–3 and 4–5: 2 × 100g balls of Hayfield DK with Wool shade 092
• Ages 6–7 and 8–9: 3 × 100g balls
• Ages 10–11 and 12–13: 4 × 100g balls

Sizing and Measurements

Both cardigans are offered across six sizes, making this a highly versatile pattern for knitters with children of varying ages. The actual garment measurements allow for comfortable ease over the stated chest sizes:

• Actual chest: 60 cm to 86 cm (23¾ in to 34 in)
• Full length: approximately 38 cm to 58 cm (15 in to 22¾ in)
• Sleeve length: approximately 24 cm to 42 cm (9½ in to 16½ in)

Stitches and Techniques Used

Both cardigans feature a combination of stitch patterns that add beautiful surface texture and visual interest, moving well beyond a simple stocking stitch construction. Knitters will work with the following key stitch patterns and techniques:

Stitch Patterns

• Ladder pattern: An open, structured stitch that creates a delicate vertical effect, worked at a tension of 22 stitches and 31 rows to 10 cm on 4 mm needles.
• Bramble stitch: Also known as blackberry or Trinity stitch, this classic textured pattern creates a dense, bobble-like fabric through a combination of knitting and purling into the same stitch and working stitches together. It is worked at a tension of 28 stitches and 30 rows to 10 cm on 4 mm needles.

Cable Techniques

• C4B (Cable 4 Back): Slip 2 stitches to a