Cardigans in Sweet Dreams DK in Stylecraft - 9899 - Downloadable PDF

Stylecraft 9899 – Cardigans in Sweet Dreams DK: Pattern Summary

Stylecraft pattern 9899 is a downloadable PDF knitting pattern offering two easy knit cardigan designs for babies and toddlers: a Short Sleeved Cardigan and a Long Sleeved Cardigan. Both garments are worked in Stylecraft Sweet Dreams DK, a double knitting weight yarn, making them ideal projects for knitters with some experience who want to create beautiful, wearable knitwear for little ones from newborn up to 3 years.

Sizes and Fit

Both cardigans are available in five sizes to fit the following age ranges and chest measurements:

• Newborn – to fit chest 36 cm / 14 in
• 0–6 months – to fit chest 41 cm / 16 in
• 6–12 months – to fit chest 46 cm / 18 in
• 12–24 months – to fit chest 51 cm / 20 in
• 2–3 years – to fit chest 56 cm / 22 in

Actual finished measurements are slightly larger than the chest measurements listed, providing a comfortable, relaxed fit suited to babies and toddlers. Full lengths range from 17 cm (6½ in) for the newborn size up to 30 cm (11¾ in) for the 2–3 years size.

Design One: Short Sleeved Cardigan

The Short Sleeved Cardigan is a classic baby cardigan featuring a neat, fitted silhouette with short sleeves. It is an excellent choice for warmer months or as a layering piece over babygrows and dresses. The sleeve length ranges from 3 cm (1¼ in) for the smallest size to 5 cm (2 in) for the largest.

Construction and Shaping

The back is worked flat from the bottom upward. Stitches are cast on using the thumb method with the main colour (MC), and the piece begins with a 2x2 rib border worked on 3¼ mm needles. After the ribbing, a decrease row is worked to reduce the stitch count before the main body is continued. The body is then worked in stocking stitch (st-st) on 4 mm needles until the piece reaches the required length before raglan shaping begins. Raglan shaping is a defining feature of both cardigans, creating a neat, angled armhole that joins the sleeves to the body in a structured and tidy way — a technique well suited to small garments as it eliminates the need for complex set-in sleeve construction.

Techniques Used

• Thumb cast-on method – a popular and stretchy cast-on well suited to rib edges
• 2x2 rib – worked as a neat, elasticated border at the lower edges and cuffs
• Stocking stitch (st-st) – the main body fabric, creating a smooth right side and a purl wrong side
• Raglan shaping – structured decreases worked at the armhole edges to shape the yoke
• Decrease rows – including p2tog to reduce stitches after the rib border
• Flat knitting throughout, with pieces seamed together on finishing

Stitches Used

• Knit (k) and Purl (p) – the fundamental stitches forming the rib and stocking stitch fabric
• P2tog (purl two together) – a simple decrease stitch used in the transition row after ribbing
• Cast off – used at the start of raglan shaping

Design Two: Long Sleeved Cardigan