Deck Chair Play Suit in Sirdar Snuggly DK - 5503 - Downloadable PDF

Deck Chair Play Suit in Sirdar Snuggly DK – Pattern 5503

This downloadable PDF crochet pattern from Sirdar, design number 5503, provides instructions for creating an adorable Deck Chair Play Suit and matching Hat for babies aged 0 to 24 months. Rated as advanced crochet, this pattern is a rewarding project for experienced crocheters looking to create a complete, coordinated baby outfit with a cheerful, vintage-inspired deck chair colour palette.

What Is Being Made

The pattern covers two distinct items: a baby playsuit and a coordinating hat. The playsuit is a one-piece garment designed to fit comfortably over a baby's body, with chest measurements ranging from 42 cm (16½ inches) for the 0–3 months size up to 53 cm (21 inches) for the 18–24 months size. Full lengths range from 40 cm to 55 cm depending on size. The matching hat has a head circumference of 38 cm to 47 cm across the size range. Buttons are used as fastenings — 4 buttons for smaller sizes and 5 buttons for the larger 12–18 and 18–24 month sizes.

Colourwork and Design Style

One of the most striking features of this pattern is its use of five colours, labelled Yarn A through Yarn E, worked in stripes reminiscent of classic British deck chair fabric. The specified shades are drawn from the Sirdar Snuggly DK range and include shade 533 Piglet (Yarn A) and shade 303 Cream (Yarn B), along with three additional coordinating shades (526, 534, and 535). This multi-colour striped construction gives the garment its playful, summery character and is central to the overall design aesthetic.

Yarn and Materials

The pattern is specifically designed for use with Sirdar Snuggly DK, a double knitting weight yarn sold in 50g balls. One ball of each of the five colours is required for both the playsuit and the hat across all sizes, making this a relatively economical project in terms of yarn quantity. Sirdar Snuggly is a well-established British baby yarn brand, celebrated for its softness, gentleness against delicate skin, and its ability to maintain these qualities wash after wash — making it an ideal choice for baby garments. The yarn is suitable for a wide range of baby and nursery makes and is available in soft neutrals, classic pastels, and modern brights.

• Yarn: Sirdar Snuggly DK, 50g balls, in five colours (shades 533, 303, 526, 534, and 535)
• Yarn Weight: Double Knitting (DK)
• Buttons: 4 or 5, depending on size

Crochet Techniques and Skills Required

As an advanced crochet pattern, this design calls upon a solid foundation of crochet knowledge and the ability to manage multiple elements simultaneously. Working a one-piece playsuit in crochet requires shaping skills for the body, legs, and neckline, as well as the ability to join and manage multiple yarn colours neatly throughout the project. Colour changes in stripe patterns require careful tension management to ensure clean, even colour transitions without loose or tight joins.

Constructing a fitted baby garment in crochet also involves working increases and decreases to shape the armholes, crotch, and leg openings, and the button fastenings require the creation of neat buttonholes as part of the finishing. The matching hat involves working in the round and shaping the crown, which is a common but important crochet technique for beginners to master before attempting this pattern.

• Colour stripes worked across the fabric using five yarn colours
• Shaping techniques including increases and decreases for garment fit
• Buttonhole construction for the playsuit fastenings
• Working in the round for the hat
• Joining yarn