Garland Cardigan In Hayfield Blossom Chunky - 5572P - Downloadable PDF

Garland Cardigan in Hayfield Blossom Chunky – Pattern 5572 (Downloadable PDF)

This charming knitting pattern from Hayfield guides knitters through creating a classic baby and toddler cardigan using Hayfield Baby Blossom Chunky yarn. Designed for children aged 1 to 4 years, the pattern produces a cosy, well-fitted garment with a traditional raglan sleeve construction and a simple button fastening. It is an ideal project for beginner knitters looking to build confidence with shaping techniques while working with a chunky weight yarn that knits up quickly and produces satisfying results.

What Is Being Made

The pattern produces a baby and toddler cardigan worked in separate pieces that are seamed together. The finished garment features raglan sleeves, a neat button band, and a comfortable fit across four sizes. Chest measurements range from 49 cm (19¼ inches) for age 1 up to 59 cm (23¼ inches) for age 4, with full lengths ranging from 34 cm to 40 cm and sleeve lengths from 20 cm to 27 cm depending on size. A single 19 mm button provides the front fastening, giving the cardigan a clean, unfussy finish perfectly suited to babies and young toddlers.

Construction and Techniques

The cardigan is constructed using a set-in raglan shaping method, one of the most classic approaches in knitwear construction. Raglan shaping creates a smooth, diagonal seam running from the underarm to the neckline, distributing fabric evenly across the shoulder and chest and providing an excellent fit for young children who need freedom of movement. The technique involves working paired decreases on alternating rows to gradually reduce stitch counts on both the body pieces and the sleeves simultaneously.

• Raglan sleeve shaping is achieved through a structured four-row repeat, with decreases worked on right-side rows and plain purl rows worked on the wrong side.
• Casting off at the underarm begins the raglan shaping sequence, with stitches cast off at the beginning of two consecutive rows before the decrease rows commence.
• Stitch holders are used to hold stitches in reserve during construction, a standard technique that keeps live stitches safe while other sections of the garment are completed.
• The pattern is worked in separate pieces — typically a back, two fronts, and two sleeves — which are then seamed together, making it approachable for beginners who are not yet comfortable with more complex in-the-round construction.

Stitches Used

The cardigan uses a focused selection of stitches and techniques that are well within reach of a beginner knitter:

• Stocking stitch (alternating knit and purl rows) forms the main fabric of the cardigan body and sleeves, producing a smooth, classic jersey texture on the right side.
• k2tog (knit two together) is used as a right-leaning decrease throughout the raglan shaping.
• s1, k1, psso (slip one, knit one, pass slipped stitch over) provides the left-leaning decrease, paired with k2tog to create symmetrical raglan lines.
• P2tog (purl two together) is used on wrong-side rows at specific points in the shaping sequence, particularly around the neckline area.
• The tension specification confirms the fabric is measured over stocking stitch at a gauge of 14 stitches and 19 rows to 10 cm using 6½ mm needles.

Materials Required

The pattern calls for Hayfield Baby Blossom Chunky yarn in shade 350 Baby Bouquet, a 100 g chunky weight yarn. The quantity required ranges from 2 balls for sizes 1–3 years up to 3 balls for the 4-year size, making this an economical and quick project. Two pairs of knitting needles are needed:

• 6½ mm needles (UK size 3 / USA size 10.5) for the main body fabric
• 5½ mm needles