Shawl Collar and V Neck Cardigans in Sirdar Snuggly DK - 1897 - Downloadable PDF

Shawl Collar and V Neck Cardigans in Sirdar Snuggly DK – Pattern 1897

This knitting pattern from Sirdar (pattern number 1897) provides instructions for two classic baby and children's cardigan designs: a Shawl Collar Cardigan and a V Neck Cardigan. Both styles are worked in Sirdar Snuggly DK yarn and sized to fit babies and children from birth through 7 years, making this a wonderfully versatile pattern to return to as little ones grow.

Who These Cardigans Are Designed For

The pattern covers six sizes, fitting chest measurements from 41 cm (16 in) up to 66 cm (26 in), corresponding to ages 0–6 months, 6–12 months, 1–2 years, 2–3 years, 4–5 years, and 6–7 years. Actual garment measurements range from 44 cm to 69 cm, providing a comfortable, slightly eased fit. Full lengths range from 24 cm (9½ in) for the smallest size up to 48 cm (19 in) for the largest, with an adjustable sleeve length ranging from 15 cm (6 in) to 33 cm (13 in).

The Two Cardigan Designs

Shawl Collar Cardigan

The Shawl Collar Cardigan is a timeless, cosy style featuring a wide, folded shawl collar that frames the neckline softly — a classic detail that adds warmth and a traditional handknitted charm. This design fastens with 5 or 6 buttons depending on size (5 buttons for the three smallest sizes and 6 buttons for the three larger sizes). It is worked in Sirdar Snuggly DK shade 412, requiring between 2 and 5 balls of 50g yarn depending on the size being knitted.

V Neck Cardigan

The V Neck Cardigan offers a neat, tailored alternative with a clean V-shaped neckline — a style that is easy to put on and take off, making it especially practical for young children. This design is worked in Sirdar Snuggly DK shade 413, requiring between 2 and 5 balls of 50g yarn across the size range.

Yarn and Materials

Both cardigans are designed for Sirdar Snuggly DK, a soft double knitting weight yarn well suited to babywear and children's garments. The pattern also notes suitability with several alternative yarns, including:

• Sirdar Supersoft DK
• Sirdar Snuggly Kisses DK
• Sirdar Snuggly Baby Bamboo DK
• Sirdar Tiny Tots DK

Note that yarn amounts may vary when substituting alternative yarns.

Needles Required

Three needle types are required to complete either cardigan:

• 1 pair of 4mm (UK8 / USA6) knitting needles — used for the main body fabric
• 1 pair of 3¼mm (UK10 / USA3) knitting needles — used for ribbed edgings and borders
• 1 x 3¼mm (UK10 / USA3) 80cm circular needle — used for picking up and working the collar or neckband

Techniques and Stitches

Both cardigans are knitted flat in separate pieces — typically a back, two fronts, and sleeves — which are then seamed together. This is a conventional construction method well suited to knitters who are comfortable with basic garment shaping. Key techniques and stitches used across both designs include:

• Knit and purl stitches — the fundamental building blocks of all knitted fabric
• Stocking stitch (stockinette stitch) — the smooth, classic fabric used for the