UKHKA 106 Cardigans - UKHKA106pdf - Downloadable PDF

UKHKA 106 Double Knitting Cardigans – Pattern Summary

UKHKA 106 is a downloadable PDF knitting pattern from UKHKA that provides instructions for knitting baby and newborn cardigans in Double Knitting (DK) weight yarn. The pattern covers a range of sizes from Premature/Newborn through to 12 months, making it a versatile choice for gifting or building a baby wardrobe. Two distinct cardigan designs are included in the pattern: a Hooded Cardigan and a Round Neck Cardigan, both worked in the same yarn weight and size range.

Designs Included

Hooded Cardigan

The first design is a hooded baby cardigan, a cosy and practical garment ideal for keeping newborns and young infants warm. The hood adds an extra layer of coverage and gives the finished piece a charming, contemporary look. The construction involves separate front and back pieces along with set-in or shaped sleeves, all joined together to create a neat, fitted finish suitable for delicate baby proportions.

A notable feature of this design is the inclusion of a pocket, worked using a stitch holder to hold stitches while the pocket opening shaping is completed. The pocket shaping involves careful decreasing at the pocket opening edge, worked over a series of rows, before stitches are rejoined and the piece continues without further shaping. This adds a functional and decorative detail that elevates the garment beyond a basic baby knit.

Round Neck Cardigan

The second design is a classic round neck baby cardigan, a timeless style that suits both boys and girls. The round neckline is a traditional choice for infant knitwear, offering a comfortable, non-restrictive fit around the neck. Like the hooded version, this cardigan is worked in pieces and follows the same size range and yarn requirements, making it straightforward to knit both designs from a single pattern purchase.

Sizing and Measurements

The pattern is designed to fit chest measurements from 31 cm (12 in) up to 51 cm (20 in), covering the following sizes:

• Premature/Newborn – 31 cm / 12 in chest
• 0–3 months – 36 cm / 14 in chest
• 3–6 months – 41 cm / 16 in chest
• 6–12 months – 46 cm / 18 in chest
• 12 months – 51 cm / 20 in chest

Actual garment measurements are generously sized to allow for ease and comfortable layering. Full lengths range from 18 cm (7 in) for the smallest size up to 32 cm (12½ in) for the largest. Sleeve lengths range from 8 cm (3 in) to 20 cm (8 in), reflecting the growth stages of babies across the size range.

Techniques Used

This is rated as an intermediate level knitting pattern, meaning it is best suited to knitters who are comfortable with basic knitting and are ready to develop their skills further. The techniques involved include:

• Shaping by decreasing – worked at specific edges to create the pocket opening, armhole shaping, and neckline
• Stitch holder usage – stitches are placed on a holder and rejoined later, a common technique in garment construction for pockets and necklines
• Alternating row decreasing – decreases are worked in next and every following alternate row to create smooth, gradual shaping
• Patterned stitch work (Patt) – the pattern references working in an established stitch pattern throughout, maintaining consistency across shaping rows
• Picking up stitches – likely required for the hood, button bands, and neckband finishing
• Seaming – joining knitted pieces together to complete the garment

Stitches Used

The pattern uses standard knitting stitches appropriate for DK weight baby garments:

• Knit and purl stitches – the foundation of all garment sections