Cardigan, Angel Top, Hat and Bootees Knitted in King Cole Baby Safe DK - 5768 - Downloadable PDF

Cardigan, Angel Top, Hat and Bootees Knitted in King Cole Baby Safe DK

What is Being Made

This downloadable PDF pattern from King Cole includes four coordinated baby garments: a cardigan, an angel top, a hat, and bootees. The complete set is designed for babies sized 36–54 cm (14–21 inches), making it suitable for newborns through early infancy. All pieces are knitted using King Cole Baby Safe DK yarn, a double knit weight specifically formulated for delicate baby garments.

Techniques Used

The pattern employs fundamental knitting techniques appropriate for intermediate-level crafters. Stocking stitch forms the primary fabric base, creating a smooth, classic finish on the right side of the work. Garter stitch is incorporated for textured elements and edgings. The designs feature shaping through increases and decreases to create garment structure and fit. Slipping stitches is used for refined finishing details and stitch manipulation.

Stitches Used

• Knit (K) – the fundamental stitch forming the fabric
• Purl (P) – used in combination with knit to create stocking stitch
• Stocking Stitch (st-st) – alternating knit rows on the right side with purl rows on the wrong side, producing a smooth, uniform appearance
• Garter Stitch (gst) – every row knitted, creating a textured, ridged fabric often used for borders and edgings
• Increases (inc) – techniques for adding stitches to shape the garments
• Decreases (dec) – methods for reducing stitches to form fitted areas
• Slip Stitches (sl) – including slip 2 stitches together (sl 2tog) for refined shaping and decorative effects
• Pass Slipped Stitch Over (psso) – a decrease technique creating a clean, directional reduction
• Yarn Forward (yfwd) – creates eyelet holes, often used for decorative details

Materials

All four garments are knitted using King Cole Baby Safe DK, a double knit weight yarn specifically designed for baby clothing. Double knit yarn provides a balanced weight suitable for creating garments with good drape and durability while remaining soft against delicate skin. The pattern requires 4mm knitting needles for the main fabric.

Tension and Sizing

The pattern specifies a tension of 22 stitches and 28 rows to 10 centimeters (4 inches) worked over stocking stitch on 4mm needles. Achieving correct tension is essential before beginning any garment, as it directly affects the finished size and fit. Crafters should knit a tension square to verify their personal gauge; if fewer stitches or rows are achieved per 10cm, finer needles should be used, and if more stitches or rows are produced, larger needles are recommended.

Pattern Difficulty

This pattern is rated as intermediate level, suitable for knitters with foundational skills who are ready to tackle garment construction. The combination of basic stitches, straightforward shaping, and multiple coordinated pieces makes this an excellent project for developing garment assembly and finishing techniques.

For every King Cole pattern purchased, a donation is made to the Pink Ribbon Foundation, combining creative crafting with charitable support.