Cardigans in Stylecraft Bambino Prints DK - 10064 - PDF

Cardigans in Stylecraft Bambino Prints DK

What is Being Made

This downloadable PDF pattern provides instructions for knitting two cardigan designs for babies and young children, sized from newborn through 5 years old. The pattern includes both long-sleeve and short-sleeve cardigan options, offering versatility for different seasons and preferences. These are classic button-up cardigans designed to fit chest measurements ranging from 41cm to 64cm (16 to 25¼ inches), with full lengths from approximately 21cm to 39cm (8¼ to 15½ inches).

Techniques Used

This intermediate-level knitting project employs fundamental shaping and construction techniques suitable for garment making. The pattern uses garter stitch for the welts, which creates a textured, elastic edge that resists curling—ideal for borders on cardigans. The main body is worked in stockinette stitch, a classic smooth fabric created by alternating knit and purl rows. Armhole shaping is achieved through strategic cast-offs and decreases using slip-stitch-knit-pass-slipped-stitch-over (sl1-k1-psso) and knit-two-together (k2tog) techniques, which create tapered, fitted armholes. The pattern demonstrates proper garment construction methodology with clearly defined shaping points and row counts for each size.

Stitches Used

• Garter Stitch (g-st): Created by knitting every row, producing a reversible, textured fabric used for welts and edges
• Stockinette Stitch (st-st): Alternating knit rows on the right side and purl rows on the wrong side, creating the smooth primary fabric of the cardigan body
• Slip Stitch-Knit-Pass Slipped Stitch Over (sl1-k1-psso): A left-leaning decrease used for shaping armholes and creating a refined silhouette
• Knit Two Together (k2tog): A right-leaning decrease used symmetrically with sl1-k1-psso for balanced armhole shaping

Materials and Tools

This pattern is designed for Stylecraft Bambino Prints DK yarn, a double-knit weight yarn ideal for baby garments. The project requires 3.25mm needles for the initial garter stitch welts, which are then changed to 4mm needles for the main stockinette stitch sections. The needle size progression allows for a slightly tighter, more elastic edge that frames the garment professionally. DK weight yarn creates a fabric with excellent drape and durability suitable for children's wear, while the print options add visual interest to these classic cardigan silhouettes.